2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Chuck Everett]

To quote Kendrick Perkins, it's time to stand on business. I'm talking about Kel'el Ware. In a draft this polarizing, I think he is someone that teams in the late lotto have to consider. This feels like Lively all over again. His elite measurables and size is something a few teams have to consider.

9th: Memphis
11th: Chicago
12th: Oklahoma City
13th: Sacramento

If Ware falls below any of these four teams and they have a chance to draft him, this draft will be an epic fail. Memphis, Chicago and Sacramento could use an infusion of size, youth and athleticism on the back-line especially. OKC may be more interested in veteran hunting considering their squad. I personally think Memphis should take him. He's from Arkansas originally, so he's a bit of local boy as well. Might end up becoming a fan favorite.

[WuTang_OG]

Can someone please explain to me why Kel El Ware isn't being projected as a top 10 guy? Crazy productive, NBA center szie, tremendous athlete that can move laterally. Jumper looks sweet. What am I missing?

Shyt motor

[JMAC3]

To quote Kendrick Perkins, it's time to stand on business. I'm talking about Kel'el Ware. In a draft this polarizing, I think he is someone that teams in the late lotto have to consider. This feels like Lively all over again. His elite measurables and size is something a few teams have to consider.

9th: Memphis
11th: Chicago
12th: Oklahoma City
13th: Sacramento

If Ware falls below any of these four teams and they have a chance to draft him, this draft will be an epic fail. Memphis, Chicago and Sacramento could use an infusion of size, youth and athleticism on the back-line especially. OKC may be more interested in veteran hunting considering their squad. I personally think Memphis should take him. He's from Arkansas originally, so he's a bit of local boy as well. Might end up becoming a fan favorite.

Christian Wood 2.0 probably. He has moments where he looks great and then he has moments...
the lose by 30 in Big Ten Tourney, a potential win and get in spot and he scores 8 pts
Edey dominated him in 2 matchups.. both 20 pts loses. Ware with 11/8 vs 26/13 Edey in round 1... Ware with 5/6 vs 33/14 Edey

He has a ton of a talent, but dude couldn't even get Indiana in tourney

[SelfishPlayer]

The one thing this draft doesn't lack is athleticism. Prospects in general can shoot the three better than ever, and it's easier to project with the current college three point line. Hunter Sallis and Devin Carter are two guards that stick out to me. They are freak athletes with length, the ability to create, shoot, and finish. Jamir Watkins is a small forward with athleticism and guard abilities. He makes a ton of defensive plays. He's clearly physically stronger than his opponents due to his advanced age.

[King Ken]

To quote Kendrick Perkins, it's time to stand on business. I'm talking about Kel'el Ware. In a draft this polarizing, I think he is someone that teams in the late lotto have to consider. This feels like Lively all over again. His elite measurables and size is something a few teams have to consider.

9th: Memphis
11th: Chicago
12th: Oklahoma City
13th: Sacramento

If Ware falls below any of these four teams and they have a chance to draft him, this draft will be an epic fail. Memphis, Chicago and Sacramento could use an infusion of size, youth and athleticism on the back-line especially. OKC may be more interested in veteran hunting considering their squad. I personally think Memphis should take him. He's from Arkansas originally, so he's a bit of local boy as well. Might end up becoming a fan favorite.

I was exceptionally down on Ware but those athletic metrics man...

Mitchell Robinson has a lot of the same questions as Ware and he ended up a top 15 NBA center. 7'4 wingspan with that athleticism. Idk, he's definitely back in the 1st round grades for me at tier 4. His athleticism is special. Even if he's basically Mitchell Robinson. That's still coveted in this league as those centers don't really cost too much to resign since their numbers aren't that great

[King Ken]

Can someone please explain to me why Kel El Ware isn't being projected as a top 10 guy? Crazy productive, NBA center szie, tremendous athlete that can move laterally. Jumper looks sweet. What am I missing?

Shyt motor

Yep, motor, effort, injury prone, everything he does is inconsistent. His tape was not a positive for him. To me, him, Edey, and Reed Sheppard won the combine. Reed locked himself as a top 5 pick. Edey is my top prospect overall but I know he's an acquired taste. He was always the best player in the draft to me but his combine just removed any doubts of bust potential with him.

Ware was on the high end of bust but his athleticism is elite for a legit 7ft and he's clearly my #1 biggest mover going from tier 5 back to tier 4.

