2024 NBA Draft Thread

[FarBeyondDriven]

Its way too early for this gloomy talk. The last time it was supposed to be a weak draft was 2020, and instead all you saw was parity 1-30 because there were no clear top guys. Usually, a bigger red flag to me is when the reports are its a 1-3 person draft because that means the scouts feel secure in the disparity in talent. Kind of like 2019, and even then some good players will go later in the draft. Anyhow let's wait until at least March before we write this whole draft off.

it's just not a great draft - any draft where you have to rely on returning talent or international talent to solidify the lotto/top20 isn't a great draft.

doesn't mean you cant find or there wont be good players to be had but you can tell it's not gonna be a great one, by virtue of a weak HS class, by virtue of some of the archetypes available, a lot of non-NCAA guys provide high variability, etc.

also that 2020 class you're talking about was supposed to be the '3 person draft' with Ant, Wise and LaMelo.

It's not relying on returning talent or international talent's to solidify the lotto. I just showed a very likely (if not by order) potential lottery where half the players are American freshmen with not a single returning player. There's a chance there might only be 3-4 returning players in the top 20! Where are you getting this reliance on returning players from? I thought it was common knowledge around these parts that international players have raised their games. There's a reason why they're winning tournaments and doing well against the US. Because their talent is so much better nowadays. If there's more talent internationally doesn't it make sense that eventually this would materialize in more of their prospects being found in draft lotteries? International stars from the past decade: Embiid, Doncic, Jokic, Markkanen, Porzingis, Wagner, Gobert, Simmons, Wembanyama, Sabonis and Giannis have inspired a generation of kids. Leagues and academies have opened up around the world and are flourishing. It stands to reason that would result in more NBA prospects especially as the game has become more about shooting, passing, smarts and less about athleticism. Why does it matter anyway? Who cares? Talent is talent. Last season's class is dominated by American freshmen. It didn't save it from being mediocre. The 2022 class had 7 returning players in the lottery yet it's a pretty strong class. There's enough intriguing talent to be excited. It's too early to label it weak or strong at this point. There's been like 2 college games played

[clyde21]

Its way too early for this gloomy talk. The last time it was supposed to be a weak draft was 2020, and instead all you saw was parity 1-30 because there were no clear top guys. Usually, a bigger red flag to me is when the reports are its a 1-3 person draft because that means the scouts feel secure in the disparity in talent. Kind of like 2019, and even then some good players will go later in the draft. Anyhow let's wait until at least March before we write this whole draft off.

it's just not a great draft - any draft where you have to rely on returning talent or international talent to solidify the lotto/top20 isn't a great draft.

doesn't mean you cant find or there wont be good players to be had but you can tell it's not gonna be a great one, by virtue of a weak HS class, by virtue of some of the archetypes available, a lot of non-NCAA guys provide high variability, etc.

also that 2020 class you're talking about was supposed to be the '3 person draft' with Ant, Wise and LaMelo.

It's not relying on returning talent or international talent's to solidify the lotto. I just showed a very likely (if not by order) potential lottery where half the players are American freshmen with not a single returning player. There's a chance there might only be 3-4 returning players in the top 20! Where are you getting this reliance on returning players from? I thought it was common knowledge around these parts that international players have raised their games. There's a reason why they're winning tournaments and doing well against the US. Because their talent is so much better nowadays. If there's more talent internationally doesn't it make sense that eventually this would materialize in more of their prospects being found in draft lotteries? International stars from the past decade: Embiid, Doncic, Jokic, Markkanen, Porzingis, Wagner, Gobert, Simmons, Wembanyama, Sabonis and Giannis have inspired a generation of kids. Leagues and academies have opened up around the world and are flourishing. It stands to reason that would result in more NBA prospects especially as the game has become more about shooting, passing, smarts and less about athleticism. Why does it matter anyway? Who cares? Talent is talent. Last season's class is dominated by American freshmen. It didn't save it from being mediocre. The 2022 class had 7 returning players in the lottery yet it's a pretty strong class. There's enough intriguing talent to be excited. It's too early to label it weak or strong at this point. There's been like 2 college games played

you just listed a bunch of names...I can go to any recruiting list and see these names...doesn't mean anything lol

[FarBeyondDriven]

i know it's super early but how does the top of the draft look compared to previous years? the pistons 2-9 start already has me looking for talent in the draft...

This aint the year hoping for a high end pick haha. That kicks back up again in the next two drafts when Flagg/Bailey and AJ/Boozer enter the draft.

