2024 NBA DRAFT THREAD

[Dalek]

Do not draft Bona. I love him but I’m not very confident in his potential.

He’s a freak athlete but he doesn’t seem to have a high IQ and weak offensive skillset. Basically just good as a hustle guy off the bench but not really what we need

Always in foul trouble as he gambles a lot

Yeah I would take Bruin's take on this one over anyone else. We should draft Berke instead. I kid, no to him too...

I personally don't get why people overthink the draft. Bona's archetype of a 6'10 C / 7'4 ws at 240 lbs usually finds a way of sticking in the NBA. He fits because he can run the court, finish lobs, and on offense he can set screens and can occasionally hit a pocket pass. Obviously can switch on pick and rolls on defense.

75% at the rim
10% block percentage
11% assist percentage

It's maybe debatable about whether you use a mid or late first, but Bona was a likely first rounder last year and after coming of his labrum injury he is looking more like himself this season. I also understand he is a good natured, great locker room guy. I mean, what more can you ask for in a big - this team is obviously weak in the area and he is probably the highest profile guy that will likely contribute early on.

[Psubs]

Do not draft Bona. I love him but I’m not very confident in his potential.

He’s a freak athlete but he doesn’t seem to have a high IQ and weak offensive skillset. Basically just good as a hustle guy off the bench but not really what we need

Always in foul trouble as he gambles a lot

Yeah I would take Bruin's take on this one over anyone else. We should draft Berke instead. I kid, no to him too...

I personally don't get why people overthink the draft. Bona's archetype of a 6'10 C / 7'4 ws at 240 lbs usually finds a way of sticking in the NBA. He fits because he can run the court, finish lobs, and on offense he can set screens and can occasionally hit a pocket pass. Obviously can switch on pick and rolls on defense.

75% at the rim
10% block percentage
11% assist percentage

It's maybe debatable about whether you use a mid or late first, but Bona was a likely first rounder last year and after coming of his labrum injury he is looking more like himself this season. I also understand he is a good natured, great locker room guy. I mean, what more can you ask for in a big - this team is obviously weak in the area and he is probably the highest profile guy that will likely contribute early on.

I guess Jalen Duren is the elite version, I would be okay with drafting him with the Clippers pick. Then draft Melvin Ajinca with #31 and arrange a 4 year deal for say $3 million per year to come over.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

My early impression when it comes to Cody Williams is that he doesn't pop anywhere close to as much as the guys I have #1 and #2 in Topic and Risacher.

I think he has a high floor but his ceiling isn't as high as many think. I don't see a ton in his bag on offense. Looks like a 3rd option kind of guy in an NBA offense. He has NBA player written all over him because of his feel, he is positionally sound, can do a bit of everything and knows how to play the game. I need to see him play with more assertiveness, consistency and show some takeover ability. Hasn't been tested by quality defenses at the college level. Still open to changing my evaluation if he can show me something down the stretch.

[Rapsfan07]

The Bibby comparisons that are widespread aren't awful but at the height of his game Bogie was more efficient than Bibby ever was and probably closer to what Sheppard can do which is like +3-4/+0.5. FVV provides similar value but Sheppard has a chance to do it without destroying the team framework. His numbers obviously aren't sustainable in the NBA but as of right now enough to make me believe that he can provide 1.5-1.8 stl/36 and shoot close to 40% from deep on solid volume.

Just looks like a very valuable player due to his efficiency and could in some ways be like FVV if FVV were to have ever embraced playing hot potato with the basketball instead of dominating it leading to a very high USG rating and then add Reed's superior ability to make a limited amount of shots from 2.

I'd agree with your assessment.

I think the only thing with Sheppard for me is his high floor/low ceiling. If we're talking Top 6 (or really anywhere in the draft), one of the things I consider is star potential. First, does this player have the potential to be a star. Second - if they do, how much improvement is required to get them from where they are to where we would like them to be?

The calculus is a different the deeper in the draft you get. So for example, this thinking doesn't apply as heavy later down in draft where theoretically, a player down there has far more flaws and therefore the chances of them becoming a star are a lot slimmer. So if there's a 3+D wing specialist down there or a guy who I think has a very good chance at being an NBA contributor, I would prefer to take that than a player who is a boom or bust type prospect.

