2024 NBA mock drafts, second round: Projections for Rockets at No. 44 (2024)

Melvin Ajinça missed the NBA combine for the LNB Pro A playoffs. But he’s coming off one his better games, a 14-point, 12-rebound effort with four threes against ASVEL. Ajinça’s shotmaking has been a draw since FIBA over the summer. Teams will be trying to decide if he’s a sharp-enough shooter to compensate for his lack of creation and quickness.

The most impressive plays at the combine from Ajay Mitchell highlighted his playmaking, which was good to see considering he’s more known for scoring. Scouts still have too many questions about his shooting and quickness/burst to give a first-round grade. But he should be on plenty of second-round boards from teams that could use another ball-handler and extra creation.

Cam Christie had a quiet NBA combine after choosing to skip scrimmaging. There is a certain lens that some scouts can look through and see upside based on his age, size, shotmaking and passing flashes. But he’s being seen as a project who’ll spend next year in the G League, regardless of where he’s drafted.

Hunter Sallis made an interesting decision to skip scrimmaging at the combine, though he did have some impressive moments scoring off the dribble during half-court five-on-five drills on Monday. There isn’t much margin for error for 2-guards who aren’t playmakers. But scouts remain interested in how well he’s able to get his own shot and shoot off the dribble and catch.

He’s an extremely high IQ player. … Karaban can really shoot the ball and has drilled 39% of his nearly 400 3-point attempts the last two seasons. He averaged over 13 points and five rebounds last season while cutting at a high level and defending off the ball in a team concept at a terrific level.

Antonio Reeves looked like the same scoring weapon during scrimmages that he was at Kentucky. He’s clearly one of the class’ top shotmakers who also has a good feel for how to get himself those catch-and-shoot, pull-up, and floater chances within an offense’s flow.

Age and athletic limitations won’t feel alarming enough for teams to keep passing on him in the second round.

One of the stars of the 2023 FIBU U19’s, Ajinca picked up a lot of draft buzz and is on the radar as a possible second-round pick. Has shown to be a very capable, if not streaky, 3-point shooter. Brings a ton of energy on the court and impacts both ends. Has a strong frame and looks ready physically to handle the highest level of competition.

Tristen Newton surprised scouts when he opted to skip scrimmaging. Teams should ultimately have a confident feel for the 23-year-old’s game, which played a key role during Connecticut’s repeat championships.

Newton should draw second-round interest and two-way offers from teams who see a Swiss Army knife guard who can make plays for teammates, knock down shots, and adapt to different roles and situations.