2024 NBA Mock Draft: Raptors win the Lottery, Kentucky guards plummet
20. Cleveland Cavaliers select Tyler Smith
The Cleveland Cavaliers are almost certain to move off of Jarrett Allen this summer, and they will need two-way forwards to fill in the rotation. Tyler Smith is a spot-up shooter who also has the athleticism and size to defend well. He joined the G League Ignite as one of the lower-ranked recruits and outplayed his fellow prospects for much of the year, looking comfortable shooting and catching lobs at the rim. The 6'11" forward could be a long-term fit alongside Evan Mobley if everything comes together.
21. New Orleans Pelicans select Zach Edey
The New Orleans Pelicans could use more size on the roster, and Zach Edey has proven most of his doubters wrong and showed himself to be a two-way force who has something to offer NBA teams. The Pelicans are not expected to bring back Jonas Valanciunas, and they could use a traditional center to pair with whatever stretch big they pursue. This point in the draft is the right range for Edey.
22. Phoenix Suns select Ryan Dunn
Ryan Dunn is probably the best defensive player in the draft, a multi-positional do-it-all defender who disrupts everything an offense tries to do. The problem is that he is an offensive black hole, a complete non-shooter who will need baskets spoon fed to him at the rim.
The Phoenix Suns need impact role players, however, and perhaps have the offensive firepower to make Dunn survivable. They also are very likely to move this pick, so it may be a moot point, but if they hang onto it Dunn is a high-upside swing; the Suns have so few swings they need to hit one out of the park.
23. Milwaukee Bucks select DaRon Holmes II
The Milwaukee Bucks cracked the code of building a contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo, targeting Brook Lopez as a center who could protect the rim (allowing Giannis to roam and disrupt) and at the same time space the court.
As Lopez approaches the twilight of his career, the Bucks could draft his replacement in Daron Holmes II. The Dayton big is a bigtime shot-blocker, finishes strong inside (especially lethal catching lob passes) and has an improved 3-point shot that suggests he could weaponize it down the line.