All of that to say, Sheppard strikes me as guy who has a very high chance (at least as far as we can tell at this stage) to be an NBA contributor. But at 6, I think you want a guy who has even just an outside shot at being a star. Now, unlike most drafts, this one is going to be even more of crapshoot than normal so it may be better to go with a guy who you feel good about contributing and worrying about the rest later.

For this reason, I do have him on my board. FVV made an all-star team and if Sheppard is like him but with better efficiency, he's absolutely worth the pick there.

At minimum he'TJ McConnell that can dunk and shoot 3's that's a borderline allstar already. He could be a bigger John Stockton with hops!

Yup. McConnell type was my original comp. If his shot and athleticism is better than his, it's still a very, very good pick. Even if he doesn't become an all-star.

[Rapsfan07]

I like Topic. I think he's had a solid season thus far and putting up good efficiency.

I think the Spurs are going to be all over him.

Spurs going to turn him into the supercharged version of Ginobili.

[Dalek]

My early impression when it comes to Cody Williams is that he doesn't pop anywhere close to as much as the guys I have #1 and #2 in Topic and Risacher.

I think he has a high floor but his ceiling isn't as high as many think. I don't see a ton in his bag on offense. Looks like a 3rd option kind of guy in an NBA offense. He has NBA player written all over him because of his feel, he is positionally sound, can do a bit of everything and knows how to play the game. I need to see him play with more assertiveness, consistency and show some takeover ability. Hasn't been tested by quality defenses at the college level. Still open to changing my evaluation if he can show me something down the stretch.

Topic looks good on film, but it is Europe and when I watch him he just does not have NBA burst. Are we looking at another Josh Giddey type? Still a good PG with size, but I don't see two-way potential and the ability to takeover games. I still have to see more Risacher but I know he is the hot prospect although do we need another basic shooter after Gradey.

Tops for me is Alex Sarr. No question with his productivity in a men's league, on a decent team, and having elite NBA size. Perfect stretch big to pair with Scottie long-term.

1-3 picks. Cody Williams would be ranked higher than Topic or others because he is further along than his brother was at the same age and he has adapted so well playing with senior players. His 58/52/72 numbers are eye-popping. Ultimately, having a superstar type NBA brother sways me. He just checks every box.

Pick 6. Matas Buzelis to me has star potential given his size and defensive attributes. He looks like Kirilenko with his activity (2.5 stocks). He also is adjusting to the NBA 3P line. I think when all is said and done he is capable of being the next Franz Wagner. He is more of a project, but the skill level is all there. If we end up with 6 I would love him at that pick because he has steal potential considering he could easily be considered a no.1 in this class.

[grant101]

I'm not sure what to think of Knecht. The size and shot-making ability are intriguing but I don't know how well his game will translate to the next level against longer, stronger, and quicker athletes.

I look at a guy like Weiskamp from his time in Iowa. He had comparable size to Knecht (6'6" 212lbs vs 6'6" 197lbs) but was longer (6'11" wingspan) and more athletic (42 inch max vert), and he's basically been G League fodder.

Watch on YouTube

Granted Knecht is a better ball handler than JW but I'd argue Wieskamp was a more pure shooter from three (career 46.7/41.2/77.1 vs 47.1/38/77.6), and he was only 21 when he was drafted vs Knecht who will almost be 23 in June.

Watch on YouTube

I do like Knecht's competitiveness and confidence which I think will help him in the same way it has other guys of that archetype like Grayson Allen, DiVencenzo, and Herro, but do I really want to bet on that?

Isn't Furphy a younger, taller Knecht with more potential? I'd draft Knecht at #31 or as high as the Clipper pick. Maybe he could be Grayson Allen 2.0?

#6 - Topic, Salaun
Indiana - Furphy, Ivisic
LAC - Ajinca
#31 - Edey, Hall

The Knecht-Wieskamp comp is a good one and should probably temper my expectations on how good I think Knecht can be in the NBA. That said, Wieskamp had Luka Garza and Murray twins to play off of, and even at his apex was a low usage player, while Knecht is currently exploding as a primary option. I think the main difference, and it's likely a make or break for players like knecht, is the competitiveness Mark_83 menioned. Knecht is a dog.

