2024 NBA DRAFT THREAD

[Rapsfan07]

Are any of those guards mocked to us in the top 6 guys that can play next big next to IQ? If we're mocked to take a 6'3 guy because he's BPA then I'd rather trade the pick on draft day

Even in the Pacers range there are some C left, but no one that looks like a year 1 difference maker

Yeah, Topic would be a fairly decent fit if we're moving forward with IQ as a starter.

Only problem is that means Barrett is playing SF and I think he might be better suited at SG.

[OakleyDokely]

I find that high efficiency players and players who have high steals/blocks rates in college tend to stick in the NBA. If they have both those qualities, that's a good player to bet on.

[JShuttlesworth]

A lot of players who struggle to shoot the long ball this year

Holland - 24.0%
Buzelis - 27.3%
Castle - 31.3%
Collier - 30.6%

Buzelis is the most disappointing in my opinion, but he's still intriguing because of his size and skill. I wonder how it impacts their draft stock though

It's one of the things that makes guys like Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard so much more appealing, and one of the reasons I have them both as Top 10 picks. Both of those guys are shooting the lights out, Dillingham shoots 43.3% from deep and Reed is an insane 53.7%

[ArthurVandelay]

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There is talent at the top of this draft.

I was a big fan of Brandon Miller last year. I spent a lot of time saying he’d look great next to Scottie. With that said I think Risacher would be even better and is a better prospect than Miller.

[ArthurVandelay]

A lot of players who struggle to shoot the long ball this year

Holland - 24.0%
Buzelis - 27.3%
Castle - 31.3%
Collier - 30.6%

Buzelis is the most disappointing in my opinion, but he's still intriguing because of his size and skill. I wonder how it impacts their draft stock though

It's one of the things that makes guys like Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard so much more appealing, and one of the reasons I have them both as Top 10 picks. Both of those guys are shooting the lights out, Dillingham shoots 43.3% from deep and Reed is an insane 53.7%

Holland only guy I’d take over Sheppard or Dillingham

[JShuttlesworth]

A lot of players who struggle to shoot the long ball this year

Holland - 24.0%
Buzelis - 27.3%
Castle - 31.3%
Collier - 30.6%

Buzelis is the most disappointing in my opinion, but he's still intriguing because of his size and skill. I wonder how it impacts their draft stock though

It's one of the things that makes guys like Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard so much more appealing, and one of the reasons I have them both as Top 10 picks. Both of those guys are shooting the lights out, Dillingham shoots 43.3% from deep and Reed is an insane 53.7%

Holland only guy I’d take over Sheppard or Dillingham

I'm not even sure where I have Holland -- admittedly I've been kind of dismissing him because of his shooting. I haven't watched enough tape of any of the G-League guys, but I prefer watching full games to get a sense of how they actually impact the game

But yah, Dillingham and Sheppard are definitely higher on my Big Board than the group above

[ArthurVandelay]

A lot of players who struggle to shoot the long ball this year

Holland - 24.0%
Buzelis - 27.3%
Castle - 31.3%
Collier - 30.6%

Buzelis is the most disappointing in my opinion, but he's still intriguing because of his size and skill. I wonder how it impacts their draft stock though

It's one of the things that makes guys like Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard so much more appealing, and one of the reasons I have them both as Top 10 picks. Both of those guys are shooting the lights out, Dillingham shoots 43.3% from deep and Reed is an insane 53.7%

Holland only guy I’d take over Sheppard or Dillingham

I'm not even sure where I have Holland -- admittedly I've been kind of dismissing him because of his shooting. I haven't watched enough tape of any of the G-League guys, but I prefer watching full games to get a sense of how they actually impact the game

But yah, Dillingham and Sheppard are definitely higher on my Big Board than the group above

Holland’s shot isn’t broken. Good form. He’s 18. Just needs lots of reps.

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[Mark_83]

Now that we potentially have only 2 picks (IND + DET) we can debate approach. Yes, obviously you target BPA, but it's not always cut and dry, there are usually tiers of comparable players. You also have to consider whether you mean best player now or in the future and the likelihood of it happening (e.g., is the best player at the spot the guy with a 70% chance of being at least a rotation player, or the guy with a 10% chance of being a superstar and 90% chance of being a bust, etc?).

Do you go for pure upside trying to raise the team's overall talent ceiling?
Do you target probability and stockpile talent that can develop and perhaps outperform their projection (or that you can consolidate in trade later)?
Maybe you try to get a balance of both where you can?

We have pick 18 and 31 so you could theoretically go safe at one pick and swing for the fences at the other and vice versa, or you can swing for the fences on both.

