After spending countless hours on the phone with folks connected around the league, we can present to you a better idea of where things currently stand for the 2024 NBA Draft.
During these conversations with those most plugged in about the draft, however, it became increasingly clear that we can expect the unexpected. Many folks are predicting a number of trades and plenty of surprises on the nights of the draft, so while these projections make sense now, chaos could unfold.
We also had many conversations with players who are going through the pre-draft process as part of our Prospect Park profile series. This provides a bit more of a human element to help paint the picture of who these individuals are as people.
But there are still lots of statistics used in our research, including AI-Powered statistics provided by the Stats Perform database. All references to a consensus big board are provided by Rookie Scale.
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TEAM: JL Bourg (France)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-9
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Rival teams widely believe that Zaccharie Risacher is the most likely candidate for the Hawks at No. 1 overall. The other name mentioned most often at this point is UConn’s Donovan Clingan, who would make plenty of sense as a Rudy Gobert facsimile under Hawks head coach Quin Snyder.
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TEAM: Perth (Australia)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-foot-0
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Many believe the Wizards will choose based on who is remaining between Risacher and Alex Sarr at No. 2 overall. In this scenario, we predict the promising defensive big man Sarr will join his fellow Frenchman Bilal Coulibaly in Washington.
Tyler Smith, another prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft who played against Sarr with both Overtime Elite and the G League Ignite, recently spoke to USA TODAY’s For The Win and explained what else fans need to understand about the big man.
“It’s crazy. Everyone knows him as a defender right now,” Smith said. “Alex is actually offensively skilled. He can put the ball on the ground. He’s mobile … I feel like he is going to shock everyone with his offensive game.”
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Kentucky
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-2
DRAFT AGE: 20.1
Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard projects well as someone who can contribute in a variety of different ways at the next level.
His shooting efficiency, his ability to not turn the ball over very often, and his strong effort on defense will all make him an enticing prospect for Houston even if they are only evaluating from a relatively small sample size.
Rob Dillingham, who was Sheppard’s teammate and roommate and Kentucky, offered this scouting report to USA TODAY’s For The Win.
“Everything Reed does is amazing. He’s everywhere. He knows where you’re at,” Dillingham said. “He always gets his teammates involved. He’s a great all-around player and he’s always going to be solid, for sure. You already know that with Reed.”
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Connecticut
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-6
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
After he recently completed a workout for the team, UConn’s Stephon Castle reportedly “has fans” within the Spurs organization. For a team that has an exciting future with Victor Wembanyama as a defensive anchor, they can solidify that identity by selecting Castle.
The NCAA champion and Big East Freshman of the Year allowed 0.69 points per defensive chance, via Stats Perform, which was second-best of any player included on the latest consensus big board.
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TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-9
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
We don’t yet know the new draft strategy of the Pistons, but with Trajan Langdon now the president of basketball operations, there are a few players that could make sense.
Langdon showed an affinity for drafting connective wings when he was general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans and one player who fits that profile is Matas Buzelis, who has ties to the Detroit front office.
Buzelis, who measured just shy of 6-foot-9 in socks, has shown some notable improvements during the pre-draft process. Before he began training in Los Angeles, his max vertical was 33 inches. He tested with a 38-inch max vertical at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine.
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TEAM: Connecticut
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-foot-2
DRAFT AGE: 20.3
UConn’s Donovan Clingan, a back-to-back national champion, is a sleeper candidate to hear his name called at No. 1 overall and he reportedly “has fans” within Atlanta’s organization. But what if his his name isn’t called first?
Charlotte and Memphis are two of the organizations expected to try to trade up in the 2024 NBA Draft, perhaps even as high as No. 3 overall, and Clingan could make some sense as a potential target.
He measured just short of 7-foot-2 in socks with a wingspan of nearly 7-foot-7 at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine. Opponents shot just 37.8 percent in the restricted area when he was credited as the nearest defender, via Stats Perform.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Colorado
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-7
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
Although his potential range of outcomes on draft night is reportedly wide, there are reasons to like Colorado’s Cody Williams. Keep an eye on the Portland Trail Blazers as a legitimate suitor.
Tristan da Silva, who played alongside Williams at Colorado, provided his scouting report on Williams to USA TODAY’s For The Win.
“Cody’s talent is undeniable. You can see it once he steps on the floor. He’s got a very smooth game. Very natural,” da Silva said. “[He is] a quick learner, too, and rarely makes the same mistake twice.”
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TEAM: Cholet (France)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-9
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
France’s Tidjane Salaun remains one of the most intriguing names in scouting communities as he continues building momentum before the 2024 NBA Draft.
He and San Antonio’s Wembanyama are represented by the same agency and the two have reportedly known each other since 2017. Salaun has called Wembanyama an “inspiration” and he makes sense for San Antonio as a young and versatile forward with tremendous upside.
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TEAM: Tennessee
CLASS: Senior
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-5
DRAFT AGE: 23.2
Dalton Knecht shot nearly 40.0 percent from beyond the arc on his way to becoming a consensus first-team All-American, SEC Player of the Year, and won the Julius Erving Award for the nation’s top small forward.
He averaged 0.46 points per offensive touch, via Stats Perform, the second-most among any player included on the latest consensus big board.
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Kentucky
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-1
DRAFT AGE: 19.5
Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham is one of the most thrilling ball-handlers and scorers in this class and could intrigue the Bulls. During a recent conversation with USA TODAY’s For The Win, the guard spoke about some of his biggest strengths.
“I know how to change speeds,” Dillingham said. “I feel like I can really read the game. I see everything that happens on the floor. I know where people are. I know basketball.”
