2024 NBA Draft Mega Thread
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Handlogten's Heros
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Locke has started his draft prep and I think he is trying to give @Elizah Huge an aneurysm.
Loves Rob, Reed, McCain but says he may not draft anyone in the first round under 6'4" which is so so so dumb. Are we not watching these short kings in the playoffs right now?
Loves Rob, Reed, McCain but says he may not draft anyone in the first round under 6'4" which is so so so dumb. Are we not watching these short kings in the playoffs right now?
1. Zaccharie Risacher | SF | JL Bourg
6-foot-10 | Age: 19.0 | Previously ranked: 1
Risacher is breaking out of his recent slump -- recording point totals of 14, 14, 18 and 11 in his last four games, while making half his field goal attempts. That's notable since every game he plays is heavily attended by NBA executives since the college season ended. Risacher's combination of size at 6-foot-10, and perimeter shooting ability -- he's hitting 39% of his 3-pointers -- is attractive considering the other things he brings with his defensive versatility and feel for the game. The French playoffs take place over the next two weeks and will be a key evaluation opportunity for lottery teams to get a last look at him with Bourg. -- Givony
2. Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth
7-1 | Age: 19.0 | Previously ranked: 2
Sarr remains firmly in the mix at No. 1 entering the critical pre-draft stretch, having transitioned into workout mode with his season in Australia ending in mid-March. He'll have an opportunity to help himself and stake his claim atop the draft in private settings, where his athletic gifts are likely to impress. Teams will be particularly curious to see him shoot from 3, after he made 18-of-57 attempts (31.6%) in 30 games across competitions with Perth and shot 72% from the line. Sarr's profile as a mobile big who could stretch the floor and impact the game on both ends stands out in the context of this lottery class, but he has more work to do to firm up his standing. With that said, he should have enough leverage in the process to be selective with who he works out for after the lottery order is determined. -- Woo
3. Donovan Clingan | C | Connecticut
7-2 | Age: 20.1 | Previously ranked: 3
Clingan played a huge role in UConn's national championship run, anchoring one of college basketball's best defenses. He brings tremendous size, length, instincts and timing while making plays all over the floor with his much-improved mobility. He was also a major playmaking hub for UConn's No. 1 ranked offense, facilitating from the high post as well as being a key screener, roller, cutter and offensive rebounder. Clingan has started his pre-draft process in Florida but will surely be selective with what teams he visits as his outstanding play this season has rocketed him into the top-5 on NBA teams' draft boards. That gives him a chance to get drafted as high as No. 1 depending on which team wins the lottery. -- Givony
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Donovan Clingan's shining moments during the tournament
Donovan Clingan has put on a clinic to lead UConn to the Final Four.
4. Rob Dillingham | PG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 19.3 | Previously ranked: 4
Dillingham is one of the more polarizing players projected in the lottery, and where he gets drafted will depend on how the final lottery order shakes out. Teams in need of playmaking help will have to look hard at him: He creates shots off the bounce more naturally than anyone in the class and has developed into a very good shooter. On the other hand, many around the league are skeptical Dillingham becomes a starter on a winning team, primarily due to his lack of size and what he's likely to give up on the defensive end. As a result, he's a major risk-reward proposition early in the draft, and might be looking at a pretty wide range of outcomes within the lottery, depending on how the pre-draft process goes. -- Woo
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Rob Dillingham drains a contested 3 for Kentucky
Rob Dillingham pulls up from deep and splashes the 3-pointer for Kentucky.