What are you thinking this year? I always appreciate your input. I wouldn't mind Ron Holland, I know this year hasn't gone quite right but don't mind the swing there, who knows if he is available. Obviously, don't mind DJ Wagner and for a shot in the dark, later maybe Dillon Mitchell. Haven't watched as much college basketball this year as the past three, it's not as eciting of a year in my opinion with many of the top guys coming from Europe or the G-league

I think Holland is good value outside the top 5. He's got his warts (efficiency, shooting, etc.) but he's got an intriguing profile of size, athleticism, ball handling, assertiveness to score and willingness to defend. He's a bit bland to me as a prospect. Nothing really pops or stands out about his game. Also the Ignite have not yet shown to be a great incubator for development. Still, I think he looks like a high probability guy to at least be a rotation player.

The draft is a mixed bag which makes it fun to scout. When we redraft the top 10 in a few years I wouldn't be surprised if most of the best players were selected from mid to late first round and early second.

[mg]

I have given up on scouting the top end of the draft. After watching Portland blow a 20 point lead to Detroit playing Ashton Haggins at PG to close, and watching the Grizzlies trade away David Roddy and Xavier Tillman for nothing, there just is no way we end up 6 or lower. We added more than we lost.

Now we likely end up in the 17-20 range of prospects. I can't help but envision us drafting a C considering who will be available:

Zach Edey - Obvious Canadian connection and the most dominant player in college ball. How do you pass up on him if you are Toronto given your track record?

Donovan Clingan - Elite shotblocker who changes the college game with his rim protection like Kessler did in college. I like him more than Edey but if he can take the minutes, he can be hugely impactful. It worries me that he only plays 20 mins a game and is coming off an injury.

Zvonomir Ivisic - My favorite C prospect, who has too much talent to pass up on. Kentucky is playing really small and seems to not want to develop him which is a shame, but he likely drops out of the lottery because of it. He just seems the best C prospect with his offensive skillset that could thrive in our offense giving us spacing and 7'2 size although he needs to bulk up.

Agreed I'd much rather just convey this '24 pick in a weak draft and get it over with. Big Z from Kentucky is one of my favorites from this draft too. He's going to end up a better NBA player than most of these guys mocked in the top 10. The 17-20 range of prospects looks just as good as the ones ranked 8-10. The top tier is the weak link but there are going to be good roleplayers to be found potentially into the 2nd round.

[TimeForChange]

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Spoiler:

A French prospect sits at No. 1 on our NBA draft board, but it's not Perth's Alex Sarr.
Zaccharie Risacher, the 18-year-old wing on JL Bourg, has emerged as ESPN's current top 2024 NBA draft prospect. With his excellent 3-point shooting and 6-foot-10 frame that should fill out with age, Risacher will likely be selected early during the NBA's two-night draft.
Sarr, the 7-1 big, slides to No. 2 as he works his way back from injury. With just five weeks to go before Selection Sunday, keep an eye on the college prospects on the list. Kentucky guards Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard continue rise, Colorado's Cody Williams remains steady as a top-five prospect, while USC's Isaiah Collier is back from injury and looks ready to rebound from his recent draft slide if his return game was any indication.
The rankings -- compiled by NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony, with Jeremy Woo assisting in providing analysis -- continue to change throughout the draft cycle.
Check back all season as we inform you of the risers and fallers of this unpredictable draft class.
Rankings and writeups last updated: Saturday, Feb. 10.
Jump to: Jonathan Givony's Top 100

1. Zaccharie Risacher | SF | JL Bourg
6-10 | Age: 18.8 | Previously ranked: 2
Risacher takes over the No. 1 spot due to the remarkable productivity, efficiency and consistency he's displayed all season for a JL Bourg team ranked second in both the French Pro A and EuroCup. He's shooting 46% from 3 on the year while typically guarding the opposing team's best player and switching 1 through 5 in pick-and-roll. Risacher is starting to show increased flashes of ballhandling and passing confidence, which is notable considering all the other ways he impacts the game. He has both a high floor and real upside to grow into considering he's 18 years old with a frame that should fill out nicely in time as well as terrific basketball instincts and pedigree. Every NBA team could use a player in his mold, which means he has plenty of opportunities to be drafted very high on draft night regardless of how the draft lottery shakes out. -- Jonathan Givony

2. Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth
7-1 | Age: 18.6 | Previously ranked: 1
EDITOR'S PICKS

2024 NBA draft: Making the case for selecting Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick
19d•Jeremy Woo

2024 NBA mock draft: 21 college prospects scouts are monitoring
29d•Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo

