NBA mock draft: Frenchmen go 1-2, then Sheppard and Castle follow as best of the one-and-dones

The only certainty in the NBA Draft used to be a college freshman at the top of it.

From John Wall in 2010 to Paolo Banchero in 2022, 13 straight drafts began with a one-and-done player. That streak ended last year, when San Antonio selected Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 pick.

Another Frenchman, Alexandre Sarr or Zaccharie Risacher, could be the top pick in the June 26 draft. If so, it would be the first time that the No. 1 pick in consecutive drafts was someone who didn’t play at a U.S. college.

Then the one-and-dones will have the chance to make their mark.

Reed Sheppard, a sharpshooter from Kentucky, and Big East Freshman of the Year Stephon Castle from national champion UConn could be top-five picks after their lone seasons.

Some team might even take a chance on using a first-round pick on Southern California’s Bronny James, son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James.

1. ATLANTA HAWKS: Alexandre Sarr, center, France

Sarr is extremely talented, an athletic 7-footer who can wreck rims and the hopes of opposing shooters.

2. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Zaccharie Risacher, forward, France

Many NBA mock drafts have Risacher going No. 1. The 6-foot-9 forward has the skills of a guard and should be a perfect fit for today’s NBA.

3. HOUSTON ROCKETS: Reed Sheppard, guard, Kentucky

The Rockets need shooters, and Sheppard is certainly that.

4. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Stephon Castle, guard, UConn

The 6-6 guard is a solid playmaker who can get his own shot and is a hard-nosed defender.

5. DETROIT PISTONS: Matas Buzelis, forward, G League Ignite

The 6-8 forward is an excellent playmaker who can see over defenders and finishes strong at the rim in transition.

6. CHARLOTTE HORNETS: Donovan Clingan, center, UConn

Clingan’s a proven winner as the massive anchor to UConn’s back-to-back NCAA titles.

7. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky

Though small at 6-1, 165 pounds, Dillingham has a big game with an ability to score at three levels.

8. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Nikola Topic, guard, Serbia

At 6-6, Topic is a superb passer with great vision and the strength to get into the lane and finish strong at the rim.

9. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Dalton Knecht, guard, Tennessee

A knockdown shooter, Knecht could be a great complement to Ja Morant.

10. UTAH JAZZ: Tidjane Salaun, forward, France

The 6-9 forward can shoot it from deep and improved his game — not to mention his frame — while playing in the French LNB Pro A.

11. CHICAGO BULLS: Cody Williams, guard, Colorado

He’s a thin 6-8 but has the size and athleticism to shoot over or get around defenders.

12. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Ron Holland, forward, G League Unite

Holland could end up being the best defensive forward in the draft.

13. SACRAMENTO KINGS: Devin Carter, guard, Providence

The 6-3 guard, son of former NBA player Anthony Carter, was the Big East Player of the Year in a league that included Clingan and Castle.

14. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: Ja’Kobe Walter, guard, Baylor

His long wingspan and athleticism give Walter the potential to become a defensive stopper at the next level.

15. MIAMI HEAT: Isaiah Collier, guard, USC

Collier has the type of game and solid frame that could translate well in the NBA.

16. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: Jared McCain, guard, Duke

McCain is an excellent shooter off screens and in the pullup game, but can also run the point if needed.

17. LOS ANGELES LAKERS: Kel’el Ware, center, Indiana

The 7-footer with a 7-5 wingspan has the length and game to have an immediate impact in the NBA.

18. ORLANDO MAGIC: Carlton Carrington, guard, Pitt

The player known as “Bub” gets buckets in bunches and loves the pull-up J.

19. TORONTO RAPTORS: Zach Edey, center, Purdue

At 7-4, 300 pounds, he dominated the college game and will be a handful even in the NBA.

20: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Tristan da Silva, forward, Colorado

Any team could use a steady, do-it-all type of player, and da Silva is just that.

21. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Tyler Smith, forward, G League Ignite

Smith has a long reach and ability to stretch the defense, shooting 36% from 3-point range last season.

22. PHOENIX SUNS: Tyler Kolek, guard, Marquette

The Suns have plenty of firepower but could use a true point guard to help get them organized..

23. MILWAUKEE BUCKS: Yves Missi, center, Baylor

A high-motor 6-11 forward, he is a rim runner and shot blocker who didn’t even attempt a 3-pointer last season.

24. NEW YORK KNICKS: Kyle Filipowski, center, Duke

The sturdy 6-11 center might not be an elite rim protector or a consistent 3-point shooter, but he has good footwork and plays hard.

25. NEW YORK KNICKS: DaRon Holmes II, forward, Dayton

The 6-9 forward is good in the pick-and-roll game and a strong finisher at the rim.

26. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Johnny Furphy, guard, Kansas

The 6-8 Australian has a smooth shooting stroke and gets his shot off quickly. He also has good touch around the rim.

27. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Kyshawn George, guard, Miami

At 6-8, George has good size and is a knockdown shooter who hit 41% from 3 in his lone season for the Hurricanes.

28. DENVER NUGGETS: Jaylon Tyson, forward, California

The 6-6 guard has good size, finishes strong at the rim and is a decent perimeter shooter.

29. UTAH JAZZ: Bobi Klintman, forward, Wake Forest/Australia

The 6-9 stretch forward from Sweden has good length, both physically and shooting ability.

30. BOSTON CELTICS: Bronny James, guard, USC

The Celtics are in the NBA Finals and already have a loaded roster, so there’s room to take a chance on LeBron’s son.