Edwards, Wagner lottery picks in The Ringer's Way-Too-Early Mock Draft

It’s clear this Kentucky basketball roster is loaded with talent — the Wildcats made that clear in Toronto. Just how much talent? If you ask Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, enough for two lottery selections in the 2024 NBA Draft.

In the national outlet’s Way-Too-Early Prospect Rankings for the upcoming draft cycle, five-star freshmen Justin Edwards and DJ Wagner are seen as top-14 picks. The former leads the way at No. 8 overall, followed by the latter at No. 13 overall.

Noticeably absent from the list? Aaron Bradshaw, Rob Dillingham and Ugonna Onyenso, who have been listed on various early mock drafts, along with new Kentucky pledge Zvonimir Ivisic. And with the way Antonio Reeves played in Toronto, it’s not unrealistic to think he’ll be in the draft conversation by year’s end, either.

For now, though, the Wildcats have two first-rounders in The Ringer’s eyes. What did O’Connor have to say about the freshman duo? Take a look:

8. Justin Edwards

Kentucky freshman wing, age 20.5

Edwards is a 6-foot-7 lefty scorer who can rocket off handoffs or screens and electrify the court with formidable dunks. He’s currently more of a heady off-ball threat, but he’s shown progress as a midrange shot creator, so any further progress at Kentucky could raise his stock. He’ll need to improve his off hand as a shot creator and, more important, his jumper. He remains a lottery pick for now since he makes up for that in other categories on offense, and defensively, he’s a high-effort player with projectable versatility.

13. DJ Wagner

Kentucky freshman combo guard, age 19.1

Wagner is a shotmaker who possesses an innate ability to create his own looks. With his long strides, sudden movements, changes of pace, and crafty handles, he can generate scoring opportunities at will in isolation or in the pick-and-roll. Wagner was a subpar shooter at the high school level from the field and the line, so he’ll need to find consistency with Kentucky. And at only 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, he also needs to enhance his playmaking for others. Regardless of where he’s ultimately drafted, Wagner is on track to become the first third-generation player in NBA history; he’s the son of Dajuan Wagner (2002-07) and the grandson of Milt Wagner (1987-91).

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ESPN’s way-too-early mock draft back in June included Edwards (No. 5 overall) and Wagner (No. 7) in the top 10, with Onyenso sliding in at No. 23 near the end of the first round. From there, Bradshaw was near the top of the second round at No. 32 overall, followed closely by Dillingham at No. 36.

As for Bleacher Report, its ’24 mock draft included Edwards at No. 3, Wagner at No. 6 and Bradshaw at No. 7 — three top-10 selections for the Wildcats.

Clearly plenty of differing opinions, countless more to come whe the season rolls around.