2024 NBA draft: Making the case for selecting Alex Sarr with the No. 1 pick
52d•Jeremy Woo
Sarr has been inconsistent since returning from an ankle injury, turning in one of his best games of the season with 18 points and five blocks against Southeast Melbourne on Jan. 27, but also logging less than 10 minutes and notching zero points in Perth's two recent losses. He remains a strong candidate in the mix for No. 1, with palpable upside as a mobile rim protector and the potential to space the floor adequately. Sarr's projection still includes some theoretical elements, however, including his jumper, and his lack of strong rebounding production despite his physical gifts is a concern. Regardless, it's been a positive year for Sarr's development trajectory, placing him on track to get drafted early. -- Jeremy Woo

3. Cody Williams | SG/SF | Colorado
6-8 | Age: 19.2 | Previously ranked: 3
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Colorado's Cody Williams flushes home impressive dunkColorado's Cody Williams flushes home impressive dunk
Williams came back strong from a wrist injury that sidelined him for a month, looking aggressive hunting open jumpers and taking opponents off the dribble -- both points of emphasis for scouts this season. He'll have to play with a mask on for the time being after taking an elbow to the eye in practice and missing a game last week. Williams' defensive activity and versatility -- switching 1 through 5 in pick-and-roll -- gives him a relatively high floor with his ability to fight over screens and make plays at the rim. Scouts still want to see Williams increase his 3-point volume and show more shot-creation prowess, but his season as a whole has been positive thus far, with plenty still to be revealed over the next month. -- Givony

4. Rob Dillingham | PG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 19.0 | Previously ranked: 7
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Rob Dillingham drills a sweet bucket vs. FloridaRob Dillingham drills a sweet bucket vs. Florida
While many prospects have seen their productivity falter in conference play, Dillingham has found another gear with his aggressiveness and shot-making prowess in SEC play, averaging 22.8 points (56% from 3) and 4.8 assists over the past four games. Dillingham's open-court explosiveness, jittery handle, live-dribble passing creativity and ability to hit pull-up, stepback and sidestep jumpers from anywhere on the floor makes him one of college basketball's most difficult covers -- drawing some comparisons to the Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young. However, his defense is one of the reasons Kentucky has dropped several games the past few weeks with Dillingham giving up too many blow-by layups while being targeted relentlessly off the ball -- something scouts are hoping to see improve. It will be interesting to see how his role evolves when starting point guard D.J. Wagner returns from an ankle injury. -- Givony

5. Nikola Topic | PG | Red Star
6-7 | Age: 18.3 | Previously ranked: 5
Topic is on his way back from a knee injury suffered in early January and could return to action around the end of February. He remains in the mix near the top of the draft and will likely be high on the board for teams in search of playmaking due to his mature, patient style that belies the fact he's one of the youngest prospects in the draft. That skill set at 6-7 distinguishes him from the other lottery-level talents in this class, but NBA teams will be hoping to see signs of growth from Topic as a shooter (just 28% from 3) and on the defensive end when he returns. He will have a strong platform to further improve his draft position with Adriatic League playoff games and EuroLeague competition still ahead. -- Woo

6. Matas Buzelis | SF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.2 | Previously ranked: 10
Buzelis has looked more comfortable at the G League level as the season has rolled on with projectable versatility and a good skill level for his size while improving his contribution on the defensive end. He's going to have to be able to handle increased physicality over time, and his lack of explosiveness off the dribble is a bit of a limiting factor right now. Still, he's improved as a shot-maker this season, and has the type of all-around skillset NBA teams are looking for at the forward spots. There's a lot of room for growth left in his game as his body continues to fill out, which should keep him in the mix as a lottery-level talent on draft night. -- Woo

7. Ja'Kobe Walter | SG/SF | Baylor
6-5 | Age: 19.3 | Previously ranked: 4
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Ja'Kobe Walter shows off the range on 3Ja'Kobe Walter shows off the range on 3
Mired in a shooting slump (2-of-13 on 2s, 5-of-22 from 3 in his past four games), Walter's areas for improvement have been on display of late. He's one of the draft's more gifted shot-makers from range, but struggles to create for himself and teammates with a limited handle, average foot speed and vision. Walter projects comfortably as a viable 3-and-D two-guard in the future, but will be tested for the rest of the season as defenses continue to focus on shutting him down. His long-term upside is tied to his growth as an elite shooter, and how much he can ultimately expand his offensive floor game. -- Woo

