Matas Buzelis, Bronny James, G League Ignite should light up the board

Familiar themes have emerged for the 2024 NBA draft.

Family ties are prevalent. G League Ignite players are prominent in first-round projections. Big men are enjoying a renaissance. And the no. 1 could be a player from France for the second consecutive season following Victor Wembanyama going No. 1 to San Antonio in Thursday’s draft.

∎ DJ Wagner, the son of former NBA player Dejuan Wanger and grandson of former NBA player Milt Wagner, is a projected lottery pick, and Bronny James, LeBron’s son, could be a first-round pick.

∎ There are six players in our 2024 mock draft who are at least 7-feet tall.

∎ Two G League Ignite players are projected top-five picks following up on Scoot Henderson, who was the No. 3 picks to Portland on Thursday.

∎ Zaccharie Risacher, whose father Stephane was part of France’s 2000 silver medal Olympic team, has played games in the same top-division pro league in France as Wembanyama and has No. 1 pick potential.

Here is USA TODAY’s Sports super early 2024 NBA mock draft:

1. Zaccharie Risacher, France

Forward, 6-foot-9, 200 pounds

2. Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite

Forward-guard, 6-11, 190

Omaha Biliew, right, drives to the basket as Matas Buzelis defends during the McDonald's All-American game. — Omaha Biliew, right, drives to the basket as Matas Buzelis defends during the McDonald’s All-American game.

3. Ron Holland, G League Ignite

Forward, 6-7, 195

Guard, 6-3, 190

5. Justin Edwards, Kentucky

Forward, 6-7, 180

6. Cody Williams, Colorado

Forward, 6-8, 180

7. Aaron Bradshaw, Kentucky

Center, 7-2, 210

Guard, 6-5, 175

9. DJ Wagner, Kentucky

Guard, 6-4, 165

10. Aday Mara, Spain

Center, 7-2, 240

11. Stephen Castle, UConn

Guard, 6-6, 205

12. Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor

Guard, 6-5, 180

Center, 7-2, 265

14. Thierry Darlan, G League Ignite

Guard-forward, 6-6, 190

Center, 7-0, 230

16. Jared McCain, Duke

Guard, 6-4, 195

17. Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana

Forward, 6-8, 210

18. Omaha Believe, Iowa State

Forward, 6-8, 210

19. Alexandre Sarr, France

Center, 7-1, 205

20. Bronny James, Southern California

Guard, 6-2, 190

Bronny James, son of LeBron, is expected to be taken in the 2024 NBA draft's first round. — Bronny James, son of LeBron, is expected to be taken in the 2024 NBA draft’s first round.

21. Kel’el Ware, Indiana

Center, 7-0, 210

22. Elmarco Jackson, Kansas

Guard, 6-4, 195

Forward, 6-10, 235

24. Riley Kugel, Florida

Forward, 6-5, 205

Forward, 6-8, 195

26. Kwame Evans Jr., Oregon

Forward, 6-9, 200

Guard, 6-4, 185

28. Trevon Brazile, Arkansas

Forward, 6-10, 200

29. Robert Dillingham, Overtime Elite

Guard, 6-2, 165

30. Xavier Booker, Michigan State

Center, 6-10, 205

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NBA mock draft: Bronny James, Matas Buzelis among potential stars