Unlike last year, the 2024 NBA Draft is full of uncertainty from the #1 overall pick to the last pick of the draft. Will the Atlanta Hawks hold on to their #1 overall pick, and will they choose Alexandre Sarr or Zaccharie Risacher? There have been smokescreens galore. Will the Spurs make any moves, or hold onto their picks? It feels like San Antonio is searching for their next Derrick White (Reed Shepard), Kawhi Leonard (Stephon Castle & Keyshawn George), or a big man to pair with Wemby (Donovan Clingan). So many questions pending answers. Let’s get into how we can take advantage in the betting market with all of this uncertainty.

• 4th Overall Pick: San Antonio Spurs - Mata Buzelis (+600) [via DraftKings] & Donovan Clingan (+600) [via DraftKings] [pick stands even if a different team makes the selection]

I like Stephon Castle as a player, but I do not like him as the fourth overall player taken off the board in this draft. If the Spurs want defense, I think they are better off taking a great rebounder and defender who can offensively work off of Wembanyama. Castle is a great defender, but offensively, his shot can go cold, especially from deep. He was able to shine in the UConn system because many defenses were worried about other offensive players. I have Keyshawn George from Miami rated higher. San Antonio could also get a defender in Ryan Dunn from Virginia later if they trade up. If they want an offensive player, Buzelis is the hot European name; he is built like Luka Doncic and has been playing at a high level at only 19 years old. I don’t think they draft Castle this early. I can see Castle falling to eight if they want him there.

• 8th Overall Pick: San Antonio Spurs - Rob Dillingham (+750) [via DraftKings] [pick stands even if a different team makes the selection]

I still feel confident the Spurs will make this pick. If they take Donovan Clingan and have Wemby in the post, who cares if Dillingham takes a little time to develop defensively. We get a good price, and I think the Spurs want their PG of the future. If the Spurs take Buzelis, this throws things off, but at 6/1, we are covered.

• 9th Overall Pick: Memphis Grizzlies - Ron Holland (+650) [via DraftKings] & Devin Carter (+300) [via DraftKings]

This is the perfect 3/4 for the Grizzlies. Holland has plenty of length and athleticism that fits with this team. If they find a center to pair with JJJ, this will bump Holland to the 3 or off the bench if Vince Williams starts at SF. There is also GG Jackson, so a lineup with Ron Holland at the 4 with JJJ works too. I think Devin Carter also fits with the tough, grind, defensive system of the Grizzlies as a great backup point guard. Think Derrick White. Carter has more height (6’3.5") than Reed Sheppard (6’2") regarding the comp and is closer to White’s 6’4" height.

• Draft Position: Bronny James OVER 54.5 (-140) [via DraftKings]

Are the rumors true? Will LeBron sign with any team that drafts his son? We will have to wait to find out. This is not a great draft, but it isn’t bad enough for a team to gamble a top pick for Bronny, who averaged less than 10 points a game on a poor USC team. I don’t think the Lakers will give up the capital either to move up for him.

• Draft Position: Devin Carter OVER 10.5 (+195) [via DraftKings]

Devin Carter is going to be a great ten-year pro like his dad was. I just don’t think he goes this early unless the Spurs like him as much as they say they do. If Cody Williams or Rob Dillingham go early like I expect, then Carter will be drafted outside of the top 10. It’s worth it at this price.

• Draft Position: Ja’Kobe Walter UNDER 15.5 (+100) [via DraftKings]

Walter is one of my favorite players in this draft class. Somehow he went from a top 5 pick to out of the top fifteen. I don’t buy it. He can create his own shot, shoot from deep, and play a little defense. I think he can go early. Put on the tape from his games when Baylor played Auburn and then Clemson in the NCAA Tournament. He almost carried Baylor to a comeback win single-handedly against Clemson. He’s an NBA scorer, in my opinion.

• Draft Position: Kel’el Ware UNDER 19.5 (+110) [via DraftKings]

I did not expect Ware to go this early, but because he shot so well from 3PT range, I think it’s possible. He has the “today’s NBA” body for a center that can shoot deep. He will still need to hit the weights and put some pounds on, but the potential is there.

• Draft Position: Rob Dillingham UNDER 11.5 (-150) [via DraftKings]

This is shocking to me. I have no clue why Dillingham is getting disrespected for not being a top player in this draft. Does he have poor defense for a 19-year-old? Yes, but so does 90% of the NBA. My comp for Dillingham is Ja Morant. Any team outside of the top 3 will get a steal. I think he would be perfect in San Antonio, but the Spurs may prefer a European guard with more size. A team is going to cash in big by picking Dillingham in the top 10.

• Draft Position: Stephon Castle OVER 5.5 (+185) [via DraftKings]

Just read above in the first bullet point. I like Castle as a defender, but I can name 5 players I prefer ahead of him.

• Drafted in Top 10: Rob Dillingham (-120) [via DraftKings]

• Drafted in Top 10: Ron Holland (-120) [via DraftKings]

• 1st to be Drafted: Keyshawn George OVER Isaiah Collier (-165) [via DraftKings]