8. Tidjane Salaun | PF | Cholet
6-10 | Age: 18.4 | Previously ranked: 6
Salaun cooled off somewhat after a blistering month of December, making 14-for-47 from 3 (30%) in 10 games since. Still, it's hard not to be intrigued with the upside offered by the 6-10, 18-year-old forward who plays with outstanding activity on both ends of the floor and can shoot running off screens, pulling up off the dribble and has well beyond NBA range. Salaun's paltry rebounding, sped-up approach and lack of ballhandling ability make him somewhat of a situational fit for many NBA teams. The fact that he doesn't turn 19 until August and is getting his first taste of professional basketball this season gives Salaun significant potential to grow into. -- Givony

9. Kyle Filipowski | PF/C | Duke
7-0 | Age: 20.2 | Previously ranked: 9
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Kyle Filipowski makes the step-back 3Kyle Filipowski hits the step-back 3-pointer for Duke.
Filipowski is having an ACC player of the year-caliber campaign for Duke, but still has another gear he can get to with his productivity and consistency. He's the most skilled big man in college basketball, a force in the post, operating out of pick-and-roll, handling the ball on the perimeter and knocking down 3-pointers, with some defensive versatility as well. Scouts want to see Filipowski stretch the floor (35% from 3), protect the rim and bring toughness on both ends of the floor consistently, especially in Duke's biggest games come March. -- Givony

10. Ron Holland | SF | G League Ignite
6-7 | Age: 18.4 | Previously ranked: 11
Holland has continued to rack up counting stats as the focal point of a struggling Ignite team, but has struggled with his 3-point shooting and decision-making throughout the season. His offensive role will likely be scaled down in the NBA, which should put his defensive capabilities and overall motor at the forefront of his ultimate value as a high-energy, two-way wing. While no longer a strong candidate at No. 1, Holland remains in the lottery mix, albeit as more of a work in progress than expected entering the season. He may have to assuage concerns about his shooting in the pre-draft process, but his accomplishments before this season should work in his favor. -- Woo

11. Donovan Clingan | C | UConn
7-2 | Age: 19.9 | Previously ranked: 13
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Donovan Clingan gets the and-1 to fall for UConnDonovan Clingan gets the and-1 to fall for UConn.
Clingan is back after again missing time due to a foot injury. He's been inconsistent against better competition, but is still one of the most productive players in college basketball on a per-minute basis, scoring in the lane, offensive rebounding and blocking shots at impressive rates thanks to his instincts, intensity and physicality on both ends. Clingan's durability issues, struggles defending in space and lack of explosiveness are things NBA teams will want to study in the pre-draft process, but it's possible Clingan can get to another gear as his conditioning improves post-injury. How Clingan plays in UConn's biggest games in March will likely play an outsized role in how he's viewed due to his injury-plagued regular season. -- Givony

12. Reed Sheppard | PG/SG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 16
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Kentucky's Reed Sheppard gets up for a blockKentucky's Reed Sheppard gets up for a block
Sheppard has continued to light it up from 3, making 53% of his shots beyond the arc on solid volume through 22 games. He's built a case as the best shooter in the draft, and has helped facilitate quality offense with his decision-making, passing and unselfishness. The level at which he's playing will force teams to think about him early in the draft, despite his below-average physical profile. Defensively, Sheppard has excellent disruptive instincts, but his lack of size and length will always be a limiting element in his projection. He remains a bit polarizing for teams, but his play has created optimism around his upside. -- Woo

13. Zach Edey | C | Purdue
7-4 | Age: 21.7 | Previously ranked: 14
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Zach Edey throws down another slam dunk vs. WisconsinZach Edey takes it up for another major slam dunk against Wisconsin.
Edey continues to be the most dominant player in college basketball, even if his role has decreased somewhat for a well-balanced Purdue team that is ranked No. 2 (21-2) in the country. Nearly unstoppable around the basket, drawing fouls and crashing the offensive glass, the improvement Edey has made with his conditioning, mobility, quickness off his feet and defensive versatility stepping outside the paint has forced NBA teams to look at him through a different lens in his fourth season in college. He's not just a 7-4 big, he's also incredibly competitive and has been extremely durable throughout his career, only missing one of 123 games (due to the flu). Opposing coaches will try to come up with ways to challenge Edey on both ends of the floor for the remainder of the season, providing ample opportunity for NBA teams to evaluate him in a variety of situations. -- Givony