I have a feeling we are going to see 5+ guys being mentioned as favorites to go #1 throughout the year. And its not going to be because there will be 5+ guys that look to be franchise guys.

what is a "franchise guy"? A superstar? How many of those are there in the NBA currently? 15 or so? Since 2000 only a little more than half the draft classes have had a consensus "franchise" player at the top. Does it matter that most of the time the media and scouts deem someone a franchise player that they not only not end up being that but there are often players taken well after them that end up having better careers that do become actual franchise players? Doesn't this mean their designation as a franchise player means little and shouldn't be used as a means to decide a draft class' strength? Reading through this thread you and Clyde seem convinced it's a weak class. I think it's mostly based on you believing it's a bad high school class? And for some reason discounting international talent? Was Wembanyama and Coulibaly discounted when you two said last year's class was strong? I have read some push back and some people cautioning patience as it's too early which seems prudent. I want to know what you're seeing that I'm not, that makes you convinced it's a weak class two games into the college season let alone making you feel certain about this for over a year now.

[FarBeyondDriven]

it's just not a great draft - any draft where you have to rely on returning talent or international talent to solidify the lotto/top20 isn't a great draft.

doesn't mean you cant find or there wont be good players to be had but you can tell it's not gonna be a great one, by virtue of a weak HS class, by virtue of some of the archetypes available, a lot of non-NCAA guys provide high variability, etc.

also that 2020 class you're talking about was supposed to be the '3 person draft' with Ant, Wise and LaMelo.

It's not relying on returning talent or international talent's to solidify the lotto. I just showed a very likely (if not by order) potential lottery where half the players are American freshmen with not a single returning player. There's a chance there might only be 3-4 returning players in the top 20! Where are you getting this reliance on returning players from? I thought it was common knowledge around these parts that international players have raised their games. There's a reason why they're winning tournaments and doing well against the US. Because their talent is so much better nowadays. If there's more talent internationally doesn't it make sense that eventually this would materialize in more of their prospects being found in draft lotteries? International stars from the past decade: Embiid, Doncic, Jokic, Markkanen, Porzingis, Wagner, Gobert, Simmons, Wembanyama, Sabonis and Giannis have inspired a generation of kids. Leagues and academies have opened up around the world and are flourishing. It stands to reason that would result in more NBA prospects especially as the game has become more about shooting, passing, smarts and less about athleticism. Why does it matter anyway? Who cares? Talent is talent. Last season's class is dominated by American freshmen. It didn't save it from being mediocre. The 2022 class had 7 returning players in the lottery yet it's a pretty strong class. There's enough intriguing talent to be excited. It's too early to label it weak or strong at this point. There's been like 2 college games played

you just listed a bunch of names...I can go to any recruiting list and see these names...doesn't mean anything lol

thanks for taking the time to answer the question and addressing it so eloquently. Now I see why people go at you on here and now know you aren't worth engaging.

[clyde21]

It's not relying on returning talent or international talent's to solidify the lotto. I just showed a very likely (if not by order) potential lottery where half the players are American freshmen with not a single returning player. There's a chance there might only be 3-4 returning players in the top 20! Where are you getting this reliance on returning players from? I thought it was common knowledge around these parts that international players have raised their games. There's a reason why they're winning tournaments and doing well against the US. Because their talent is so much better nowadays. If there's more talent internationally doesn't it make sense that eventually this would materialize in more of their prospects being found in draft lotteries? International stars from the past decade: Embiid, Doncic, Jokic, Markkanen, Porzingis, Wagner, Gobert, Simmons, Wembanyama, Sabonis and Giannis have inspired a generation of kids. Leagues and academies have opened up around the world and are flourishing. It stands to reason that would result in more NBA prospects especially as the game has become more about shooting, passing, smarts and less about athleticism. Why does it matter anyway? Who cares? Talent is talent. Last season's class is dominated by American freshmen. It didn't save it from being mediocre. The 2022 class had 7 returning players in the lottery yet it's a pretty strong class. There's enough intriguing talent to be excited. It's too early to label it weak or strong at this point. There's been like 2 college games played

you just listed a bunch of names...I can go to any recruiting list and see these names...doesn't mean anything lol

thanks for taking the time to answer the question and addressing it so eloquently. Now I see why people go at you on here and now know you aren't worth engaging.

you didn't make an argument why this is a good class...you just listed the list of players that can be found atop any of the recruiting boards...that doesn't mean anything. i told you why it, at least at this point, is not a great class. if you disagree fine, but just listing the names of players in this class doesn't disprove my point lol

but if you don't want to engage me igaf, i don't even know who you are

[Duke4life831]

i know it's super early but how does the top of the draft look compared to previous years? the pistons 2-9 start already has me looking for talent in the draft...

This aint the year hoping for a high end pick haha. That kicks back up again in the next two drafts when Flagg/Bailey and AJ/Boozer enter the draft.

