For many, the 2024 NBA Draft came and went without much notice. This may be the most unknown draft of the last 5 -6 years, so we're here to provide you with some insight on the Top 30 picks and some special mentions on some second rounders!

Glossary:

Comparison Player is a rough pairing of what a player can be with improvements to their game.

P = Points

A = Assists

R = Rebounds

S = Steals

B = Blocks

Picks #1 - #10

#1 - Zaccharie Risacher drafted by the Atlanta Hawks

Risacher is a 6'9 Forward out of France who is known for his shooting game. Averaging 39% from deep & 46% from the floor during the Combine, Risacher impressed as a strong catch and shoot Wing who has the ability to drill shots from all points on the floor.

Risacher does have plenty of room for improvement as he is only averaging 71% from the line & less than 1.0 assists per game. I wont be surprised if we don't see Risacher playing tons of minutes next season as he develops is all round game.

Comparison Player - Kelly Oubre Jr

 

#2 - Alex Sarr drafted by the Washington Wizards

Sarr is a 7'1 forward from France, drafted from our very own Perth Wildcats in the NBL. Sarr primarily is a strong defender, averaging 4.5 boards & 1.5 blocks in just 18.0 minutes of play time. He can also be dangerous under the rim, scoring roughly 9.5pts per 18mins. Sarrs projections do lead to a strong double double candidate by crashing the glass and finishing under the rim.

Sarr does also have much room for improvement. He is not a real shooting threat, averaging just 28% from 3 & 70% from the Stripe in the Combine. To truly develop into an all round threat, Sarr will have to put a lot of work into his shooting to really give that Wizards team a lift.

Comparison Player - Evan Mobley

 

#3 - Reed Sheppard drafted by the Houston Rockets

Sheppard is 6'2 Guard out of Kentucky who is decorated with accomplishments already at just 20yrs old. Sheppard averaged 13P, 4A, 4R & 2.5 steals in just 28.9mins per game off the bench in 2023 - also leading the whole nation in 3 point shot percentage at a HUGE 52.1%.Noted by many as the most polished product of the 2024 Draft, Sheppard is considered an elite catch & shoot player with great defensive instincts. He very much fits the 3 & D role and once again Houston have drafted themself a gem.

The only downside to Sheppard is his strength. At only 6'2 he may need to add some power to truly take his defense to the next level, however with his style of play this isn't a be all end all.

Comparison Player - Jalen Suggs

 

#4 - Stephon Castle drafted by the San Antonio Spurs

Castle is a 6'6 Guard out of Connecticut who is strong in most areas of the game. Castle averaged 20P, 9.5R, 4.8A, 3S & 2B per game in his senior year which is an insane stat line. He came into the draft as a 5 star recruit after winning a Gold Medal in the U18s FIBA World Cup with Team USA. Castle has great physicality and a solid finisher under the rim. He also has the ability to get his head up and find his teammates on the court as a great passing threat.

Castle's downfall is his shooting game, shooting just 27% from 3 & 76% from the line in the Combine, Castle will need to develop his perimeter game if he wants to be a true threat as a guard in todays NBA. He should be fun to watch alongside Wemby & CP3 if he gets some time with the first core next season.

Comparison Player - Russel Westbrook

 

#5 - Ron Holland II drafted by the Detroit Pistons

Holland is a 6'7 Forward out of the G League Ignite who is known for his fluidity and smooth jump shot. Holland forewent college to join Ignite, only playing 14 games before undergoing surgery to repair a tendon in his right thumb. Before injury, Holland averaged 21P, 6.6R, 3.2A & 2.5S per game with pretty tidy shooting splits. It is very interesting to see Holland drafted this high coming off a pretty important surgery, so the Pistons must know or see something that most don't.

Holland is definitely still a work in progress who needs to improve on both ends of the floor if he wants to be a tool in the NBA. My guess is we'll see Holland back in the G League to develop his game before making an impact for Detroit.

Comparison Player - Herbert Jones

 

#6 - Tidjane Salaun drafted by the Charlotte Hornets

Salaun is a 6'9 Forward out of France known for his fluidity and shooting. Salaun is a solid 3pt shooter and also caught scouts eyes with his size & ability to cut to the basket. Averaging around 33% from 3 in his last 3 seasons at nearly 7ft tall, Hornets may use him as a 3&D player if he can develop his 3 game to become a knockdown shooter.

Salaun does need to improve his playmaking to be a star in the NBA, as his 44 assists last season also came with 64 turnovers. If he can improve his playmaking and defending he should be a threat.

