Latest 2024 Mock Draft has the Washington Wizards select powerful point guard

We are only six months away from the 2024 NBA Draft. The NCAA season is underway. So, naturally, mock drafts are dropping with increased regularity. Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman released his latest yesterday, providing valuable insight into the draft class. In this mock scenario, the Washington Wizards, who had the no. 3 overall pick due to their record, selected Isaiah Collier from the University of Southern California.

The first two selections of this mock were Alexandre Sarr and Nikola Topic, two high-end international prospects whose stocks have risen significantly over the past few weeks. This left the Wizards plenty of options to consider with the third-overall pick including Ja'Kobe Walter, Matas Buzelis, and Ron Holland. The Wizards opted to draft Collier, who had an impressive start to his freshman season through eight games.

Coller is currently averaging 17.3 points, 3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 52.2% shooting from the field, and 40% from three. That is an impressive stat line for any collegiate player, let alone a freshman point guard.

The calling card for Collier is his physical build, size, and strength. He is 6'5 with a wide frame and a strong core. He doesn't look like a freshman out there. He can get to his spots, bully smaller guards, and create space for himself using his strength and ball-handling abilities. Not only can he get to the rim and finish through contact, but he can also pull up for mid-rangers. He wasn't projected to be an elite shooter coming into the season, but he has shown a knack for hitting catch-and-shoot threes, albeit at a low volume.

Wasserman believes "Washington should feel it can bank on Collier for rim pressure and playmaking" while calling decision-making his "most discussed flaw." He lists Collier's NBA comparison as Baron Davis, while NBADraft.net likens him to Jeff Teague and Eric Bledsoe. These are all strong, physical point guards who play under control, get to the rim, and make plays for their teammates.

The description above is a good fit for the Wizards. The only true point guard on Washington's roster is Tyus Jones, and how long he is going to stick around remains to be seen. Plus, the Wizards are currently a small, unathletic, physically underwhelming team. The addition of Collier can help change that immensely.

There is still a long way to go between now and the 2024 NBA Draft. However, with how this season has been going, it's time Wizards fans start scouting potential lottery picks. Isaiah Collier is certainly a name worth monitoring.