I have a feeling we are going to see 5+ guys being mentioned as favorites to go #1 throughout the year. And its not going to be because there will be 5+ guys that look to be franchise guys.

what is a "franchise guy"? A superstar? How many of those are there in the NBA currently? 15 or so? Since 2000 only a little more than half the draft classes have had a consensus "franchise" player at the top. Does it matter that most of the time the media and scouts deem someone a franchise player that they not only not end up being that but there are often players taken well after them that end up having better careers that do become actual franchise players? Doesn't this mean their designation as a franchise player means little and shouldn't be used as a means to decide a draft class' strength? Reading through this thread you and Clyde seem convinced it's a weak class. I think it's mostly based on you believing it's a bad high school class? And for some reason discounting international talent? Was Wembanyama and Coulibaly discounted when you two said last year's class was strong? I have read some push back and some people cautioning patience as it's too early which seems prudent. I want to know what you're seeing that I'm not, that makes you convinced it's a weak class two games into the college season let alone making you feel certain about this for over a year now.

Well yes for most classes the high school class is a very good way to get a good read on the quality of a draft class because the majority of the talent comes from the OAD players. The majority of the lotto and the majority of the 1st round are OAD players from the high school class most years.

And yes you factor in the over seas guys. I say this is a weak class because this high school class has struggled to have any high level prospects come forward over the last couple years. And the fact that a guy like Sarr isnt considered a lock to be the #1 pick over the high school class shows to me he also isnt viewed any higher than them. Ive also stated hundreds of times on here that I dont know anything about over seas guys, I dont watch them and I leave it up to the national media guys and the guys on here that watch them to say whatever about them.

So if you think Sarr should be considered a high level prospect for a top 3 pick for any draft, cool. You think Risacher should be viewed as a high level top 3 pick for any pick? Awesome. I consider this a weak class (when it comes to high level talent) because of the high school class and college returnees have not shown to be guys that should be considered great value as top 5 picks. And the fact that a guy like Ron Holland is one of the early favorites to be the #1 pick just backs my point.

Is it still early and still plenty of time for guys to show big time improvement and look the part? Of course its November and I dont think the obvious needs to be said. But as of right now, no the domestic group of players for this draft isnt looking good compared to most classes.

[SeattleJazzFan]

Man, the top of the upcoming draft class has thus far been so underwhelming that people would still rather talk about how last year's draftees fare in the NBA instead of what's going on in the NCAA or G-League at the moment.

I mean, the #9 and #28 guys from last year's draft class (who haven't sniffed the rotation) just beat Ron Holland by 60 points is why, lol.

they didn't beat ron holland. as a jazz fan, i watched part of that game, and it was 5 on 5 most of the game. also even if they had beaten ron holland it was just one game and it would have been 2 on 1, so...

[FarBeyondDriven]

This aint the year hoping for a high end pick haha. That kicks back up again in the next two drafts when Flagg/Bailey and AJ/Boozer enter the draft.

I have a feeling we are going to see 5+ guys being mentioned as favorites to go #1 throughout the year. And its not going to be because there will be 5+ guys that look to be franchise guys.

what is a "franchise guy"? A superstar? How many of those are there in the NBA currently? 15 or so? Since 2000 only a little more than half the draft classes have had a consensus "franchise" player at the top. Does it matter that most of the time the media and scouts deem someone a franchise player that they not only not end up being that but there are often players taken well after them that end up having better careers that do become actual franchise players? Doesn't this mean their designation as a franchise player means little and shouldn't be used as a means to decide a draft class' strength? Reading through this thread you and Clyde seem convinced it's a weak class. I think it's mostly based on you believing it's a bad high school class? And for some reason discounting international talent? Was Wembanyama and Coulibaly discounted when you two said last year's class was strong? I have read some push back and some people cautioning patience as it's too early which seems prudent. I want to know what you're seeing that I'm not, that makes you convinced it's a weak class two games into the college season let alone making you feel certain about this for over a year now.

Well yes for most classes the high school class is a very good way to get a good read on the quality of a draft class because the majority of the talent comes from the OAD players. The majority of the lotto and the majority of the 1st round are OAD players from the high school class most years.

And yes you factor in the over seas guys. I say this is a weak class because this high school class has struggled to have any high level prospects come forward over the last couple years. And the fact that a guy like Sarr isnt considered a lock to be the #1 pick over the high school class shows to me he also isnt viewed any higher than them. Ive also stated hundreds of times on here that I dont know anything about over seas guys, I dont watch them and I leave it up to the national media guys and the guys on here that watch them to say whatever about them.

So if you think Sarr should be considered a high level prospect for a top 3 pick for any draft, cool. You think Risacher should be viewed as a high level top 3 pick for any pick? Awesome. I consider this a weak class (when it comes to high level talent) because of the high school class and college returnees have not shown to be guys that should be considered great value as top 5 picks. And the fact that a guy like Ron Holland is one of the early favorites to be the #1 pick just backs my point.

