2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

Jared McCain | PG/SG | Duke | Age: 20.1 | Top 100: No. 19

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McCain will be disappointed to see his season end in the Elite Eight, but it's tough to fault the effort he put forth, scoring 32 of his team's 64 points, while his teammates went just 11-of-39 from the field.

McCain's shot-making ability was on full display yet again, making difficult 3s in transition, running off screens with outstanding footwork, punishing defenders for going under pick and roll, and drifting to the corners and rising up with excellent body control. He finished the season converting 87 3s in 36 games while making 41% of his attempts, but also made a career-high 11 free throws in this game, getting downhill while attacking out of pick and roll, and showing toughness absorbing contact in the lane.

The next step in McCain's evolution will be to become a better ball handler, passer and decision-maker, which would allow him to shoulder an even heavier offensive load. He struggles with ball pressure at times, is late with his reads seeing open teammates, and still has work to do to become a more prolific shot creator, which will be important since he's not blessed with elite size, length or explosiveness relative to other players at his position in the NBA.

McCain's defense made significant strides this season due to his excellent toughness and feel for the game, but he can still stand to improve on that end of the floor while projecting to the NBA ranks. He struggles getting over screens and giving up blow-bys at times, not always having the quickness to get back into plays as he doesn't have the biggest margin for error with his average physical tools.

It's easy to envision a NBA team drafting McCain in the first round -- possibly even in the top 20 -- seeing his outstanding scoring instincts, basketball instincts and understanding he may take some time to mold into a more complete player. It also wouldn't be surprising if McCain decided to continue that process at the college level as the sophomore leader of a Duke squad that is bringing in an incredible amount of firepower into next season and will surely have national championship aspirations. We'll likely hear more about McCain's plans in the near future, a decision that probably won't be easy considering the risk and upside on both sides of the spectrum. -- Givony

ESPN Insider

[Jamaaliver]

Stephon Castle | UConn | PG/SG

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While Clingan deserves the love coming his way, when I watch UConn it is Castle who jumps out as an NBA prospect — and I am not alone. Castle, a 6'6" freshman point guard, was considered a potential lottery pick before the tournament and may now have played his way into the top 10.

What stands out is Castle reads the game well and makes intelligent decisions, particularly in transition. Castle’s size and quick feet have made him a top-flight defensive prospect, and we should get more of that in the Final Four when he gets asked to slow down Alabama’s hot shooting guard Mark Sears (that’s the matchup NBC Sports was told scouts want to see this coming weekend in Phoenix). Castle has the highest ceiling of any UConn player, but he’s got to develop a more steady jump shot to reach it. That shot is what makes teams a little cautious with Castle. However, a shot can be fixed, Castle comes with all the other skills that can’t be taught.

NBC Sports

[HMFFL]

Stephon Castle | UConn | PG/SG

Watch on YouTube

While Clingan deserves the love coming his way, when I watch UConn it is Castle who jumps out as an NBA prospect — and I am not alone. Castle, a 6'6" freshman point guard, was considered a potential lottery pick before the tournament and may now have played his way into the top 10.

What stands out is Castle reads the game well and makes intelligent decisions, particularly in transition. Castle’s size and quick feet have made him a top-flight defensive prospect, and we should get more of that in the Final Four when he gets asked to slow down Alabama’s hot shooting guard Mark Sears (that’s the matchup NBC Sports was told scouts want to see this coming weekend in Phoenix). Castle has the highest ceiling of any UConn player, but he’s got to develop a more steady jump shot to reach it. That shot is what makes teams a little cautious with Castle. However, a shot can be fixed, Castle comes with all the other skills that can’t be taught.

NBC Sports

From Georgia.
He's a negative to me unless he can develop three point range.

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[HMFFL]

Carlton Carrington to Enter 2024 NBA
Draft

4/3/2024 1:05:00 PM

Story Links

PITTSBURGH – Guard Carlton Carrington announced that he will enter the 2024 NBA Draft during a press conference in the GBU Life Campus View Club at the Petersen Events Center Wednesday afternoon. The Baltimore, Md., native becomes the second Pitt player under Jeff Capel and the eighth Panther overall to bypass college eligibility to enter the NBA Draft.

"Bub had a terrific year and has put himself in position to be selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft," said head coach Jeff Capel. "We have been in constant communication with him and his family throughout and are in full support of the decision. Bub is a talented, young player with a bright future at the next level. Bub and his family will continue to be a part of our Pitt Basketball family and we look forward to supporting them and watching him compete in the NBA."

Carrington was the only freshman in the NCAA to average at least 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game this past season, while helping lead the Panthers to a 22-11 record overall and a fourth-place finish in the ACC. He finished his first year at Pitt averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while making 65 three-point field goals.


https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2024/4/3/mens-basketball-carrington-to-enter-2024-nba-draft.aspx

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[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

This player could be a long term option at Center and will likely be available in the 2nd round. His floor is useful backup. Probably league avg starting Center on his best day.

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Adem Bona | C | UCLA

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Size: 6'10", 245 lbs
Age: 21, Sophomore
Nationality: Turkish/Nigerian
Pro comparison: Isaiah Jackson

NBA teams should know what they're getting and what they're not with Adem Bona. He can bring instant defensive activity/switchability and athletic finishing. And he'll remain a threat in the post with his drop steps into hooks. Being foul- and turnover-prone will just mean a reduced role, likely one off the bench for the foreseeable future.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

A worthy candidate for that Kings pick. Worth trading back into the draft if he's still on the board in the 2nd round:

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[Jamaaliver]

Potential vs Production:

[jayu70]

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[Jamaaliver]

Spoiler:

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[Jamaaliver]

Spoiler:

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[Jamaaliver]

Spoiler:

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[Jamaaliver]

Carlton Carrington to Enter 2024 NBA Draft

Carrington was the only freshman in the NCAA to average at least 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game this past season, while helping lead the Panthers to a 22-11 record overall and a fourth-place finish in the ACC. He finished his first year at Pitt averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while making 65 three-point field goals.

Is Carrington on the list of prospects that interest you moving forward?

[tbhawksfan1]

Spoiler:

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Why don't you do one of these Jamaal. I know that you have been putting in a lot of time on prospects for some years now. Like to see how you see it. Some of these "I don't know who they are big boards" you're posting seem a bit all over the place compared to the traditional sites

[Jamaaliver]

Spoiler:

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[Jamaaliver]

Would you guys use a lottery pick on a combo guard who is 3 years away from contributing?
Even though we already have Kobe?

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[Jamaaliver]

If this guy falls out of the top-8. he'd be a great pairing between two playmakers like Trae and Jalen Johnson:

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[Jamaaliver]

Spoiler:

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