THE 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft is rapidly approaching, with each team making their final preparations ahead of adding some young talent to the best competition in the world.

There are some seriously impressive prospects available, with the crop stretching all around the globe as more international players begin to gain recognition. Suddenly, the collegiate system is not the only method to joining the NBA, which has allowed a broader range of players to compete at the top level.

With the 2023/24 NBA season now wrapped, the teams already eliminated have spent the past few weeks considering which players they will select to prepare for the future, and the recent Draft Lottery saw the official order determined.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each team and how their draft will potentially pan out on June 26-27. With all 30 sides in their own unique situation, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the next injection of exciting players.

The final piece of the series will unpack the remaining three teams in the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks, all of whom have just the one selection in the second round.

Los Angeles Clippers

Draft Selections

46

Contracted Players

Paul George (player option), Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, PJ Tucker (player option), Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann, Russell Westbrook (player option), Amir Coffey, Kobe Brown, Bones Hyland (team option), Kai Jones (team option)

The Clippers have been one of the most underwhelming teams of the past five years, unable to make the NBA Finals since acquiring George and Leonard as a superstar duo. With an aging roster and uncertainty around whether some big names will return, the team will want to make the most of their one pick at the 2024 Draft.

Kevin McCullar Jr. would be a nice fit for Los Angeles, especially if George departs in free agency, which looms as a likely possibility. McCullar Jr. brings a massive defensive presence as a wing, which would be ideal as George often takes a tough assignment. He could also learn a lot from Leonard, who is one of the best one-on-one defenders in the league when healthy.

Golden State Warriors

Draft Selections

53

Contracted Players

Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Gary Payton II (player option), Kevon Looney, Jonathan Kuminga (team option), Moses Moody (team option), Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos

The Warriors had to come to terms with the end of their dynasty last season, with the 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 champions eliminated prior to the postseason. The team’s big three in Curry, Klay Thompson and Green are all in the twilight of their respective careers, so Golden State will look to find a diamond in the rough later in the draft.

At selection number 53, the Warriors could target Connecticut point guard Tristen Newton as the team looks towards life after Curry. Although limited as a shooter, at six-foot-five, Newton brings versatility on both ends and does a bit of everything to get his side over the line, and would drive the Warriors to plenty more wins in the future.

Dallas Mavericks

Draft Selections

60

Contracted Players

Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber, Dereck Lively II, Josh Green, Dwight Powell, Dante Exum, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Jaden Hardy, AJ Lawson

The Dallas Mavericks fell devastatingly short of the ultimate prize this season, beaten by the Boston Celtics in five games in the NBA Finals after an impressive run to the last hurdle. However, the team was convincingly bested by the opposition and will look to add another key piece at the draft to get over the final hump.

Although they have the final pick of the entire draft, Dallas still could find a valuable player such as Kentucky shooting guard Antonio Reeves. Although he might slide down the order, Reeves is a proven scorer, and with his six-foot-five frame, he is worth bringing to the team’s training camp at the very least as he has shown glimpses of potential.