On Wednesday night in New York City, the stars will be shining bright as the next generation of NBA talent will hear their names called by Commissioner Adam Silver at the 2024 NBA Draft.

With this draft, there have already been plenty of questions. Who will be the number one pick? Will the draftees prove the doubters wrong and show that this is, in fact, a stronger draft class than people are suggesting?

Will Bronny James, son of LeBron James, be drafted? The race for the number one pick could not be more open, paving the way for plenty of drama in the Big Apple.

So, who will be picked first? How about second and third? Continue reading to see DDSN’s Cameron Johnson’s projections.

1. Atlanta Hawks: Alex Sarr, Center, Perth Wildcats

If there’s one thing that Victor Wembanyama, Joel Embiid, and Rudy Gobert have taught us, it’s that French big men can be extremely dominant. Sarr will be looking to continue that trend. At 7’0" tall with a 7’5" wingspan, he has displayed the ability to score at all three levels, though his three-point shooting needs work. He has all the tools to be a successful center in the new era of modern big men, displaying great passing, ball handling, speed, mobility, and effort. The only improvements he needs to make are in his decision-making; as despite his 7’0" frame, he shoots too many jumpers and is also indecisive at times.

Comp: Nic Claxton and Jaren Jackson Jr.

2. Washington Wizards: Zaccharie Risacher, Forward, JL Bourg

Another big from France, Risacher has actually been the number one pick in most experts’ mock drafts. The 6’9", 195-pound forward averaged 11 points per game while shooting 39% from three in the LNB Elite basketball league. He can stretch the floor well and is also an exceptional ball handler. However, he has also struggled to score around the rim and is streaky, shooting-wise.

Comp: Tobias Harris and Harrison Barnes

3. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn): Reed Sheppard, Guard, Kentucky

This past season, Houston was 23rd in the NBA in three-point shooting, carving room for a player like Sheppard to shine. The best shooter in college basketball this past season, Sheppard shot 52% from three, as well as averaged 12.5 points per game and 4.5 assists per game. He is also a stellar defender, averaging 2.5 steals per game thanks to his instinctual prowess and quick hands. However, at only 6’2" and 182 pounds, size could be an issue at the next level, leading some teams to be concerned with the risk of taking him higher in the draft.

Comp: Derrick White

4. San Antonio Spurs: Dalton Knecht, Guard, Tennessee

Despite his incredible rookie year, it was clear that if the Spurs want to win with Victor Wembanyama, he will need scoring help, which would make Dalton Knecht a perfect addition. Arguably the best scorer in the nation last year, Knecht averaged 22 points per game while shooting 40% from behind the arc. He also has great playmaking instincts and rarely turns the ball over. The defensive side of the ball is where he will need to put in the most work, as he was consistently targeted on that end.

Comp: Max Strus

5. Detroit Pistons: Cody Williams, Forward, Colorado

The younger brother of the Thunder’s Jalen Williams, Cody Williams is a taller, more athletic, defensively-minded version of Jalen. He is very skilled at getting to the basket, and his long strides make him tough to guard off the bounce. At only 178 pounds, he will need to put on a lot of muscle if he wants to have a successful career, while also improving his explosiveness and finishing at the rim.

Comp: Jalen Rose

6. Charlotte Hornets: Stephon Castle, Guard, UConn

Throughout high school and while playing overseas in Lithuania and Australia, LaMelo Ball was always at his best when surrounded by another shot creator. With the Hornets making it clear he is their centerpiece, Stephon Castle is the perfect choice with the 6th pick. He is an excellent playmaker and defender who is very effective at finishing at the rim. However, for the most part, three-point shooting inconsistency has been one of his biggest weaknesses, as well as not really having a specific calling card on either end of the floor.

Comp: Andre Iguodala

7. Portland Trailblazers: Donovan Clingan, Center, UConn

At 7’2", 282 pounds, Donovan Clingan is a monster. For many people, Clingan seems to be the most consistent pick to be as good as advertised, though his ceiling isn’t as high as players like Sarr and Risacher. He is a stellar defender, averaging 2.5 blocks and causing teams to stray away from driving in the paint when he is in the game. He is also a great rebounder and dunks almost everything, making him a useful lob threat to any team in the NBA. However, he is not the most skilled player in the world, lacking a scoring bag and also being a defensive liability on the perimeter.

Comp: Marc Gasol and Rudy Gobert

8. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto): Matas Buzelis, Forward, G League Ignite

Coming into this past season, many had Buzelis as their number one pick. At 6’9", he is an amazing shot creator with stellar defensive versatility and instincts, averaging 2.1 blocks per game last year with the G-League Ignite. While he will need to improve his three-point shooting ability if he wants to have a long-playing career, the Spurs are known for exactly that, making them the best possible team for him.

