The 2024 NBA Draft figures to be one of the weirdest in recent memory. There’s no slam dunk first overall prospect like we’ve seen in other years. Additionally, there are a host of prospects hailing from Europe who could all emerge as the No. 1 pick in this draft. Two of the best prospects hailing from the United States aren’t even playing in college at this point. There’s truly a considerable amount of volatility with this group. As such, it makes for a very intriguing draft process. Let’s dive in.
1. Detroit Pistons: Zaccharie Risacher (France)
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Detroit is a mess right now. The talent isn’t all that bad, but the scheme and direction moving forward have to be addressed. Risacher has arguably the highest ceiling of any player in this draft. He’s a combo forward at 6’8″ — and should be able to toggle between the 3 and 4 spots based on the preference of Monty Williams. In terms of a best-case scenario, Risacher plays like a slightly shorter Jayson Tatum. His fit next to Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson as a floor-spacing hybrid big would be a clean one (in theory).
2. Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr (Australia)
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Sarr, a 7’1″ center from France, is currently playing in Australia’s NBL. NBA scouts have been flocking to Perth to watch Sarr play. He does have to work a bit on his physicality. After all, he’s only 19 years of age. Traditionally, big men do tend to develop at a slower rate comparatively speaking to guards. From an upside standpoint, you’re looking at someone who could one day defend like Myles Turner and play offensively akin to Jermaine O’Neal. Sarr can shoot threes and is a decent playmaker when putting the ball on the floor. As he gets stronger, he should be able to finish better at the rim. Washington would love to add him next to Deni Avdija and Bilal Coulibaly.
3. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Topić (Serbia)
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This is about as perfect of a Spurs fit as there possibly could be. You’re looking at arguably the best guard in this draft. Topić is an exceptional passer of the basketball — relishing pick-and-roll opportunities where he can set teammates up. San Antonio is in desperate need of an orchestrator on offense. The play around Victor Wembanyama at times can get both stagnant and highly inefficient. Adding Topić would make Wemby’s life far easier in terms of getting quality looks. Plus, culturally speaking, Topić’s European pedigree is made for San Antonio and Gregg Popovich.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Ron Holland (G-League Ignite)
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Holland spurned UCLA and Texas in favor of playing for the G-League Ignite program. In this situation, Charlotte would be able to replace Miles Bridges — an unrestricted free agent after the year — with a younger, bigger version possessing a higher upside and no off-the-court past. At 6’8″, Holland is an uber-athletic player. He thrives in transition where he can attack the cup with ferocity. His perimeter shot is still a work in progress. However, Holland is tough — and plays with a motor you can’t teach. He would be a nice fit next to Brandon Miller, and someone LaMelo Ball would target often on the break.
5: Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Williams (Colorado)
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Williams is a very unique player — and one with a lot of intrigue. The brother of OKC budding star Jalen, Cody is a plus-athlete with true point guard skills despite being 6’8″. His length and athletic ability enable him to get to any spot on the floor. Willaims is shooting 59 percent from the field and 45.7 percent from three-point range at Colorado this year (as of Feb. 26). However, his lack of aggressiveness at times can be a bit worrisome. With his skill set, you’d wish for him to be more assertive offensively. On the defensive end, Williams doesn’t demonstrate a whole lot of physicality. On the right team, he could be an excellent player. There’s a world where Williams is the best player from this draft. Is that realm in Portland? It remains to be seen.
6. Memphis Grizzlies: Stephon Castle (UConn)
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Memphis would be doing cartwheels if Castle fell to them here in the draft. The Grizzlies desperately need a floor spacer alongside Ja Morant. Castle can score at all levels, specifically behind the three-point line. At 6’6″, he would give Memphis some real size on the perimeter. With all due respect to Marcus Smart, he’s not the cleanest fit on this team as a starter. Getting Castle next to Morant could presumably allow Smart to be a dynamo sixth-man option. Buttery-smooth from the perimeter and a willing defender, we can’t envision a scenario where Castle falls out of the top 10.
7. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto): Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
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Finding a clean fit next to Wembanyama will be key moving forward for the Spurs. Jeremy Sochan has been essentially functioning in that role, though he has some limitations as an offensive player. Filipowski, on the other hand, does not. He can stretch the floor as a big man and also score in the paint. If Wembanyama is the defender many expect him to be, fitting two 7-footers next to each other with mobility and positional versatility would make the Spurs awfully tough to guard.
