ESPN 2024 NBA Mock Draft: Clingan to Hornets, Edey to Blazers, Sheppard to Rockets

The NBA draft combine is a wrap, and multiple players solidified their chances to be high first-round picks next month.

ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo released their latest mock draft Wednesday with a few standouts improving their stock at the combine.

Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard is projected to be selected with the No. 3 pick by the Houston Rockets. UConn big man Donovan Clingan was pegged to be the No. 6 pick by the Charlotte Hornets, while Purdue center Zach Edey went to the Portland Trail Blazers with the No. 14 pick.

The Rockets earned the No. 3 pick thanks to the James Harden trade with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021. Houston finished with a 41-41 record this season, a 19-win improvement from the previous year.

With the team's future bright, adding Sheppard would potentially get the Rockets out of their rebuild and into playoff contention. The sharpshooter converted over 50 percent of his three-pointers last season, but he brings more to the table.

"Sheppard's unselfishness, feel for the game and sharp defensive instincts could make him a strong fit alongside the Rockets' core," Givony wrote.

The Hornets and Blazers are both still trying to get through the slog of their respective ongoing rebuilds, as both teams finished with a 21-61 record last season. Shoring up their defenses with the two best centers in the draft would be a step in the right direction for both franchises.

Clingan has the makings of a top-notch defensive anchor who can begin contributing immediately.

He would fill a hole in the middle for a Charlotte team that is led by the talented backcourt of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Woo noted that in addition to Clingan's defensive prowess, he has also "been aiming to showcase skill potential and three-point range in workout settings, helping teams envision offensive upside and versatility."

Portland, which also owns the No. 7 pick, has the chance to improve its roster in a big way.

By using its second lottery pick on Edey, the team is getting one of the most unique prospects in the draft. The two-time National Player of the Year will make an immediate impact on defense thanks to his size, but he also has impressive offensive skills that would benefit the Blazers as he continues to develop.