14. Isaiah Collier | PG | USC
6-5 | Age: 19.3 | Previously ranked: 8
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Isaiah Collier gets the steal and throws down thunderous flushIsaiah Collier gets the steal and throws down thunderous flush
Collier surprised many by making a quicker return than anticipated following a hand injury, initially scheduled to sideline him for four to six weeks. His decision to return this season -- and return in excellent shape off the bench in USC's overtime loss to Cal -- says something about his competitiveness and will be viewed as a positive indicator for NBA scouts. Cal struggled to keep him out of the lane, pushing in the open court, creating out of pick-and-roll, getting to the free throw line 16 times and finishing powerfully at the rim for several and-1 opportunities. He appeared to be playing harder defensively than in the past as well. Collier's finishing, decision-making and shooting are still major question marks from an NBA standpoint, but his size, ballhandling, sheer power accelerating off hesitation moves and scoring instincts are rare and coveted qualities. -- Givony

15. Stephon Castle | PG/SG | UConn
6-6 | Age: 19.1 | Previously ranked: 17
Consecutive 20-point performances in wins over Providence and St. John's were nice to see from Castle, whose contributions this season have come more on the defensive side where his game is way ahead of his offense. Castle's agility and size make him a terrific perimeter defender at either guard spot and have continued to earn him minutes as his scoring has been inconsistent. He's started to flash some shot-making skill, but he remains a work in progress as a creator and doesn't comfortably project as a point guard due to average vision and limited playmaking acumen. This places more emphasis on his ability to consistently space the floor and play off of cuts, but he could succeed in that type of role and provide value in the future. -- Woo

16. Kevin McCullar Jr. | SG/SF | Kansas
6-7 | Age: 22.9 | Previously ranked: 15
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Kevin McCullar Jr. knocks down the corner 3Kansas' K.J. Adams finds Kevin McCullar Jr. who hits the corner 3-pointer.
McCullar continues to play at an All-American level for a Kansas team with Final Four aspirations. He's one of the best defenders in college, an outstanding passer and connector and has made significant strides with his perimeter shooting, hitting 3-pointers with significant volume at a strong clip all season. Some NBA teams might be leery about McCullar's sudden transformation in his fifth season of college (he turns 23 in March) from a limited role player to a go-to guy and significant force on both ends of the floor. Others will look at the success of older players in previous drafts and be excited to add a potential contributor of his caliber on a cheap rookie-scale deal. Continuing to produce in Kansas' biggest games will only solidify McCullar's candidacy as a potential lottery pick. -- Givony

17. Devin Carter | PG/SG | Providence
6-3 | Age: 21.8 | Previously ranked: 43
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Devin Carter knocks down the 3Devin Carter knocks down the 3
The son of longtime NBA player Anthony Carter, Devin Carter has emerged as a Big East Player of the Year and an All-American candidate as a junior, making noteworthy offensive improvement while continuing to be one of the most impactful defenders in college. He's made a barrage of tough shots all season despite unorthodox mechanics, while shouldering significant shot-creation duties for Providence and contributing plenty of late-game heroics. Likely to play a more compact role in the NBA, Carter's ability to defend multiple positions, hit open shots at an excellent clip and play an unselfish, winning brand of basketball gives him an easy niche to fill as a De'Anthony Melton-type player, likely best-suited for playoff teams. -- Givony

18. Dalton Knecht | SG/SF | Tennessee
6-6 | Age: 22.8 | Previously ranked: 24
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Dalton Knecht finishes over two LSU defenders for the and-1Dalton Knecht drives to the rim and finishes through contact for a Tennessee and-1.
The Northern Colorado transfer is an SEC Player of the Year candidate thanks to his impressive scoring exploits that go deeper than just his outstanding shot-making ability. He's a significant weapon pushing in the open floor, operating out of pick-and-roll, posting up weaker opponents, attacking closeouts, finishing above the rim, getting to the free throw line and mostly making good decisions with the ball as a high-usage option. While there are some questions about how many aspects of his scoring game will translate, his movement shooting gives him a strong niche as an NBA prospect. The fact Knecht can do more than that with his solid size, length and explosiveness might get him some lottery looks depending on how he finishes the season. Showing better ability defensively would help his case, as he struggles to hold his own both one-on-one and especially off the ball, having a difficult time navigating screens. -- Givony

19. Tyler Smith | SF/PF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.1 | Previously ranked: 18
Smith has put together a productive stretch of games for Ignite, draining a huge 3-pointer to tie the game late in their recent win over Iowa and continuing to display the perimeter shooting that makes him intriguing at 6-10. His youth, frame and ability to finish plays gives him a nice upside, but he's still a work in progress defensively and on the glass while learning how to impact the game without scoring. He remains on a positive trajectory this season, and, due to the wide need for players in his mold, could reach the back end of the lottery if it continues. -- Woo