5. Nikola Topic | PG | Red Star
6-7 | Age: 18.7 | Previously ranked: 5
After a nearly five-month absence, Topic is back on the court following his knee injury, helping Red Star advance in the Adriatic League playoffs while posting eight points in 16 minutes in a win last week. Topic made a pair of 3s and showed his vision with intelligent pick-and-roll reads, but his rhythm looked off -- as is expected following his prolonged absence. He got his shot blocked on a few occasions and struggled to move laterally out of a stance as well. His coming games will be closely scrutinized, but he'll likely have plenty of games coming this month that give him a chance to regain some of the momentum he lost due to his injury. -- Givony
6. Matas Buzelis | SF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 6
Teams should feel comfortable with Buzelis given his pedigree, productivity, and that he's one of a handful of players with a legitimate opportunity to boost his stock into the top few spots as the process plays out. His size, versatility and production in the G League all suggest a pretty bankable future as an NBA contributor, with the question being in what capacity. If Buzelis is able to make a leap as a shot-creator, it could elevate his ceiling considerably, and he'll presumably aim to showcase his scoring potential in workout settings. -- Woo
7. Reed Sheppard | PG/SG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 19.8 | Previously ranked: 7
Sheppard entered the draft after receiving feedback indicating he has a very strong case to be a top-five pick, possibly even a top-three pick -- an opportunity that is hard to pass on. Sheppard's shooting prowess, passing creativity, defensive instincts, productivity and never-ending confidence wowed NBA teams all season. He has some fans at the top of this draft, but the results of the lottery will help determine where he ultimately lands. -- Givony
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Reed Sheppard hits the trey vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Reed Sheppard hits the trey vs. Texas A&M Aggies
8. Dalton Knecht | SG/SF | Tennessee
6-6 | Age: 23.0 | Previously ranked: 8There's little doubt Knecht is one of the most polished scorers in the draft after a huge season at Tennessee that legitimized him as an NBA talent -- he wasn't on the radar this time a year ago at Northern Colorado. Not every team will prioritize selecting an older prospect this high in the draft, but there's a real chance Knecht will be selected by a lottery team that's comfortable with his defensive limitations. In an uncertain draft class, Knecht has been able to set himself apart as a relatively easy player to evaluate -- he should space the floor and score when called upon -- and will be appealing as a plug-and-play option beginning in this range of the draft. -- Woo
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Zeigler finds Knecht for the fast-break alley-oop
Zakai Zeigler throws a lob to Dalton Knecht for the Tennessee alley-oop layup.
9. Stephon Castle | PG/SG | Connecticut
6-6 | Age: 19.4 | Previously ranked: 14
Castle used the significant platform of UConn's national championship run to show off his winning credentials, with several impressive NCAA tournament performances. He guarded the other teams' best players, hit outside shots to keep defenses honest and demonstrated his unselfishness as a secondary playmaker while playing an important role against high-level competition. NBA teams will want to learn more about Castle's perimeter shooting and overall scoring ability to better determine where he should be picked, but he has done well to position himself going into the pre-draft process. -- Givony
10. Cody Williams | SG/SF | Colorado
6-8 | Age: 19.4 | Previously ranked: 9
The workout circuit will be important for Williams to remind teams why he once was viewed as a candidate at the top of the draft, a case that was complicated by the way he finished the season -- due at least in part to injuries. At his best, he looked like a clear lottery talent, but those games were fewer and further between than initially expected. Front offices will be particularly interested to assess his comfort level shooting both off the catch and dribble in drill situations as they try to better project his future offensive role and impact. Williams' size, playmaking ability and defensive potential have always signaled intriguing long-term upside, but there's a variance of opinion among scouts on his floor and ceiling as a prospect.. -- Woo
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Cody Williams erases the Boise State layup attempt
Cody Williams comes up with a nice defensive play to block the Boise State layup.
11. Isaiah Collier | PG | USC
6-5 | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 10
Collier is viewed as a polarizing prospect, with a wide draft range starting around the mid-lottery and extending throughout the first round. Few prospects share the shot-creation prowess, scoring instincts and star power Collier boasts, but his lack of scoring efficiency, nontraditional shooting mechanics and inconsistent defense make it difficult to gauge how prepared he is to impact winning early in his NBA career, considering USC's struggles this season. Collier can use the pre-draft process and remind teams why he was his recruiting class' No. 1-ranked player coming out of high school, as well as assuage some of these concerns. -- Givony
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Isaiah Collier shows off vision with nice pass vs. Arizona Wildcats
Isaiah Collier shows off vision with nice pass vs. Arizona Wildcats
12. Ja'Kobe Walter | SG/SF | Baylor
6-5 | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 11
Walter's shot-making ability, length and intangibles have given him a secure pathway into the later lottery, as teams feel pretty comfortable with what he brings to the table. He has an opportunity to rise a bit with a good pre-draft process if teams place greater value on his solid floor and useful skill set in a draft that's lacking prospects who are sure things. While not much of a ball handler and undersized for an NBA wing, Walter should make enough shots and offer enough defensively in the long run to provide value -- the questions here are more about where the upside lies. -- Woo
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Baylor's Ja'Kobe Walter swishes the open triple
Ja'Kobe Walter sets his feet and causally sinks the deep 3-pointer vs. Cincinnati.