I see Furphy as more of a do-it-all wing ala Joe Ingles. He's been killing it since given the chance to start. I can see him jumping up boards sooner rather than later. He's won me over! Great potential complement to Scottie. Let's double down on Kansas wings with horrible haircuts!

[S.W.A.N]

Do not draft Bona. I love him but I’m not very confident in his potential.

He’s a freak athlete but he doesn’t seem to have a high IQ and weak offensive skillset. Basically just good as a hustle guy off the bench but not really what we need

Always in foul trouble as he gambles a lot

Yeah I would take Bruin's take on this one over anyone else. We should draft Berke instead. I kid, no to him too...

I personally don't get why people overthink the draft. Bona's archetype of a 6'10 C / 7'4 ws at 240 lbs usually finds a way of sticking in the NBA. He fits because he can run the court, finish lobs, and on offense he can set screens and can occasionally hit a pocket pass. Obviously can switch on pick and rolls on defense.

75% at the rim
10% block percentage
11% assist percentage

It's maybe debatable about whether you use a mid or late first, but Bona was a likely first rounder last year and after coming of his labrum injury he is looking more like himself this season. I also understand he is a good natured, great locker room guy. I mean, what more can you ask for in a big - this team is obviously weak in the area and he is probably the highest profile guy that will likely contribute early on.

DaRon Holmes and PJ Hall are more appealing to me (late first or that Detroit pick) The outside shooting they provide just fit our needs better. They have better advanced stats and offensive output. They are also a year older so perhaps Bona has a little more upside left at the college level but I really want to see a stretch big out of this draft group.

[YelloC]

Looking at the picks we acquired, having late firsts/Detroit pick could lead to us drafting older players that fit the BBQ timeline.
I could see them picking 2 seniors and a project. Obviously, you pick BPA but the end of the 1st round could provide more upfront value for teams that don’t consider themselves to be tanking.

[RoteSchroder]

Hope we can get Devin Carter with the OKC/LAC pick. Maybe Knecht with the Indiana pick. Then go for the higher upside players with the top 6 (Richaser/Saluan) + Detroit pick (3+D center prospect).

[Thaddy]

If we get a top 6 pick I would go with Ivisic. He looks like he's got all around ability and he looks like he could be developed into a Chet or Wemby type of C. I like him more than Sarr by a lot. I could see us starting him next to Poeltl since his offense is pretty far along.

Poeltl
Ivisic
Barnes
Barrett
IQ

[Yallbecrazy]

If we get a top 6 pick I would go with Ivisic. He looks like he's got all around ability and he looks like he could be developed into a Chet or Wemby type of C. I like him more than Sarr by a lot. I could see us starting him next to Poeltl since his offense is pretty far along.

Poeltl
Ivisic
Barnes
Barrett
IQ

Ivisic hasn't done much outside of the first game. He'll be 21 by the start of next season. Who knows what he shows the rest of the year, but as of now I don't think he is drafted in the lottery.

[Psubs]

If we get a top 6 pick I would go with Ivisic. He looks like he's got all around ability and he looks like he could be developed into a Chet or Wemby type of C. I like him more than Sarr by a lot. I could see us starting him next to Poeltl since his offense is pretty far along.

Poeltl
Ivisic
Barnes
Barrett
IQ

Ivisic hasn't done much outside of the first game. He'll be 21 by the start of next season. Who knows what he shows the rest of the year, but as of now I don't think he is drafted in the lottery.

Give him a 1st round promise to stay in the draft. At worst he's a much taller, much younger Boucher with better feel for the game.

https://www.yoursportsedge.com/2024/01/30/nba-draft-analyst-kristen-peek-is-a-big-believer-in-zvonimir-ivisic/vaughts-views/larryvaught/

Seems like he has all the tools to be like Chet.

[Bruin]

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/39417072/2024-nba-draft-notebook-top-international-prospects

Zaccharie Risacher

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=6Hx3ZCSHlysihvhqh0K3hw

Spoiler:

The caravan of NBA scouts made its way to Thessaloniki in Northern Greece for an important EuroCup game at the iconic Nick Galis Hall. Eight NBA representatives were in attendance to watch potential No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher have one of his best games (20 points in 25 minutes) in what's been an incredible season.