20. Ryan Dunn | SF/PF | Virginia
6-8 | Age: 20.9 | Previously ranked: 12
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Ryan Dunn throws down sick alley-oop dunkRyan Dunn throws down a massive alley-oop vs. Miami.
There hasn't been much visible progress from Dunn as a jump shooter -- just four 3-pointers attempted in January -- although some of that is by design with the way Virginia wants to play. His physical tools and defensive skills remain strong calling cards, even as his production has regressed a bit in the ACC. It seems most likely at this point his ultimate draft position will hinge heavily on how he shoots the ball in private workouts and what he's able to show pre-draft. It's hard to find wings capable of guarding the way Dunn does at his size, but it's also difficult to deploy non-shooters at the 2 or 3 and win games. NBA teams have to square the value of those two things as they consider where to place him on their boards. -- Woo

21. Yves Missi | C | Baylor
6-11 | Age: 19.7 | Previously ranked: 20
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Yves Missi shakes defender, shows off length on dunkYves Missi gets by his defender then reaches out for an impressive one-handed dunk.
Missi's production has fluctuated throughout the season, but his appeal is the impressive size, reach and verticality he offers as a pick-and-roll finisher. He's shown some flashes creating his own shot from the mid-post or high-post areas as well, using an explosive first step and long strides, helping him draw fouls consistently. Missi's ability to make a more regular impact as a defender and rebounder are areas that will be scrutinized in the final weeks of the season, as he's been hit or miss protecting the rim and offering physicality on the interior, things he'll have to do to play a role in the NBA early in his career. -- Givony

22. Bobi Klintman | SF/PF | Cairns
6-10 | Age: 20.8 | Previously ranked: 21
Klintman is another prospect who will need a strong pre-draft process to help support what's been an inconsistent season in the NBL. His size, length, explosiveness and versatility at forward make him a very capable player theoretically, but his contributions have remained a bit sporadic, which was his reputation at Wake Forest last season. He has work left to do to solidify himself as a potential first-rounder. -- Woo

23. Kel'el Ware | C | Indiana
7-0 | Age: 19.8 | Previously ranked: 22
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Kel'el Ware dunks alley-oop off the opening tipIndiana starts out quickly as Kel'el Ware gets a dunk off the opening tip.
Ware's decision to forgo entering the 2023 NBA draft after a disappointing freshman season at Oregon appears to be paying off, as he's in the midst of a productive sophomore campaign at Indiana. There aren't many 7-footers who can cover ground, score with explosiveness and touch around the basket, space the floor and protect the rim such as Ware, especially at 19 years old, giving him a coveted stretch-5 niche and upside to grow into long-term. He has significant questions to answer about his physicality, feel for the game and intangibles, but his skill level, age and tools should keep him in the NBA conversation for a long time. -- Givony

24. Izan Almansa | PF/C | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 18.4 | Previously ranked: 23
Almansa has been a challenging evaluation for scouts in the context of his role with the Ignite -- an offensive framework that hasn't regularly played to his strengths. He brings a valuable skill set to the table potentially as a pick-and-roll player, which is something that could be better highlighted in a different team setup with stronger guards. Almansa doesn't space the floor effectively yet nor does he offer much rim protection, but a creative team might be able to better utilize him at the next level. His feel and success playing for Spain in FIBA competitions will help bolster his case, even though his season hasn't been what scouts hoped for. -- Woo

25. Trevon Brazile | PF/C | Arkansas
6-10 | Age: 20.9 | Previously ranked: 19
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Trevon Brazile rocks the rim with powerful jamTrevon Brazile rocks the rim with powerful jam
Sidelined with a knee injury since Jan. 24, Brazile hasn't remained healthy or played up to his potential consistently, but offers good versatility at his size as a possible development addition. Athletic bigs who can shoot 3s and block shots will always be interesting investments for teams, but his actual production has left something to be desired in college. Brazile should be able to find a more natural role playing along the baseline and spacing from the corners at the next level, however. He'll likely need more development time at the pro level in any scenario. -- Woo
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.
Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect evaluation and the draft. He was previously a staff writer and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.

[Mark_83]

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Called it.

[ArthurVandelay]

Now that we potentially have only 2 picks (IND + DET) we can debate approach. Yes, obviously you target BPA, but it's not always cut and dry, there are usually tiers of comparable players. You also have to consider whether you mean best player now or in the future and the likelihood of it happening (e.g., is the best player at the spot the guy with a 70% chance of being at least a rotation player, or the guy with a 10% chance of being a superstar and 90% chance of being a bust, etc?).