[JustBuzzin]

Anyone see a bit of Franz Wagner in Tristan da Silva?

I think if he could tighten up his handles he can be that type of player in the future.

[BigGargamel]

Anyone see a bit of Franz Wagner in Tristan da Silva?

I think if he could tighten up his handles he can be that type of player in the future.

Not a terrible comparison actually. I like it!

I can't believe my Buffs could have 3 first rounders if Simpson squeaks in. What a disappointing season for them.

[Chi town]

To quote Kendrick Perkins, it's time to stand on business. I'm talking about Kel'el Ware. In a draft this polarizing, I think he is someone that teams in the late lotto have to consider. This feels like Lively all over again. His elite measurables and size is something a few teams have to consider.

9th: Memphis
11th: Chicago
12th: Oklahoma City
13th: Sacramento

If Ware falls below any of these four teams and they have a chance to draft him, this draft will be an epic fail. Memphis, Chicago and Sacramento could use an infusion of size, youth and athleticism on the back-line especially. OKC may be more interested in veteran hunting considering their squad. I personally think Memphis should take him. He's from Arkansas originally, so he's a bit of local boy as well. Might end up becoming a fan favorite.

I was exceptionally down on Ware but those athletic metrics man...

Mitchell Robinson has a lot of the same questions as Ware and he ended up a top 15 NBA center. 7'4 wingspan with that athleticism. Idk, he's definitely back in the 1st round grades for me at tier 4. His athleticism is special. Even if he's basically Mitchell Robinson. That's still coveted in this league as those centers don't really cost too much to resign since their numbers aren't that great

Robinson is stronger and meaner.

Ware has a great shot too.

Maybe he will turn it on and grow up. I wouldn’t bet on it till late 1st. He needs strong vets and a great PG.

[Chi town]

Anyone see a bit of Franz Wagner in Tristan da Silva?

I think if he could tighten up his handles he can be that type of player in the future.

Not a terrible comparison actually. I like it!

I can't believe my Buffs could have 3 first rounders if Simpson squeaks in. What a disappointing season for them.

Franz lite has been my comp for months.

I have think he is the most undervalued guy in the 1st. I’d take him at 11 for my Bulls.

His 3 ball is special. He can shoot off movement and he has elite cutting and getting open skills.

He will be this years Jaime Jacquez but better. That 3 ball could be elite.

[HadAnEffectHere]

To quote Kendrick Perkins, it's time to stand on business. I'm talking about Kel'el Ware. In a draft this polarizing, I think he is someone that teams in the late lotto have to consider. This feels like Lively all over again. His elite measurables and size is something a few teams have to consider.

9th: Memphis
11th: Chicago
12th: Oklahoma City
13th: Sacramento

If Ware falls below any of these four teams and they have a chance to draft him, this draft will be an epic fail. Memphis, Chicago and Sacramento could use an infusion of size, youth and athleticism on the back-line especially. OKC may be more interested in veteran hunting considering their squad. I personally think Memphis should take him. He's from Arkansas originally, so he's a bit of local boy as well. Might end up becoming a fan favorite.

He's not going to go in the first round.

[Chuck Everett]

To quote Kendrick Perkins, it's time to stand on business. I'm talking about Kel'el Ware. In a draft this polarizing, I think he is someone that teams in the late lotto have to consider. This feels like Lively all over again. His elite measurables and size is something a few teams have to consider.

9th: Memphis
11th: Chicago
12th: Oklahoma City
13th: Sacramento

If Ware falls below any of these four teams and they have a chance to draft him, this draft will be an epic fail. Memphis, Chicago and Sacramento could use an infusion of size, youth and athleticism on the back-line especially. OKC may be more interested in veteran hunting considering their squad. I personally think Memphis should take him. He's from Arkansas originally, so he's a bit of local boy as well. Might end up becoming a fan favorite.

He's not going to go in the first round.

We'll see.

[atlantabbq99]

[King Ken]

To quote Kendrick Perkins, it's time to stand on business. I'm talking about Kel'el Ware. In a draft this polarizing, I think he is someone that teams in the late lotto have to consider. This feels like Lively all over again. His elite measurables and size is something a few teams have to consider.

9th: Memphis
11th: Chicago
12th: Oklahoma City
13th: Sacramento

If Ware falls below any of these four teams and they have a chance to draft him, this draft will be an epic fail. Memphis, Chicago and Sacramento could use an infusion of size, youth and athleticism on the back-line especially. OKC may be more interested in veteran hunting considering their squad. I personally think Memphis should take him. He's from Arkansas originally, so he's a bit of local boy as well. Might end up becoming a fan favorite.