Is it still early and still plenty of time for guys to show big time improvement and look the part? Of course its November and I dont think the obvious needs to be said. But as of right now, no the domestic group of players for this draft isnt looking good compared to most classes.

thank you for the response We're fundamentally opposed then I see a handful of difference makers in last year's draft and I see the same in this year's draft. Each class has depth but this year is deeper since it does have more quality returning players. So it's deeper, has more foreign talent and while it admittedly trails (as it sits now), it at least hangs with last year in the high school freshmen department. With all that said I can't grasp how this is weak but last year's is strong. The only thing it lacks is a Wembanyama but as to the point of my post, that shouldn't mean it gets deemed weak.

Sarr is in the same tier as Porzingis and Mobley. Certainly deserving of being in the top 3 conversation in most drafts
I never said Risarcher was a top 3 type talent. I have him in the same tier as guys like Wagner and Sochan and in this draft he's probably going to be taken in the back half of the lottery unless he shoots the lights out in workouts and surprises in athletic drills.

[MemphisX]

The best guy in this class at the end of their career likely isn't drafted top 5.

[SeattleJazzFan]

i haven't seen tyler smith mentioned much on this board or in this thread. looks like he could be a potential top 10 guy. not an elite athlete, but a plus athlete with excellent length and can really shoot it.

[Chuck Everett]

i haven't seen tyler smith mentioned much on this board or in this thread. looks like he could be a potential top 10 guy. not an elite athlete, but a plus athlete with excellent length and can really shoot it.

The Ignite has been getting their behinds whipped so far this season in the G-League, however, he seems to have been playing well. They've also had several guys they expected to play for them (Buzelis, Pate, Mika - vet) not in the lineup.

[DOT]

Stephon Castle hasn't been mentioned much either

He's not putting up huge numbers, but watching him play, he has great feel and legit PG skills.

[retrobro90]

Where are we at with Rob Dillingham? Very impressive start from the man. Seen his height listed from 6'1" to 6'3" but regardless of what it is he's been very effective and shown some really impressive flexibility and burst. Didn't realize he was the MVP of the FIBA U16s back in 2021. Is he showing enough defensively?

[clyde21]

Where are we at with Rob Dillingham? Very impressive start from the man. Seen his height listed from 6'1" to 6'3" but regardless of what it is he's been very effective and shown some really impressive flexibility and burst. Didn't realize he was the MVP of the FIBA U16s back in 2021. Is he showing enough defensively?

good but tiny

[babyjax13]

Stephon Castle hasn't been mentioned much either

He's not putting up huge numbers, but watching him play, he has great feel and legit PG skills.

I've had him top 4 for quite a while, loved what I saw in the preseason scrimmages. We will see how he looks as the season goes on.

[MemphisX]

Where are we at with Rob Dillingham? Very impressive start from the man. Seen his height listed from 6'1" to 6'3" but regardless of what it is he's been very effective and shown some really impressive flexibility and burst. Didn't realize he was the MVP of the FIBA U16s back in 2021. Is he showing enough defensively?

If only he was 6'4...

[babyjax13]

Where are we at with Rob Dillingham? Very impressive start from the man. Seen his height listed from 6'1" to 6'3" but regardless of what it is he's been very effective and shown some really impressive flexibility and burst. Didn't realize he was the MVP of the FIBA U16s back in 2021. Is he showing enough defensively?

If only he was 6'4...

Seems like a decent swing with a mid-first though, no? I know the NBA has moved away from undersized guards, but the really good ones from a decade ago are still going strong (Conley, Lowry, Paul). I wonder if that might be a 'market inefficiency' in the draft?

[Chuck Everett]

Stephon Castle hasn't been mentioned much either

He's not putting up huge numbers, but watching him play, he has great feel and legit PG skills.

I've had him top 4 for quite a while, loved what I saw in the preseason scrimmages. We will see how he looks as the season goes on.

He's also hurt now. Expect him to miss a few weeks.

[clyde21]

yea bummer about Castle, one of the few exciting guys in this class.

[MemphisX]

Where are we at with Rob Dillingham? Very impressive start from the man. Seen his height listed from 6'1" to 6'3" but regardless of what it is he's been very effective and shown some really impressive flexibility and burst. Didn't realize he was the MVP of the FIBA U16s back in 2021. Is he showing enough defensively?

If only he was 6'4...

Seems like a decent swing with a mid-first though, no? I know the NBA has moved away from undersized guards, but the really good ones from a decade ago are still going strong (Conley, Lowry, Paul). I wonder if that might be a 'market inefficiency' in the draft?

Definite first rounder for me but I am just hoping he gets to the right situation. Just let him be what he is...