The 6-10, 18-year-old Risacher did a little of everything: He made 3-pointers off movement, pushed the ball 94 feet off the defensive glass and dished off intelligently while making touch passes into the post, moving off the ball instinctually for above-the-rim finishes and sniffing out putback dunks. He also attacked closeouts for floaters, played through contact and guarded point guards through power forwards while fighting over screens. NBA teams are becoming increasingly comfortable with him as a No. 1 pick candidate, especially those who already have go-to offensive options on their roster. He's shooting 48% from 3 through 34 games (with 26 wins), typically guarding the opponent's best perimeter player, getting to the free throw line prolifically and finishing 57% of his 2-pointers -- all while being younger than several seniors named to the McDonald's All-American game. Risacher is doing things that have never been done by an 18-year-old at the EuroCup level, as well as in France, excluding Victor Wembanyama last season.

The confidence, productivity and efficiency Risacher displays give him an incredibly high floor. He has tremendous basketball instincts and because of his youth, he has considerable time to fill out his excellent frame and develop into an even more prolific shot creator, à la Franz Wagner.

Tidjane Salaun

Spoiler:

NBA teams are very familiar with Cholet Basket, having made the trek to the northwest French town many times via Nantes to evaluate Rudy Gobert, Killian Hayes, Nando de Colo and other prospects who plied their trade at historic Le Meilleraie arena.

It's easy to see why Tidjane Salaun is a riser on NBA draft boards, standing 6-11 with an athletic frame, long arms, fluid movements and dynamic shooting ability. He's in the midst of a highly productive season as a starter for Cholet, a team that's already advanced three times in the FIBA Champions League to the Top 16 stage, giving him a huge platform to showcase his talent in France and against top teams from Spain, Turkey and Italy.

Salaun had another excellent showing in front of six NBA scouts, posting 17 points in 23 minutes, showing his ability to shoot coming off screens, cutting off the ball and crashing the offensive glass, flashes of passing vision and non-stop hustle defensively. It's rare to see an 18-year-old shoot the ball with the confidence, range and versatility Salaun has all season (38% from 3), and that, combined with his size, 7-2 wingspan, mobility and defensive intensity gives him a high floor in today's NBA.

Not possessing much shot-creation ability, and being a surprisingly poor defensive rebounder for his size (four rebounds per 40 minutes), NBA teams have questions about Salaun's feel for the game. He doesn't always track loose balls off the glass as instinctually as you might hope and looks sped up on both ends of the floor.

Considering he's never played professional basketball before this season and has been thrust into a significant role at a high level of European basketball, it's easy to see him continuing to make strides in these areas with his reportedly stellar work ethic and the incredible development trajectory he's been on the past few years. Salaun was cut from the French U17 national team training camp 18 months ago, but has since rocketed past virtually every player in his age group not only in France but in Europe as well. With his August birthday, he's younger than eight of the 24 players named to the 2024 McDonald's All-American game, meaning he could easily be a high school senior (and a part of the 2025 NBA draft class) if he were American.

[Potential]

Who are the Spurs going to draft at number 7? Hopefully he's not as good as Poetl

[WuTang_CMB]

good write up by givony on Salaun , the defense is intriguing

[Psubs]

good write up by givony on Salaun , the defense is intriguing

Doesn't he look like he could be Giannis with a jumper! I figure he could grown 1 more inch to 6'11.

[BoyzNTheHood]

good write up by givony on Salaun , the defense is intriguing

Doesn't he look like he could be Giannis with a jumper! I figure he could grown 1 more inch to 6'11.

Giannis with a jumper is a wild comparison to throw out. That’s a top 10 all time great player.

[WuTang_CMB]

good write up by givony on Salaun , the defense is intriguing

Doesn't he look like he could be Giannis with a jumper! I figure he could grown 1 more inch to 6'11.

Giannis with a jumper is a wild comparison to throw out. That’s a top 10 all time great player.

Lol

we go through this every year. Gotta stop with the Giannis comps

[Bruin]

good write up by givony on Salaun , the defense is intriguing

Doesn't he look like he could be Giannis with a jumper! I figure he could grown 1 more inch to 6'11.

He’s already 6’11” according to that write up

Nobody is gonna be Giannis but I love Salaun’s potential. Hope he keeps improving on the jumper and makes it a reliable part of his game