8. Houston Rockets: Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)
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The Rockets have a lot of flexibility here. We could see them trade out of this spot to grab future assets (or for Mikal Bridges?). The frontcourt looks set with Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson, Steven Adams, Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason. Houston should look to upgrade its backcourt. The question is whether that involves wanting to replace Jalen Green, or enhance the depth behind the Green-Fred VanVleet duo. Either way, Ja’Kobe Walter from nearby Baylor is the right choice here.
9. Oklahoma City Thunder: Donovan Clingan (UConn)
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We’ll see how the Thunder fare in the playoffs come April. For as good as Chet Holmgren is, one glaring weakness on this roster is size. Outside of Holmgren and his immense shot-blocking ability, a team with a legitimate post threat can cause problems for OKC. Landing Clingan here would be a major move. He’s a legit 7’2″ with decent athletic ability. Pairing him with Holmgren would make OKC very tough to score on. At this spot in the draft, considering the assets the Thunder have, it’s almost a luxury pick. OKC can start both Clingan and Holmgren together versus bigger teams. If the opposition downsizes, you simply slide Clingan to the bench and Holmgren to the five spot. With a true big in the paint, Holmgren’s perimeter game might be realized a bit more as well.
10. Atlanta Hawks: Johnny Furphy (Kansas)
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There’s always that springy wing with shooting ability that tends to shoot up draft boards during the season. Last year, it was Gradey Dick. This year, it’s another Kansas player by way of Australia. Furphy doesn’t play major minutes for the Jayhawks. However, you can see the upside. He’s a legit 6’9″ — shooting over 50 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three. Furphy is tougher than you’d think (which shouldn’t be a surprise since most Australian NBA players are known for grit and ruggedness). He’s averaging over 9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and roughly 1.0 SPG in only 20 minutes of floor time. With the proper development under Quin Snyder, you’re looking at a potential star with Franz Wagner-like upside.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder: Rob Dillingham (Kentucky)
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OKC could move out of this spot. It could also opt to stash a European-based player. However, with Dillingham on the board, he makes sense as a guy who can spell both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace. He’s an explosive player with scoring ability. Dillingham struggles a bit on the defensive end of the floor, but there’s no denying his lethal nature in transition as well as in a secondary ballhandling role. Having played off Reed Sheppard a great deal, you can see him doing the same thing opposite SGA. His strengths/weaknesses as a player are also counterbalanced by Wallace’s — thus making this pairing a good one. Sheppard could also be taken here. However, we like Dillingham’s upside a bit more.
12. Chicago Bulls: Dalton Knecht
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Even without Zach LaVine, the Bulls have to feel better about its guard depth with the collective emergence of the three-headed monster that is Coby White, Alex Caruso, and Ayo Dosunmu. None of those guys appear to be moving from the franchise anytime soon. Patrick Williams — a former top-five pick — is another story. He’s out for the year with a foot injury. Now up for an extension, it’ll be curious to see whether the Bulls re-up with the inconsistent forward. With Nikola Vucevic at the five spot, Chicago could look to get some help at forward. Knecht has been fantastic for Tennessee all year long. You’re looking at a plus athlete with terrific shooting skills. The only thing keeping him from going earlier in the draft is his age (23). Regardless, he’d be a very nice fit in Chicago.
13. Portland Trail Blazers: Reed Sheppard (Kentucky)
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It might sound strange to see Portland taking a guard here. The Trail Blazers have Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons all on their roster. However, Sheppard is the type of winning basketball player teams need in today’s NBA. He’s not only supremely smart and fundamentally sound, but he can shoot the lights out — something none of the aforementioned guards can do. The thought of taking a higher-upside guy like Tidjane Salaun or Matas Buzelis might enter Portland’s mind. However, go with more of the sure thing and take a guy who can help you win immediately.
14. New Orleans Pelicans: Isaiah Collier (USC)
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Collier would fit well with this roster. Some thought he was going to end up as the No. 1 overall pick heading into this year. However, a shaky perimeter shot and a penchant for turnovers have left some scouts a bit lukewarm about his future. With that said, let’s highlight the positives. Collier can get downhill in a hurry. He’s explosive both attacking the rim and in transition. Built like a linebacker, he can withstand physical punishment when getting into the paint. His vision is very good, as is his ability to pass the basketball. USC is not a good place for development, which is another reason why Collier should be better in a professional environment. Even with his defense being a question mark, New Orleans possesses multiple wings that can help to cover up those weaknesses. Collier throwing dimes to Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson seems like a very good scenario for New Orleans.