13. Ron Holland | SF | G League Ignite
6-7 | Age: 18.8 | Previously ranked: 12
Holland was the No. 2-ranked player in his high school class but saw his stock dip this season after being miscast at G League Ignite as a primary offensive option. His role led to some big scoring performances, but he also struggled with turnovers and scoring inefficiency throughout the season. Holland will try to remind NBA teams of his winning intangibles and competitiveness in the pre-draft process with his motor and defensive versatility, major reasons he was so highly regarded early in his career. His perimeter shooting will be closely scrutinized after he hit just 24% of his 3-point attempts in the G League. -- Givony
14. Zach Edey | C | Purdue
7-4 | Age: 22.0 | Previously ranked: 13
Edey remains a known quantity, and how teams value him and which landing spots emerge in the draft will be more a referendum on each front office and coaching staff's philosophy on how to use his unique strengths. Whether Edey emerges as a viable rotation player or becomes more of a situational factor hangs on him landing in an optimal situation for his usage and development. His size, strength, competitiveness and touch around the basket will allow him to play impactful minutes, and if he can make more strides on the defensive end, he should be able to carve out a useful niche in the NBA. -- Woo
15. Tidjane Salaun | PF | Cholet
6-10 | Age: 18.7 | Previously ranked: 15
Salaun's role -- already significant for an 18-year-old at this level of European basketball -- continues to grow as the season moves on with him logging 29 minutes per game over the past 10 contests. He has had several big scoring outings despite his inconsistent efficiency, showing off his credentials as an oversized forward with real shot-making prowess who plays with outstanding intensity on both ends of the floor. Cholet, currently on a five-game losing stream, will need to win its final two games to get in position to make the playoffs. -- Givony
16. Kyle Filipowski | PF/C | Duke
7-0 | Age: 20.5 | Previously ranked: 16
Filipowski has been another polarizing name, as there's clear value in the array of skills he possesses at his size, but there were several times in the past couple of seasons when he left scouts wanting more. It's hard to find 7-footers with his potential to shoot, make plays for teammates and operate inside-out, but there are concerns about his physical ability, defense and toughness that he will have to address going into June. He won't be a fit on every roster, but there aren't many bigs in the draft who offer the versatility he could bring on offense. -- Woo
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Filipowski flexes after tough and-1 for Duke
Duke's Kyle Filipowski fights his way to the basket and muscles in a tough and-1.
