NBA Mock Draft: One prospect "reach" for every lottery team

The Detroit Pistons will enter the NBA Draft Lottery with the best possible odds for the #1 pick, but this is a year in which it may not matter. 

You’ll find plenty of debate about who that number one pick will be or if there is really anyone in this draft deserving of the accolades (and salary) that comes with the top slot. 

We may see whoever gets it try to trade, as does a team really want to commit that kind of guaranteed minimum to a guy who is a complete unknown? 

Without much perceived star power at the top, we may also see teams reach for need instead of ceiling, which is what happens in this version of our mock draft where every team reached a little. 

We did a random spin of the draft simulator and the Detroit Pistons fell to 4th, which is not their worst-case scenario but would raise a lot of questions about whether they should move their pick in a trade for a player, draft for need or try to trade back. 

2024 NBA Mock Draft: One prospect "reach" for every lottery team 

#1: Charlotte Hornets select Stephon Castle 

The Hornets need a tough, defensive guard to pair with LaMelo Ball and Castle fits the bill. He is a reach with the #1 pick, but so is everyone else in this draft, so he might actually represent one of the safest bets as a jumbo guard who can do a little of everything.  

If his shot improves, he’s got superstar potential based on everything else, as he can be an elite on-the-ball defender, has a high basketball IQ and plays hard. If Charlotte is going to change their culture, they need to bring in some dawgs and Castle is one of them.