He's not going to go in the first round.

I was right there with you after watching the games but testing athleticism matters too much in the NBA. 83.2 NBA athlete with a 93 bSPARQ and it's not like he's unbalanced like Azubuike. He's excellent or good in every category for a 5.

He looked like a terrific athletic on tape but when you see it at the combine, you realize, the NBA will likely be an easier transition for him than I would believe. Mitchell Robinson is many of the things Ware is. The effort issues, motor, inconsistent af but guys like him and Robert Williams have decent value in this league especially late lottery, mid to late 1st range.

[BigGargamel]

I don't think Ware is a lottery pick, mostly due to those motor concerns. But I don't see any way he completely falls out of the first round. His skill set is too valuable, and there are not many big men in this draft. Nuggets or Celtics would scoop him up to be a backup big in a heartbeat, for example.

[FarBeyondDriven]

I don't think Ware is a lottery pick, mostly due to those motor concerns. But I don't see any way he completely falls out of the first round. His skill set is too valuable, and there are not many big men in this draft. Nuggets or Celtics would scoop him up to be a backup big in a heartbeat, for example.

Sometimes I feel like I'm taking crazy pills coming on here. If this isn't a strong big men class then I don't know what is. I swear, the made-up narratives about this draft class are something else. You have to go back 6 years to the elite 2018 class to find a better big class

2024

Sarr
Clingan
Ware
Missi
Edey
Ighodaro
Bona
Chomche
Filipowski
Almansa

2023

Wembanyama
Lively II
Nnaji

2022

Holmgren
Duren
Williams
Kessler
Koloko

2021

Mobley
Sengun
Jones
Jackson
Garuba
Queta
Petrucevic
Bassey
Mamukelashvili

2020

Wiseman
Okongwu
Smith
Nnaji
Stewart
Oturu
Simonovic
Carey Jr.

2019

Hayes
Bitadze
Kabangele
Fernando
Gafford
Smailagic
Bol

2018

Ayton
Bamba
WC Jr.
Timelord
Robinson

[EmpireFalls]

To quote Kendrick Perkins, it's time to stand on business. I'm talking about Kel'el Ware. In a draft this polarizing, I think he is someone that teams in the late lotto have to consider. This feels like Lively all over again. His elite measurables and size is something a few teams have to consider.

9th: Memphis
11th: Chicago
12th: Oklahoma City
13th: Sacramento

If Ware falls below any of these four teams and they have a chance to draft him, this draft will be an epic fail. Memphis, Chicago and Sacramento could use an infusion of size, youth and athleticism on the back-line especially. OKC may be more interested in veteran hunting considering their squad. I personally think Memphis should take him. He's from Arkansas originally, so he's a bit of local boy as well. Might end up becoming a fan favorite.

He's not going to go in the first round.

We'll see.

Having seen what Myles Turner, Chet Holmgren, Naz Reid, KAT, Porzingis, and Horford have done for their teams this postseason...

I'd hope smart NBA GMs are beginning to realize the power of an actual stretch 5 who can play some defense.

A spacing and offense cheat code.

[BlazersBroncos]

Ya - I would say Ware goes closer to the lotto than the 2nd round.

Plenty of guys w/o elite motors go high in the draft. If Ware clicks your looking at a archetype that is in wild demand (Rim protecting, vertically athletic true C who can shoot a 3 and is at least moderatley switchy).

[sip]

Coach at Oregon constantly called him out in public press conferences saying that he was lazy and didn't play hard.

Hadn't heard this. If this is the case it looks like he's gotten something figured out at IU. Just feels to me like someone is going to get a massive steal somewhere between the mid to late 1st. Looks like he could fit in anywhere.

I'd be surprised if he went in the first round.

Then you will be surprised because he is guaranteed to be a 1st rd pick.

[HadAnEffectHere]

He's not going to go in the first round.

We'll see.

Having seen what Myles Turner, Chet Holmgren, Naz Reid, KAT, Porzingis, and Horford have done for their teams this postseason...

I'd hope smart NBA GMs are beginning to realize the power of an actual stretch 5 who can play some defense.

A spacing and offense cheat code.

Ayton is massively better than Ware at every aspect of basketball and no one wanted him last year.