Round 2 NBA Mock Draft: Best Available Players and Predictions

For the first time in league history, the NBA draft has been spread over two days. The second round of the Class of 2024 begins at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN on Thursday. Day 1 was marked by back-to-back international picks at the top, the Minnesota Timberwolves trading into the top 10, and several intriguing selections and trades. What will Day 2 bring? Let’s explore the biggest questions heading into Round 2 and project picks Nos. 31–58 with an updated mock draft.

Key Questions for Round 2

Who are the best players still on the board?
Which team is set up to have an intriguing Round 2?
Which under-the-radar prospects could turn into steals?

Most Interesting Team on Thursday

Portland Trail Blazers

Jonathan Givony: The Trail Blazers hold picks Nos. 34 and 40, giving them significant influence on the early second round. After selecting Donovan Clingan at №7 and trading the №14 pick, it’s unlikely they have multiple roster spots available for Round 2 picks. They might use a two-way contract on one pick and trade the other.

Indiana Pacers

Jeremy Woo: The Pacers still hold three second-rounders — Nos. 36, 49, and 50. They likely won’t use all of them, making them a key team to watch. The 36th pick might be used for a player they really like, or it could be a trade spot or a priority two-way contract situation. This highlights the flexible nature of the second round, where teams target players willing to take two-way contracts, and those unwilling to do so might fall.

Under-the-Radar Prospects

Jonathan Mogbo (University of San Francisco)

Jonathan Givony: Mogbo’s unique journey through junior college to San Francisco has been remarkable. At 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, he lit up NBA teams’ analytics models, averaging 19.5 points, 14.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per 40 minutes. Despite being just 6-foot-6 barefoot, his explosiveness, playmaking ability, and defensive upside make him intriguing.

Ajay Mitchell (UC Santa Barbara)

Jeremy Woo: Mitchell impressed at the combine with his playmaking feel and size. His shooting improved during team workouts, and he might look even better alongside more talented teammates in the NBA.

Likely Round 2 Picks with Big Impact

Adem Bona

Jonathan Givony: Bona’s combination of mobility, length, power, and intensity gives him significant potential on the defensive end. He could help his team with his ability to hedge ball-screens, recover, protect the rim, and fly around with his 7-foot-4 wingspan and 40-inch vertical leap.

Jamal Shead

Jeremy Woo: Shead, one of the toughest floor leaders in college basketball, might earn bench minutes and make an impact similar to Jose Alvarado as an energy player. His toughness and leadership could benefit any team.

Favorite Team and Player Fit Projections

Juan Nunez to the San Antonio Spurs at №48

Jonathan Givony: Nunez is one of the best pick-and-roll playmakers in this class, with creative, decisive reads and spectacular vision. Although he’ll need to improve his shooting, his size and playmaking ability make him a valuable long-term project for the Spurs.

Cam Spencer to the LA Clippers at №46

Jeremy Woo: Spencer, one of the draft’s most intense competitors, would fit well with the Clippers. He could play off stars, launch 3s, and provide useful spot minutes on a playoff-level roster. This situation would benefit both Spencer and the Clippers.

Mock Draft Picks 31–58

1. 31. Detroit Pistons: Andre Jackson Jr. (Connecticut)
2. 32. San Antonio Spurs: Jalen Wilson (Kansas)
3. 33. Charlotte Hornets: Amari Bailey (UCLA)
4. 34. Portland Trail Blazers: Sidy Cissoko (G League Ignite)
5. 35. Orlando Magic: Jordan Hawkins (Connecticut)
6. 36. Indiana Pacers: Terquavion Smith (NC State)
7. 37. Oklahoma City Thunder: Julian Phillips (Tennessee)
8. 38. Sacramento Kings: Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana)
9. 39. Charlotte Hornets: Max Christie (Michigan State)
10. 40. Portland Trail Blazers: Jaylen Clark (UCLA)
11. 41. Washington Wizards: Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers)
12. 42. Denver Nuggets: Marcus Sasser (Houston)
13. 43. Toronto Raptors: Arthur Kaluma (Creighton)
14. 44. Milwaukee Bucks: Zach Edey (Purdue)
15. 45. Atlanta Hawks: Keyonte George (Baylor)
16. 46. LA Clippers: Cam Spencer (Rutgers)
17. 47. Miami Heat: Mouhamed Gueye (Washington State)
18. 48. San Antonio Spurs: Juan Nunez (Spain)
19. 49. Indiana Pacers: Kobe Brown (Missouri)
20. 50. Indiana Pacers: James Nnaji (Barcelona)
21. 51. Brooklyn Nets: Jordan Walsh (Arkansas)
22. 52. Chicago Bulls: Oscar Tshiebwe (Kentucky)
23. 53. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jalen Slawson (Furman)
24. 54. Philadelphia 76ers: Justin Powell (Washington State)
25. 55. Phoenix Suns: Leonard Miller (G League Ignite)
26. 56. New York Knicks: Adam Flagler (Baylor)
27. 57. Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaiah Wong (Miami)
28. 58. Memphis Grizzlies: Ricky Council IV (Arkansas)

The second round of the 2024 NBA draft promises excitement and surprises as teams look to find hidden gems and future stars.