15. Orlando Magic: Yves Missi (Baylor)
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Orlando could use some depth at the five-spot. Wendell Carter Jr. has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and Moe Wagner has one more year left on his deal. Missi would be a developmental type of sorts. He’s got a huge wingspan and is taller than Carter. Athletically, he’s also superior to both of Orlando’s current centers. At this point, he’d be a rim-runner/shot blocker. The hope is that he’d one day develop into a double-double guy (with an emphasis on defending and rebounding. Missi certainly has that potential.
16. Miami Heat: Matas Buzelis (G-League Ignite)
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A year ago around this time, some considered Buzelis a potential candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick. However, he’s dropped after an uninspiring year with the Ignite. Teams will question his jump-shooting ability. After shooting lights out in high school, Buzelis has regressed into a 29-percent shooter in the G-League. While some have been enamored with his playmaking at 6-foot-10, the 19-year-old currently has a negative assist-to-turnover ratio and has struggled with his handle. The Heat have never shied away from taking a gamble, and they’d be more than happy to scoop up Buzelis here if he falls.
17. Toronto Raptors: Tidjane Salaun (France)
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France’s Tidjane Salaun has been climbing up boards since the end of last year. The athletic profile is nothing to scoff at. Salaun is just 18 years old and measures 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan. He’ll be one of the younger players drafted in 2024. This is right around the part of the draft where teams are willing to take a chance on a developmental project. Salaun checks a lot of the boxes that the Raptors have favored over the years — including age, length, and defensive versatility.
18. Philadelphia 76ers: Kyshawn George (Miami)
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Freshman Kyshawn George is the best NBA prospect for a stacked Miami team. He’s played behind a couple of upperclassmen this year but has showcased some intriguing tools when given a chance. Size and shooting ability are at a premium, and George has both in spades. He’s listed at 6-foot-8 and is shooting above 40-percent from three on a high volume of attempts (4.2). The Sixers already have their two stars in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Adding players who fit next to those two should be the priority every offseason.
19. New York Knicks: Kel’el Ware (New York Knicks)
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Indiana’s Kel’el Ware has emerged as one of the top centers in college basketball. Ware landed at Indiana after a forgettable freshman year at Oregon. However, he’s a former blue-chip recruit who was given a five-star ranking. Ware is a tremendous athlete who will test off the charts athletically. He finishes everything at the rim, protects the paint, and can even knock down the occasional three. The Knicks have to find a contingency plan for starting center Mitchell Robinson (who is seemingly always hurt).
20. New Orleans Pelicans: Bobi Klintman (Australia)
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The Swedish-born Bobi Klintman is a tantalizing prospect who could be an instant difference-maker on the defensive end. After a rather quiet season at Wake Forest, Klintman announced for the draft following his freshman campaign. However, he later opted not to enter the draft and signed with the Cairns Taipans of the Australian National Basketball League. Klintman remains on the NBA radar and is a projected first-round pick in ’24. He’s got solid range for a wing, and is a switchable defender with long arms and quick hands.
21. Phoenix Suns: Oso Ighodaro (Marquette)
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NBA teams sometimes shy away from picking college seniors. However, there are several instances where a team picking towards the end of the first round opts for a more seasoned prospect over a development project. Marquette senior Oso Ighodaro could sneak into the first round because contenders are willing to bet on a 22-year-old over a teenager. An Arizona native, Ighodaro is a playmaking big man who often serves as a passing hub for the Golden Eagles. He’s similar to Suns big man Jusuf Nurkić in that sorta way.
22. Atlanta Hawks: Jared McCain (Duke)
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Duke’s Jared McCain is one of the top scorers in the class. He’s had no trouble on offense during his freshman campaign at Duke. He’s an efficient three-level scorer with a silky-smooth jumper. McCain is shooting over 40-percent from three on over 5.0 attempts per game. Additionally, he hasn’t seemed to be discouraged despite the Blue Devils featuring other players over him. A young player’s ability to blend in offensively is extremely important. Especially if he joins a team that features two, high-volume guards in Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
23. New York Knicks: Ryan Dunn (Virginia)
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Virginia has churned out a few solid NBA players over the years. Malcolm Brogdon, Joe Harris, Deandre Hunter are all former Cavaliers who have found success at the next level. Current sophomore Ryan Dunn is a unique prospect who has a chance to crack into the lottery. Dunn is immensely gifted athletically, and is arguably the best defender in the entire class. The 6-foot-8 wing leads the ACC with 2.4 blocks per game (plus 1.4 steals per game). He’s an elite defensive playmaker in every sense.