Comparison Player - Otto Porter Jr (but faster)

 

#7 - Donovan Clingan drafted by the Portland Trailblazers

Clingan is a 7'2 Centre out of Connecticut who may be the most elite defender in the draft class. Last season Clingan was Ranked Top 10 Nationally in Block Rate, Defensive Rating & Defensive Box Plus/Minus. With a massive 7'7 wingspan and great mobility, he is expected to be one of the best shot blockers in the NBA. Clingan has a limited bag in finishing but has a good touch under the rim, strong finisher in the paint & a great lob threat. Portland have defintely drafted themself a player who fits into their team and i highly expect to see Clingan getting very solid minutes this season.

The only downside is his shooting, rarely taking a single shot from outside the paint (which isn't terrible for a big man), but also only averaging 57% from the stripe. With Portlands quick guards i doubt he'll even need to be taking shots so this is a novelty issue more than anything.

Comparison Player - Walker Kessler

 

#8 - Rob Dillingham drafted by the San Antonio Spurs - Traded to Timberwolves

Dillingham is a quick 6'1 Guard out of Kentucky who has a fantastic offensive package. Known for his speed & ability to score from all areas of the court. At only 19yo, Rob is draining 45% of his threes taken and has the ability to find the open shooter when driving to the rim. Being traded to the Wolves is great for Dillingham as he'll now get to follow the steps of Anthony Edwards and hopefully develop a stronger attacking & defensive side of his game.

Dillinghams downfall comes with his size. At just 164lbs and 6'2, expect him to be put to the test physically if he's to see minutes next season. At only 19 he will still be building his frame and can definitely grow into a strong guard.

Comparison Player - Immanuel Quickley

 

#9 - Zach Edey drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies

Edey is a huge 7'4 Centre out of Purdue who is coming off back-to-back National Player of the Year awards & the NCAA scoring title in 2024. At 7'4 Edey is an absolute menace in the paint on both ends of the floor. With great defensive & foul awareness Edey is going to be one hell of a rim protector and will also be able to dominate with his raw size and weight offensively. Edey is a huge 300lbs - in comparison, big man Ivica Zubac is only 240lbs. Prepare for some posters.

Edeys downfall is a real lack of sharpness at all major aspects of a big. He needs to work on his reboudning & shot blocking to compete at the NBA level, which im sure the Grizz will already be jamming into him.

Comparison Player - Ivica Zubac 

 

#10 - Cody Williams drafted by the Utah Jazz

Williams, brother of Jalen Williams is a 6'7 Forward out of Colorado who is a lengthy and athletic coast to coast wing. He is best when driving towards the rim with his ability to finish over rim protectors or make the right pass if defenders are aggressive. Williams also holds a decent shot, drilling 42% from 3 in the combine. 

There is still a lot of question marks surrounding Williams, which rely heavily on his ability to improve his playmaking & shooting. He's a good defender but does need to improve his shot to become a proper 3&D Threat.

Comparison Player - Pascal Siakam

 

Picks #11 - #30

Picks 11 - 30 will all have short summaries - I will jump further in depth for some of the better players.

 

#11 - Matas Buzelis drafted by the Chicago Bulls

Buzelis is a 6'9 Forward out of the G League Ignite who is an excellent ball handler who can finish with authority. Buzelis also has a great shot and is an all round attacking threat. With a great defensive package as well, keep your eye on this 20yo gem.

Comparison Player - Franz Wagner

 

#12 - Nikola Topic drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder

Topic is a 6'6 Guard out of Serbia who is well rounded attacker. With the ability to finish with both hands at the rim, Topic will be an attacking threat driving towards the basket. He struggles slightly with his shooting & still needs to add some size to be a disrupting defender, but overall is a very fitting pick for OKC.

Comparison Player - Josh Giddey

 

#13 - Devin Carter drafted by the Sacramento Kings

Carter is a 6'2 Guard out of Providence known for his defensive ability.  Considered one of the best 2 way guards in the nation, he is great defensively and dangerous in screen & spot up shooting situations. Carter is great at attacking the rim and shooting the 3 ball (37.3%), but needs to build his mid range game.

Comparison Player - Derrick White

 

#14 - Bub Carrington drafted by the Washington Wizards - Traded to Portland

Bub is a 6'4 Guard out of Pittsburgh who comes with a great scoring package. Carrington has a great game from mid range & 3, averaging an insane 51% from around the rim & 33% on 3s. The only freshman since 2020 to have the same or better shooting stats are Cade Cunningham & Jalen Suggs. He also is an elite passer who has a 2.11 Assist to Turnover ration. Expect this kid to go bang.

