Six Kentucky Wildcats selected in latest 2024 NBA mock draft from Bleacher Report
The Kentucky Wildcats are 9-2 on the season and currently ranked No. 9 in the AP Poll as they get closer to the start of conference play. They are succeeding on the back of an extremely talented and versatile group of freshmen - a familiar refrain during the John Calipari era.
Calipari has put more players in the NBA than anyone else across the NCAA, and early 2024 NBA mock drafts indicate he could have as many as six more joining the game's highest level next season.
The latest mock draft from Jonathan Wasserman at Bleacher Report has six Wildcats getting selected, with freshman guards Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham continuing to move up the board with their excellent play off the bench.
Here is a look at each player's projected spot this week:
No. 10: Rob Dillingham - Atlanta Hawks
Stats: 14.2 points, 4.3 assists, 3.9 boards, 1.5 steals, 44.4% from three
Dillingham's numbers have taken a bit of a hit, but he remains Kentucky's second leading scorer and is first in assists despite playing just 23 minutes per game, good for sixth on the team. His explosive speed, shot making ability, and decision making make him an incredibly appealing pick particularly in what is considered a weak draft class.
No. 15: Reed Sheppard - Indiana Pacers
Stats: 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.8 steals, 57.8% from three
Sheppard's elite shooting efficiency, passing skills, and overwhelmingly positive defensive attributes make him a highly coveted prospect, even if there are some concerns about his athletic limitations at the next level.
No. 18: D.J Wagner - Cleveland Cavaliers
Stats: 11.7 points, 3.6 assists, 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 27.8% from three
Wagner going top 20 and being the third Kentucky guard is insane and proof of the incredible talent in Calipari's backcourt. Struggles as an outside shooter have hurt Wagner's stock a bit, but he will have plenty of chances to move back into the lottery conversation heading into SEC play.
No. 28: Justin Edwards - Milwaukee Bucks
Stats: 9.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 25.8% from three
Edwards came into the season as a consensus top-5 prospect in this draft class, but he has yet to demonstrate any obvious translatable NBA skills - shooting under 26% from three, struggling to distribute the basketball, and not scoring well in transition. His size and athleticism will keep him on the radar, but the stock is on a backward trajectory right now.
No. 37: Aaron Bradshaw - New York Knicks
Stats: 8.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 61.9% from the field (4 games)
Bradshaw hasn't had as many opportunities to shine for NBA scouts thanks to a preseason injury, but he has shown flashes of defensive ability and jump shooting which, if it continues into SEC play, could easily push him back into the first-round conversation.
No. 48: Zvonimir Ivisic - San Antonio Spurs
Stats: Has Not Played
Ivisic has still not made his debut for Kentucky thanks to NCAA eligibility issues, but his 7'2 size and outside shooting ability make him an appealing NBA target - although getting game reps will no doubt help his stock as scouts will get a better sense of his abilities against high level competition in the SEC.
Takeaways and watch articles from the 95-76 win over Louisville
Takeaways: Antonio Reeves has a massive game in Kentucky's 95-76 win over Louisville
WATCH: Reed Sheppard gets to the rim and scores through contact against Louisville
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