Do you go for pure upside trying to raise the team's overall talent ceiling?
Do you target probability and stockpile talent that can develop and perhaps outperform their projection (or that you can consolidate in trade later)?
Maybe you try to get a balance of both where you can?

We have pick 18 and 31 so you could theoretically go safe at one pick and swing for the fences at the other and vice versa, or you can swing for the fences on both.

What are you thinking this year? I always appreciate your input. I wouldn't mind Ron Holland, I know this year hasn't gone quite right but don't mind the swing there, who knows if he is available. Obviously, don't mind DJ Wagner and for a shot in the dark, later maybe Dillon Mitchell. Haven't watched as much college basketball this year as the past three, it's not as eciting of a year in my opinion with many of the top guys coming from Europe or the G-league

I think Holland is good value outside the top 5. He's got his warts (efficiency, shooting, etc.) but he's got an intriguing profile of size, athleticism, ball handling, assertiveness to score and willingness to defend. He's a bit bland to me as a prospect. Nothing really pops or stands out about his game. Also the Ignite have not yet shown to be a great incubator for development. Still, I think he looks like a high probability guy to at least be a rotation player.

The draft is a mixed bag which makes it fun to scout. When we redraft the top 10 in a few years I wouldn't be surprised if most of the best players were selected from mid to late first round and early second.

I agree.

A year ago Coulibaly was going in 2024 draft, Whitmore and Nick Smith Jr were projected top 5, few knew Podz….a lot will change in next 4.5 months. I love the draft.

[Snowwy]

What are you thinking this year? I always appreciate your input. I wouldn't mind Ron Holland, I know this year hasn't gone quite right but don't mind the swing there, who knows if he is available. Obviously, don't mind DJ Wagner and for a shot in the dark, later maybe Dillon Mitchell. Haven't watched as much college basketball this year as the past three, it's not as eciting of a year in my opinion with many of the top guys coming from Europe or the G-league

I think Holland is good value outside the top 5. He's got his warts (efficiency, shooting, etc.) but he's got an intriguing profile of size, athleticism, ball handling, assertiveness to score and willingness to defend. He's a bit bland to me as a prospect. Nothing really pops or stands out about his game. Also the Ignite have not yet shown to be a great incubator for development. Still, I think he looks like a high probability guy to at least be a rotation player.

The draft is a mixed bag which makes it fun to scout. When we redraft the top 10 in a few years I wouldn't be surprised if most of the best players were selected from mid to late first round and early second.

I agree.

A year ago Coulibaly was going in 2024 draft, Whitmore and Nick Smith Jr were projected top 5, few knew Podz….a lot will change in next 4.5 months. I love the draft.

Who do you have your eye on a bit further down the boards?

[ArthurVandelay]

I think Holland is good value outside the top 5. He's got his warts (efficiency, shooting, etc.) but he's got an intriguing profile of size, athleticism, ball handling, assertiveness to score and willingness to defend. He's a bit bland to me as a prospect. Nothing really pops or stands out about his game. Also the Ignite have not yet shown to be a great incubator for development. Still, I think he looks like a high probability guy to at least be a rotation player.

The draft is a mixed bag which makes it fun to scout. When we redraft the top 10 in a few years I wouldn't be surprised if most of the best players were selected from mid to late first round and early second.

I agree.

A year ago Coulibaly was going in 2024 draft, Whitmore and Nick Smith Jr were projected top 5, few knew Podz….a lot will change in next 4.5 months. I love the draft.

Who do you have your eye on a bit further down the boards?

Outside Topic, Salaun, Risacher, Sarr, Williams, and maybe Holland, I don’t have really strong opinions yet. I do like Ajinca a lot though so that would be the guy to answer your question.

This is what my very early 2024 nba draft board is looking like.

Guard:

Nikola Topic
Reed Sheppard
Robert Dillingham
Ja’Kobe Walker
Reece Beekman

KJ Simpson?
Otega Oweh?
Devin Carter?
Nique Clifford?


Wings:

Zaccharie Risacher
Tidjane Salaun
Cody Williams
Ron holland
Melvin Ajinca
Johnny Furphy
Pacome Dadiet

Kyshawn George?
Ryan Dunn?
Bobi Klintman?
Trentyn Flowers?
Dillon Jones?


Bigs:

Alexandre Sarr

Uldrich Comche?
Zach Edey?
Zvonimir Ivisic?
Kel’el Ware?
Jonathan Mogbo?
Yves Missi?
Kyle Filipowski?