Comparison Player - Trae Young

 

#15 - Kel'El Ware drafted by the Miami Heat

Ware is a 7'0 Centre out of Indiana with a great skill set. He is good at both ends of the floor, being able to drill 40% of his limited 3 point shots and averaging 10 boards a game. at 7ft to be able to drain the 3 and also be an elite rim protector, Heat have done well. Ware just needs to build his playmaking & lob threat to be an elite C.

Comparison Player - Myles Turner

 

#16 - Jared McCain drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

McCain is a 6'2 Guard out of Duke already decorated in acollades. 2023 All American, FIBA World Cup Gold Medalist & 2023 Mr Basketball, McCain is the real deal. As well as being a Tik Tok sensation  (over 3million followers), McCain is known for his shooting ability - averaging 46.2% from the floor. Also nailing 42.1% from 3 & 62.1% from around the rim in the combine, McCain looks like a lights out shooter. Expect to see him off the bench this season.

Comparison Player - Sam Hauser

 

#17 - Dalton Knecht drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers

Knecht is a 6'5 Guard out of Tennessee is a pretty polished player coming out of the draft. With great size, ball handling and ability to slam 3s from anywhere - he is looking like a hot prospect. He is not overly physical or fast, but will force defenders to guard him from deep due to his 3pt range. Projected to be able to help a team right away, it will be interesting to see him develop at LA & whether he can find any non-garbage minutes.

Comparison Player - Jordan Poole

 

#18 - Tristan Da Silva drafted by the Orlando Magic

Da Silva is a 6'8 German Forward out of Colorado known for his multi level scoring. Scoring a crazy 63.5% from around the rim, 47% from midrange and an insane 48.4% from unguarded 3 point range. He does drop to 36% on guarded catch and shoot 3s, but still has a 60.6% true shooting percentage. He is a strong shooter but questionable at the elite NBA level. He needs to develop some physicality and defense to be a threat.

Comparison Player - Tobias Harris

 

#19 - Ja'Kobe Walter drafted by the Toronto Raptors

Walter is a 6'4 Guard out of Baylor who is foremost a 3pt shooter. He averaged 10.9 shots per game, 6.3 of them from behind the arc. He is shooting at 34% from 3 which isn't insane - but a lot of his shots are movement circus-esque shots. This shows his ability to drain tough shots. He does need to develop the rest of his game but can be used as a specialist weapon right now to bring quarters to a close with a tough shot.

Comparison Player - Devin Vassell

 

#20 - Jaylon Tyson drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers

Tyson is a 6'6 Forward out of California who is know for creating his own shot. He has great size and ahtleticism on and off the ball to get to his spot to get shots off. Overall Tyson is  a second core player and will take lots of development to break though.

Comparison Player - Caleb Martin

 

#21 - Yves Missi drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans

Missi is a 6'11 Centre out of Baylor who is a dangerous rim runner. a Big 12 All-Defensive honor of 2024, Missi averaged 11P, 5.5R & 1.5B with just playing 23mins. Also adding a 62% shooting percentage from the floor and getting to the stripe well. He needs to develop the rest of his game but keep an eye out.

Comparison Player - Nick Richards

 

#22 - Daron Holmes II drafted by the Phoenix Suns - Traded to Denver

Holmes is a 6'9 Forward/Centre out of Dayton who has greet physicals and speed. Best in pick and roll situations, Daron has good size and speed to set great screens and is a decent finisher under the rim. He has a lot of improvement to make defensively to be effective however.

Comparison Player - Mark Williams

 

#23 - AJ Johnson drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks

Johnson is a 6'4 American Guard drafted out of Illawarra Australia in the NBL. Johnson barely actually played for Illawarra, averaging just 7mins a game. He has good athleticism and a goo shot. Court vision is also a decent trait of his & his long arms help with defense. Definitely will find himself in the G-League as he's simply no where near ready.

 Comparison Player - Jalen Hood-Schifino

 

#24 - Kyshawn George drafted by the New York Knicks - Traded to Washington

George is a Swiss born 6'7 Forward out of Miami who is a solid scorer. Scoring 42.7% of 96 catch and shoot 3s, George also showed he has range from deep. Overall George struggles with the ball and needs work both finishing at the rim and playmaking - but is a decent defensive cog.

Player Comparison - Amir Coffey

 

#25 - Pacome Dadiet drafted by the New York Knicks

Dadiet is a French 6'7 Forward drafted out of Germany who is built with a great frame at just 17yo. He has great lateral speed which means he'll have a solid core to defend NBA caliber wings. A decent 3 point shooter and finisher at the rim but needs work. Is a 3&D player so does fit NY.