24. Milwaukee Bucks: Kevin McCullar (Kansas)
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The Bucks are in win-now mode. They’d be willing to draft an older player who can help them win games in the present. Kansas’ McCullar Jr. was a vastly improved player in ’24. His improved outside jumper is certain to be appreciated by potential NBA suitors. Before going down with an injury in Feburary, McCullar was averaging a career-high 19.0 PPG while also showing some playmaking chops averaging 4.4 APG.
25. Washington Wizards: Tyler Kolek (Marquette)
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The top pure point guard in college basketball is Marquette’s Tyler Kolek. The senior from Rhode Island doesn’t have any glaring holes in his game. He’s shown to be a capable scorer this year, averaging a career-high PPG (15.1). He’s shot just a hair under 40-percent from three over the last two seasons. And, of course, Kolek’s best attribute is his passing. He leads the nation in assists. Earlier this year, he dished 18 dimes while attempting just two shots. NBA teams will always have a place for tough, heady guards who are unselfish.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers: DaRon Holmes (Dayton)
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Dayton’s DaRon Holmes is someone to look out for as we approach March. Holmes is a three-year starter for the Flyers, and has made significant strides each year. As a junior, Holmes has stretched his range beyond the three-point line and has emerged as one of Dayton’s steadiest shooters. Pairing a reliable jumper with Holmes’ innate athletic ability (over 2 blocks per game over his collegiate career) makes for an exciting prospect. The Cavaliers have stocked up on wings but could use a bit more size up front. Holmes gives them a different look as an outside shooter next to either Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen.
27. Denver Nuggets: Trey Alexander (Creighton)
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Creighton’s Trey Alexander projects as a combo guard who can fill a number of roles for NBA teams. As a sophomore, Alexander shot over 40-percent from three as Ryan Nembhard (brother of Pacers guard, Andrew) operated as the team’s point guard. This season, Alexander has stepped into a lead guard role and is averaging career highs in points, rebounds and assists. The 6-foot-4 Oklahoma is unafraid and had a game earlier this season in which he snagged 15 rebounds. The Nuggets need guys who can play right away, and Alexander fits the bill.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves: DJ Wagner (Kentucky)
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The son of former NBA lottery pick Dajuan Wagner, D.J. is a prospect who boasts intriguing potential. Wagner was widely considered a five-star recruit coming out of New Jersey. His freshman campaign has been a bit of a mixed bag. While he’s flashed some serious offensive ability, Wagner has been inefficient and inconsistent. Some scouts question his ability to hold up physically against NBA athletes. Additionally, he’s been outshined by both Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard — both of whom come off the bench while Wagner has started every game for the Wildcats. Still, the pedigree is evident and teams are more than willing to roll the dice on a big-time talent at this point in the draft. The Timberwolves could be particularly interested considering the advanced age of starting point guard Mike Conley Jr.
29. Utah Jazz: Alex Karaban (UConn)
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Karaban fits Utah’s culture of toughness and positional versatility. He’s an above-average athlete with the ability to defend multiple positions on the floor. A high-energy guy, Karaban will also bring Championship experience to Salt Lake City. He’s the type of player you can bring in off the bench to play competent minutes on a good team. A 40 percent shooter from behind the arc, that skill should translate to a ton of open corner threes off double-teaming Lauri Markkanen.
30. Boston Celtics: Zach Edey (Purdue)
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This would be a fun pairing. Edey is a polarizing prospect for the fact he’s not fleet of foot, and there are questions as to how he’d defend in pick-and-roll situations away from the bucket. Instead of looking at Edey through the prism of what he’s not, why not look at what he is? At 7’4″, he’s a legitimate rim-protecting big with a terrific touch around the hoop. Edey will not get dislodged positionally when defending anyone. His conditioning has improved, and as such he’s played himself into being a legitimate NBA player. He’d give Boston essentially another dimension on its versatile roster. If the Celtics are lacking one thing, it’s a big man with the ability to score consistently in the post. Edey has proven to do that consistently well.