17. Devin Carter | PG/SG | Providence
6-3 | Age: 22.1 | Previously ranked: 17
Carter is coming off a highly successful junior season that earned him Big East Player of the Year honors, boosting his draft stock firmly into the first round. There's going to be considerable interest among playoff teams in his two-way versatility, improved perimeter shooting, toughness and role-playing potential. He looks like a plug-and-play option for a team that already has ample shot-creators. -- Givony
18. Tristan Da Silva | SF/PF | Colorado
6-9 | Age: 22.9 | Previously ranked: 18
A strong finish helped vault Da Silva into first-round territory as one of our biggest late-season risers. His ability to space the floor, defend multiple positions and operate out of several spots on offense give him a leg up toward finding a role in the modern NBA. His rebounding and physicality leave something to be desired, but playoff teams looking for immediate help at forward could give him a long look in this range of the draft. His versatility should open up a wide range of potential suitors. -- Woo
19. Jared McCain | PG/SG | Duke
6-3 | Age: 20.1 | Previously ranked: 19McCain is one of the best shooters in this draft but can do more than that. He improved his shot creation, rebounding and defense as the season moved on and now has an easy niche he can fill in the NBA with his scoring instincts, competitiveness and smarts. McCain might be able to show he has a higher upside than he's being given credit for during the pre-draft process because of his just-average physical tools. -- Givony
20. Yves Missi | C | Baylor
6-11 | Age: 20.0 | Previously ranked: 20
Missi had some nice flashes as a freshman, stepping in as Baylor's starting center and gaining a valuable full season of experience. While still a ways from being able to positively impact an NBA floor on a nightly basis, Missi's physical ability and size make him an interesting development selection in a draft that's otherwise a bit light on rim-running centers in his mold. Teams will want to better understand his trajectory as they work to determine his feel for the game and untapped upside. His range still seems wide going into May as the pre-draft process nears. -- Woo
21. Tyler Smith | SF/PF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.4 | Previously ranked: 21
At 19 years old, Smith was one of the G League's most prolific per-minute scorers. The 6-foot-10 forward has impressive scoring instincts and shot-making prowess. He can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways, especially from the perimeter, a coveted skill for a player his size. Smith can help himself in the pre-draft process by showing he has a better feel for the game and greater potential defensively than he displayed this season, when he regularly looked lost off the ball. -- Givony
22. Kevin McCullar Jr. | SG/SF | Kansas
6-7 | Age: 23.1 | Previously ranked: 22
McCullar was banged up for much of the season at Kansas but at his best looked like a player capable of contributing off an NBA bench in the short term. While not elite in any area, wings who can make plays in a pinch, knock down open shots and hold their own defensively tend to have broad use. McCullar figures to do those things, although he has more left to prove as a shooter -- he shot 31% from 3 and 75% from the line in 137 college games. His age is also a factor, but he'll appeal to teams searching for serviceable minutes at his position. -- Woo
23. Bobi Klintman | SF/PF | Cairns
6-10 | Age: 21.1 | Previously ranked: 23
Klintman had a productive season in Australia, showing he can score in a variety of ways, namely with his perimeter jumper and while running the floor in transition. It's hard to find an NBA team that isn't looking for 6-10 players in his mold, despite theoretical qualities to his game that he'll still need to answer for during the pre-draft process, namely his consistency on both ends of the floor. -- Givony
24. Kyshawn George | SG/SF | Miami
6-9 | Age: 20.4 | Previously ranked: 24
George's year-end numbers weren't spectacular (13.2 points, 5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per 40 minutes), but he flashed enough ability to put himself in the first-round conversation. His size, ballhandling, playmaking and shooting (40.8% from 3 on four attempts per game) make him an interesting long-term development bet, but his lack of high-level experience was evident in his inconsistent play. There are real questions about his ability to get into the paint and handle physicality, but his mix of skills is inherently valuable if he puts it together. George will be a popular pre-draft workout target as teams look to determine his ultimate place on their boards. He could be a real riser in the spring, but he could also be better off developing in college another year. -- Woo
25. Carlton Carrington | PG | Pitt
6-5 | Age: 18.7 | Previously ranked: 25
Carrington was one of the youngest players in college basketball this season but was able to carve out a significant role on a Pitt team that was one win away from making the NCAA tournament. He was up and down in ACC play but had some outstanding performances down the stretch, showing his talent as a plus-sized ballhandling guard who can shoot off the bounce, pass off a live dribble and bring intensity defensively despite his lack of strength and high-end explosiveness. Carrington will need time to be ready to play meaningful NBA minutes, but his youth, versatility and feel for the game give him a high ceiling in a draft lacking in that department. -- Givony
Let’s invite him on the pod and go h2h.
In a perfect world. I would trade Keyonte George and find a way to get Jared McCain. I think McCain will be a better pro. KG is just too wild and streaky and a dud his later part of his rookie year. Horrific 3 pt shooter the later half of the season.