Comparison Player - Quentin Grimes

 

#26 - Dillon Jones drafted by the Washington Wizards - Traded to OKC via NYK

Jones is a 6'5 Guard out of Weber State who is coming off a strong season with career highs in Points, Assists & Steals - as well as being named Big Sky Player of the Year. A great rebounder who can easily be a double double machine, he can also shoot the ball well from deep. He has the size and skillset to be quite good - a worthy home at OKC.

Comparison Player - Josh Hart

 

#27 - Terrence Shannon Jr drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves

Shannon Jr is a 6'6 Forward out of Illinois who has great athleticism and 2 way play. He can knock down permitter shots and also finish over smaller defenders attacking the rim. He is a decent defender as well but needs some overall work to really be an NBA threat.

Comparison Player - Kelly Oubre Jr

 

#28 - Ryan Dunn drafted by the Denver Nuggets - Traded to Phoenix

Dunn is a 6'6 Guard out of Virginia with great athleticism and power. Dunn averaged 2.3 Blocks per game in the 23/24 Season - ranking 16th in the nation. He is a menace on defense and great at crashing the boards. Overall a great late 1st round pick for Suns and looks like he can develop into talent if he can build on his shooting from deep.

Comparison Player - Matisse Thybulle

 

#29 - Isiah Collier drafted by the Utah Jazz

Collier is a 6'3 Guard out of USC who is a solid ball handler and strong finisher. Despite his size he can bully his way to the rim to get a finish off and also has great court vision to spread the ball out if he gets in trouble. He does have questionable shooting ability which will be his #1 aspect to fix if he wants to compete at the top level.

Comparison Player - Scoot Henderson

 

#30 - Baylor Scheierman drafted by the Boston Celtics

Scheierman is a 6'6 Guard out of Creighton is a versatile player who is decent at all aspects. He shoots a decent percentage from behind the arc as well as grabbing boards well. He does have an issue defensively as he is not an elite athlete so this is hole in his game. He is a great shooter though so can be used as a specialist.

Comparison Player - Kevin Huerter

 

Second Round Picks

Below are the players i think are worth highlighting from the 2nd Round. This years draft is littered with talent and we know second rounders are far from down and out.

 

#32 - Kyle Flipowski drafted by the Utah Jazz

Flipowski has had loads of mentions since being drafted 32nd - one of which was Jayson Tatum expressing that people are sleeping on him. Kyle is a 6'11 Forward/Centre out of Duke who was considered one of the safest picks in the draft. He has a great assist rate, strong shooting, elite defense and a 3pt threat. Kyle can also drill 3s from deep which is needed from todays bigs. With improvements to his game he can be an elite NBA caliber player.

Comparison Player - Lauri Markkanen

 

#34 - Tyler Kolek drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers - Traded to New York

Kolek is a 6'1 Guard out of Marquette is a polished floor general with great pick and rolls & shooting prowess. Kolek shoots 38% from deep and is patient to find his shot in the paint. A strong two way player, Kolek also is great at cutting passing lanes to grab a few steals. He demands to be a ball handler so will be a second unit player to start but keep an eye on this kid.

Comparison Player - TJ McConnell

 

#35 - Johnny Furphy drafted by the San Antonio Spurs - Traded to Indiana

Furphy is the only Aussie in the draft, a 6'8 Guard out of Kansas. Furphy is predominately a 3pt shooter, with 61% of his shots coming from behind the arc. The Melbourne born guard is a strong finisher but lacks speed and shiftiness. He is assisted on 97.1% of his 3 point shots so he doesn't have much luck getting to his own spots but does well in catch and shoot.  He needs to improve all other aspects but may feature as a specialist. 

Comparison Player - Sam Hauser

 

#46 - Cam Christie drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers

Christie brother of Max - Drafted in 2022, is a 6'5 Guard out of Minnesota. Christie has a solid shooting game, raining 39.4% of his shots in from 3. He has strong physicality and great athleticism so will fit well in multiple roles. With solid handles and good passing, definitely one to keep an eye on. He lacks some strength which will be a #1 priority for him to be elite.

Comparison Player - Max Christie

 

#55 - Bronny James drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers

Bronny is obviously son of LeBron James - a 6'2 Guard out of USC who was rescued by LAL at #55. Bronny has a lot of work to do to become NBA ready but is coming back from a cardiac arrest in 2023 very well. He is an exciting catch and shoot guard with great athleticism. Not a great passer which will rule hom out of being a true point guard, but has strong ability in a 3&D setup. Don't be surprised to see Bronny join LeBron on the court early in the season to break another record before being sent to the G League.

Comparison Player - De'Anthony Melton.

 

That's a Wrap!

There's still some gems to be found in that second round but highlighted are the few I'm most interested to see next year. 

 

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