Comp: Franz Wagner and Lamar Odom

9. Memphis Grizzlies: Tidjane Salaun, Forward, Cholet Basket

The only reason Salaun isn’t higher on this draft projection is because of his rawness, having only started playing basketball three years ago. However, his upside is off the charts. With the Grizzlies and Coach Taylor Jenkins’ tough-minded style of play, he would be a perfect fit. His 7’1" wingspan makes him an elite off-ball defender, and his shooting from behind the arc has improved every year since beginning his playing career. His touch around the rim has made him dangerous in the paint as well. In order to pave the way for a long and successful career, he will need to improve his passing, ball handling, and perimeter on-ball defense.

Comp: Chandler Parsons

10. Utah Jazz: Nikola Topic, Guard, KK Crvena Zvezda

At 6’6", Nikola Topic is the embodiment of a modern-day point guard. His offensive bag runs deep, especially when he gets into the paint, averaging 14.5 points per game, 5.5 assists, and 3.2 rebounds. He is a superb decision-maker, and though he struggled at times from three, shooting 30% on the year, he will surely improve due to his elite free throw percentage and soft touch around the basket. His lack of athletic ability has proven to be a weakness, however, especially on the defensive end, where he is also known to lack effort. Topic will also be coming off a torn ACL he suffered earlier this month.

Comp: Goran Dragic

11. Chicago Bulls: Rob Dillingham, Guard, Kentucky

With Coby White showing massive improvement this past season in Chicago, he and Dillingham could prove to be an extremely dangerous backcourt duo. Chicago would be lucky to have him, as if it weren’t for his small 6’1", 164-pound frame, he would easily be a top 5 pick. He is a willing passer and playmaker who knocked down 44% of his shots from behind the arc. He is also the hardest working player every time he steps on the court, putting in incredible effort. However, this effort turns into recklessness at times, especially on defense.

Comp: Lou Williams and Bones Hyland

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Houston): Jared McCain, Guard, Duke

The one thing the Thunder struggled with this past season was play from the shooting guard position. With the recent acquisition of Alex Caruso, they improved at that position on defense, but still could use greater offensive play. Insert Jared McCain, and they take care of that problem. McCain was arguably Duke’s best player last season, helping to lead the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight. His strength lies in his shooting ability, posting a 41.4% average from behind the arc last year. However, he is not the best finisher around the rim, which could be a problem in the NBA.

Comp: Seth Curry

13. Sacramento Kings: Ron Holland, Forward, G League Ignite

Despite their improved play the last two seasons, defense has still been a major issue for the offensively-minded Sacramento Kings, especially at the wing position, a void that could be filled by Ron Holland, one of the youngest players in the draft. At 6’7" with a 7’0" wingspan, he is an extremely versatile defender. Offensively, he is very decisive and uses his strength to get to the rim often. He does struggle at times shooting outside of the paint and has proven to have a weak off-hand. He also does not have the best handle.

Comp: Cam Whitmore

14. Portland Trailblazers (from GSW via Boston and Memphis): Ja’Kobe

Walter, Guard, Baylor

Needing help at the guard position, Ja’Kobe Walter could be a great fit in Portland. A stellar offensive player with a deep bag of tricks, Walter was Baylor’s emotional leader this past season, even as a freshman. He took great pride in his effort and ability to lead his team, even when he wasn’t playing great. A consistent issue this past season was his lack of athleticism and length/strength, which made him a target on defense.

Comp: Khris Middleton

15. Miami Heat: Zach Edey, Center, Purdue

Lacking size last season, the Heat could use a player like Edey. At 7’4" and 300 pounds, he is the biggest player in the entire draft, and also one of the most polarizing. As a senior at Purdue, he led all of college basketball in scoring and rebounding with 25.2 points per game and 12.2 rebounds per game, all while averaging 2.2 blocks on the other end. Despite his massive frame, Edey has a very soft touch around the rim. He has also shown a willingness to accept any role given to him, playing a completely different role with the Canadian National Team than he did with Purdue. However, he is a lackluster shooter outside the paint and struggles guarding the perimeter.

Comp: Jonas Valanciunias and Ivica Zubac.

So much can change in the next 24 hours or so, as the projections from this year’s draft class have been far less easy to predict than in years past. There have been some that have had Zaccharie Risacher or Donovan Clingan going number one. Others have had Nikola Topic and Matas Buzelis in their top five, and Dalton Knecht falling out of the top 10. One thing is certain, though. It will surely be an exciting two nights for the NBA world, and you never know the kind of drama that could unfold.