[Jstock12]

I agree.

A year ago Coulibaly was going in 2024 draft, Whitmore and Nick Smith Jr were projected top 5, few knew Podz….a lot will change in next 4.5 months. I love the draft.

Who do you have your eye on a bit further down the boards?

Outside Topic, Salaun, Risacher, Sarr, Williams, and maybe Holland, I don’t have really strong opinions yet. I do like Ajinca a lot though so that would be the guy to answer your question.

This is what my very early 2024 nba draft board is looking like.

Guard:

Nikola Topic
Reed Sheppard
Robert Dillingham
Ja’Kobe Walker
Reece Beekman

KJ Simpson?
Otega Oweh?
Devin Carter?
Nique Clifford?


Wings:

Zaccharie Risacher
Tidjane Salaun
Cody Williams
Ron holland
Melvin Ajinca
Johnny Furphy
Pacome Dadiet

Kyshawn George?
Ryan Dunn?
Bobi Klintman?
Trentyn Flowers?
Dillon Jones?


Bigs:

Alexandre Sarr

Uldrich Comche?
Zach Edey?
Zvonimir Ivisic?
Kel’el Ware?
Jonathan Mogbo?
Yves Missi?
Kyle Filipowski?

Did you forget to add Buzelis, or is he a 2nd round pick in your mock?

[DG88]

With the Pacers pick I'd take Devon Carter dudes a winner

[ArthurVandelay]

Who do you have your eye on a bit further down the boards?

Outside Topic, Salaun, Risacher, Sarr, Williams, and maybe Holland, I don’t have really strong opinions yet. I do like Ajinca a lot though so that would be the guy to answer your question.

This is what my very early 2024 nba draft board is looking like.

Guard:

Nikola Topic
Reed Sheppard
Robert Dillingham
Ja’Kobe Walker
Reece Beekman

KJ Simpson?
Otega Oweh?
Devin Carter?
Nique Clifford?


Wings:

Zaccharie Risacher
Tidjane Salaun
Cody Williams
Ron holland
Melvin Ajinca
Johnny Furphy
Pacome Dadiet

Kyshawn George?
Ryan Dunn?
Bobi Klintman?
Trentyn Flowers?
Dillon Jones?


Bigs:

Alexandre Sarr

Uldrich Comche?
Zach Edey?
Zvonimir Ivisic?
Kel’el Ware?
Jonathan Mogbo?
Yves Missi?
Kyle Filipowski?

Did you forget to add Buzelis, or is he a 2nd round pick in your mock?

That isn’t a mock. Just guys I like and others I am still foeming opinions on.

I don’t like Buzelis.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Ron Holland is pretty polarizing as a prospect, depending on the organization he's with I can see him either hijacking an offense and throwing up volume shots at trash clips while being turnover prone OR he learns to dial it back and becomes a good jack of all trades NBA SF, a player who leans on his defense more and who has more occasional 20+ and 30+ point outings. He passes the eye test but has bad habits. I think landing with the right team will shape his outcome a ton.

[Jstock12]

Outside Topic, Salaun, Risacher, Sarr, Williams, and maybe Holland, I don’t have really strong opinions yet. I do like Ajinca a lot though so that would be the guy to answer your question.

This is what my very early 2024 nba draft board is looking like.

Guard:

Nikola Topic
Reed Sheppard
Robert Dillingham
Ja’Kobe Walker
Reece Beekman

KJ Simpson?
Otega Oweh?
Devin Carter?
Nique Clifford?


Wings:

Zaccharie Risacher
Tidjane Salaun
Cody Williams
Ron holland
Melvin Ajinca
Johnny Furphy
Pacome Dadiet

Kyshawn George?
Ryan Dunn?
Bobi Klintman?
Trentyn Flowers?
Dillon Jones?


Bigs:

Alexandre Sarr

Uldrich Comche?
Zach Edey?
Zvonimir Ivisic?
Kel’el Ware?
Jonathan Mogbo?
Yves Missi?
Kyle Filipowski?

Did you forget to add Buzelis, or is he a 2nd round pick in your mock?

That isn’t a mock. Just guys I like and others I am still foeming opinions on.

I don’t like Buzelis.

Fair enough.

[Kevin Willis]

Watch on YouTube

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Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=MonacchiBasketballScout

Better than Zach. Went to work against Sarr. Plays similar to Marc Gasol, especially with his vision and outlet passes. Does this sort of player have a place in the NBA? Don't know but he is really good and he will be climb very fast when draft time comes. The other bonus is Toronto's strong Chinese community. He would be bigger than Dick.