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On the heels of leading the Alabama Crimson Tide to the Final Four, guard Mark Sears has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. Sears had a remarkable career at Alabama and likely rendered himself a Tide legend in the Final Four run. Sears triggered one of the highest scoring offenses in college basketball last year, and wants to make an NBA jump.
Sears began his college career at Mid-American Conference school Ohio University. After two years with the Bobcats, he moved on to Alabama.
As a senior, Sears averaged 21.5 points per game and connected on 44% of his 3-point shots. Sears also made 86% of his free throw attempts. Sears averaged 4.2 rebounds per game and 4.0 assists per game. Between his time at OU and Alabama, Sears scored a total of 2,149 career points.
The strong points for Sears are his wealth of experience and his big-game performances. In the Elite Eight, Sears scored 23 points against Clemson. He added 24 more points against UConn in the national semifinals.
The down side is that Sears is just 6'1" and there's concern about whether he can create his own shots at the next level. Sears declared for the NBA Draft, but left his possibilities open for a return to Alabama.
Assuming he does stay in the Draft, Sears is more likely a second round pick or a free agent signing. But here are five NBA squads that seem likely to snap up Sears.
Top 5 NBA Draft landing spots for Mark Sears
5. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons posted the worst record in the NBA at 14-68. Frankly, they can use plenty of help across the board. While Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey are a good young backcourt, Detroit could certainly use some bench depth at guard. The Pistons will likely choose a forward or center with their first round pick. Sears could be a second-round steal.
Sears could play either guard spot in Detroit and is a purer perimeter shooter than either Ivey or Cunningham. Also, a winner's touch is probably not a small consideration after such a brutal season. Sears may end up a Piston when all is said and done.
4. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets just finished a horrid 21-61 season. They dealt Terry Rozier early in the year, who was their most reliable perimeter-shooting guard. Charlotte is not bereft of talent, with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges among others.
Actually, given Ball's massive height, he's probably an ideal backcourt mate for Sears. Defensively, they could switch out, with Sears taking the opposing point guard. Offensively, Ball can create and Sears can provide perimeter support. Nick Smith was not very impressive this year for Charlotte. Sears seems like an upgrade.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies were awful this season, in large part becuase of a brutal injury situation. Ja Morant played in just nine games. But there's potential for a solid group here. If Morant can stay out of off-court trouble and manage to remain healthy, he's one of the best guards in the nation. Guys like Jaren Jackson and Desmond Bane are also standouts.
Memphis was one of the NBA's weaker perimeter shooting teams. But if the Grizzlies are actually all on the court, the wealth of offensive options will create open perimeter shots. Mark Sears could fit very well within such a situation.
It's certainly not a primary issue, but Sears is also from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, which is only about 150 miles away from Memphis. Given that and his popularity at Alabama, Sears could also help bolster attendance for a team that was 29th in the NBA in attendance this past year.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs were the NBA's weakest 3-point shooting team, but do have the advantage of building around center Victor Wembanyama. While the Spurs have some other standouts like Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan, the team has been a bit weak in the backcourt.
Playing with Wembanyama is a near-guarantee of available perimeter shots. Given that Mark Sears is a competent lead guard who can initiate offense and a possible perimeter answer as a shooting guard, he's an outstanding possibility for the Spurs.
1.Golden State Warriors
The Warriors were just eliminated from the NBA playoffs, and their outstanding group of veteran guards looked very, very veteran. Klay Thompson went scoreless, Chris Paul barely played, and Golden State looked like a team in dire need of a youth movement.
Mark Sears has shown big-game ability at the collegiate level. At the very least, he could provide some rest for the weary legs of the veteran Warriors. At most, he might be the next great guard at Golden State. The Warriors may certainly consider Mark Sears.
Where do you think Mark Sears will play in the NBA? Weigh in with your thoughts below in our comments section!