Also Cody Williams athletic numbers according to Locke are high end. His off the bounce numbers is his major flow but has good to great numbers elsewhere - he might be able to step into the Tech role. I think you can play him with Sensabaugh who has good off the bounce talent.
Also Cody Williams athletic numbers according to Locke are high end. His off the bounce numbers is his major flow but has good to great numbers elsewhere - he might be able to step into the Tech role. I think you can play him with Sensabaugh who has good off the bounce talent.
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I admittedly hadn't watched much (any) Tidjane Salaun until I saw him mocked #15 right there.
After watching 5 minutes of highlights and glancing Eurobasket - he certainly looks intriguing. Good shooting mechanics, length, bouncy athlete, solid finisher.
We could do worse...
After watching 5 minutes of highlights and glancing Eurobasket - he certainly looks intriguing. Good shooting mechanics, length, bouncy athlete, solid finisher.
We could do worse...
He is definitely an intriguing player with his blend of size, athleticism and skillset. In most mocks he is around 15 but it wouldn't surprise me to see him go in the top 10 after he works out for teams.
Almost every French Fan's opinion on Risacher and Salaun seems to be the same. Risacher is better/more skilled, but he's soft and Salaun has more potential due to better phyisicals and mentality. I'm not really sure I see the athleticism part with Salaun....looks blocky out there.
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We can invite but he literally said he wouldn't take anyone under 6-4 and I lol'd at how that would make your skin crawl.
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I understand the premise of how Locke determines athleticism but I would take it as gospel. Kyshawn George was a good athlete in his measures and I can tell from my youtube analysis that ain't true. May be coordinated and read the floor well but he is Ingles like when it comes to explosion around the basket. I am not talking about Utah Ingles or Australian league Ingles... I am talking Orlando Magic Ingles.
Holland keeps dropping, but also keeps getting rave reviews about his intangibles. I think his effort shows up in the film and in the numbers as well. Combine that mentality with his athleticism and I think that's not a bad bet for the 8th pick in a bad draft. Even if he's not a leading scorer, or even much of a scorer at all he has the tools and mindset to stick around in this league.
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If the price is really cheap because GMs hate this draft... I would like to see if we can get a pick in the 8-13 range as there are a couple guys I'd bet on based on this list. Holland, Castle, McCain, Williams, Collier all are decent bets.
I have Pacome Dadiet over Salaun personally. Not a fan.
I'll trust your judgment there. I know very little about either.
One thing the international guys have a leg up on this draft is they are all extremely young compared to the college guys with the exception of Buzelis who will be 20 before the season starts.
Risacher/Sarr just turned 19. Salaun/Dadiet/Topic will all be 18 on draft day. Ron Holland is the only 18 year old (on draft day) American who projects as a first rounder.
Sheppard is going to be 20 in June, very old for a Freshman.
Risacher/Sarr just turned 19. Salaun/Dadiet/Topic will all be 18 on draft day. Ron Holland is the only 18 year old (on draft day) American who projects as a first rounder.
Sheppard is going to be 20 in June, very old for a Freshman.
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There's just something aesthetically that bothers me about Salaun. He's very leggy and it's highlighted because he wears shorter shorts than everyone else. Just looks like an awkward high gravity player who isnt going to be able to access his athleticism at the NBA level (kind of akin to Samanic) and I dont think he is very skilled outside of shooting vs Dadiet who has more of an all-around game to my eye test.
I'd be willing to bet on Dillingham due to his self creation. He's quick enough and shifty enough that he'll be hard to track with NBA spacing. The concern with him is on defense.
However, I could see how it's possible to have a more cynical take on a guy like McCain. It's easier to dismiss someone like that and say, "Oh, he'll play a role like Seth Curry in the NBA." He might get picked in the late teens or early 20s. It's harder to project him into a more impactful role.
Salaun has a high motor and some extra length that makes him look physically impactful. I want to like him, but his skill level doesn't assure me that he's more than an energy guy. The main question is whether he can dribble and change directions at the same time. It's unusual for a guy to be a confident deep shooter, but not be able to shoot from more than a few spots on the floor.