RELATED: Meet NBA Draft prospect Rob Dillingham, Kentucky’s elite scorer ready to shine in the pros
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TEAM: KK Crvena zvezda (Serbia)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-6
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
While the Spurs and the Jazz are reportedly interested in Serbia’s Nikola Topic, he could potentially fall a few spots after teams learned about his partial ACL tear. This could make him available for the Thunder later in the lottery.
Considering that the Thunder have so many viable players already on its roster, perhaps a player who may have to miss all of next season isn’t the worst thing. It gives him time to integrate within their system while eventually resetting the clock on rookie scale contracts on a roster that will soon get very expensive.
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TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-7
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
G League Ignite star Ron Holland could make sense as a potential disruptor for the Kings. When we spoke to Tyler Smith, who played alongside Holland last season, here is what he told us:
“Ron is a dog. Great defender, as everyone knows,” Smith said. “Great transition player.”
He is also a good playmaker for his position and 23.4 percent of his passed led directly to a shot, via Stats Perform, which is the second-most of any player included on the latest consensus big board.
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TEAM: Purdue
CLASS: Senior
POSITION: Senior
HEIGHT: 7-foot-4
DRAFT AGE: 22.3
Zach Edey was a two-time national college player of the year for a reason, proving himself absolutely indispensable and remarkably efficient on both ends of the floor.
He averaged 0.53 points per touch, via Stats Perform, which is the most of any player included on the latest consensus big board. Especially playing in shorter bursts rather than long minutes, Edey can potentially have a lot of success in the NBA.
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TEAM: Pittsburgh
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-4
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
Carlton Carrington, also known as Bub, is someone worth betting on in their backcourt.
After measuring just shy of 6-foot-4 in socks and with a 6-foot-8 wingspan at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, he is a fascinating ball handler and playmaker who has plenty of room for growth as he continues his developmental trajectory.
The youngest collegiate player in this draft class, Carrington is a competitive player who could continue to rise during this pre-draft process.
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TEAM: Duke
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-2
DRAFT AGE: 20.3
Duke’s Jared McCain, an excellent rebounder for his position, is one of the players who was able to improve his draft stock the most during March Madness.
The ACC All-Rookie spaces the floor very well and he forced closeouts on 29.6 percent of his offensive touches, via Stats Perform, which was among the most of any player included on the latest consensus big board.
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TEAM: Colorado
CLASS: Senior
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-8
DRAFT AGE: 23.1
It was hard to ignore how solid Tristan da Silva looked when he was on the court during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
During a recent conversation with USA TODAY’s For The Win, he spoke about what he brings to the pros.
“I like to keep it simple as much as possible,” da Silva said. “Get myself going and get other people going through easy baskets and just doing the right thing and making the right plays … I can stretch the floor. My shooting is very is very appealing to NBA teams.”
RELATED: Meet NBA Draft prospect Tristan da Silva, the trumpet-playing March Madness star from Germany
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TEAM: Dayton
CLASS: Junior
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-foot-9
DRAFT AGE: 21.9
Dayton’s DaRon Holmes’ workout schedule has made him the mystery man of the 2024 NBA Draft and there are feasibly teams that could convince themselves that he could wind up as their version of Naz Reid.
Perhaps one of those teams is the Magic, who could use the depth in the frontcourt.
Since 2017, per Bart Torvik, the big man is one of just three players to reach thresholds for dunks (60) and 3-pointers (30) in a single season. The other two are Keegan Murray (No. 4 pick in 2022) and Obi Toppin (No. 8 pick in 2020).
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TEAM: Miami (Florida)
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-7
DRAFT AGE: 20.5
It will only take one front office to fall in love with Miami’s Kyshawn George and Toronto is one of the teams who could take the gamble.
Scouts who tend to like big guards (he grew nine inches over the past four years) are intrigued by him and rave about his playmaking instincts. George averaged 0.72 passes per touch, via Stats Perform, which ranked among the most of any player included on the latest consensus big board.
He also shot 40.8 percent on 3-pointers in his first year of college basketball.
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TEAM: Baylor
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-4
DRAFT AGE: 19.8
Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter is reportedly “getting looks” from teams picking earlier in the draft, including the Utah Jazz at No. 10 overall. But rival teams consider the Cavaliers at No. 20 overall as the potential floor for Walter, who can make a positive impact as a 3-and-D wing.
Opponents shot 20.0 percent (9-of-45 FG) on their 3-pointers when the Big 12 Freshman of the Year contested their shots, via Stats Perform, which ranked among the best of any player included on the latest consensus big board.
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TEAM: Baylor
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-foot-11
DRAFT AGE: 20.1
If the Pelicans want to add some size in their frontcourt with Jonas Valanciunas set to hit free agency, they could take a look at Baylor’s Yves Missi, who earned Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive honors.
He crashed the board and boxed out on 43.7 percent of opportunities, via Stats Perform, which ranked as the most of any player (minimum: 70 rebound chances tracked) included on the latest consensus big board.
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TEAM: Marquette
CLASS: Senior
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-1
DRAFT AGE: 23.1
The Suns would benefit from a reliable point guard and Marquette’s Tyler Kolek would provide exactly that.
24.6 percent of his passes led directly to a shot, via Stats Perform, which is the most of any player included on the latest consensus big board. USA TODAY’s For The Win recently spoke to Kolek and he told us what he brings to the pros.
“The ball has energy behind it. I really believe that,” Kolek said. “The more it gets zipping around, the more energy you’ll have on the offensive end and the more energy you’ll have on the defensive end and everyone will be feeling good with themselves.”
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Indiana
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-foot-0
DRAFT AGE: 20.2
Especially after he dominated during measurements and athletic testing at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, the Milwaukee Bucks are expected to take a serious look at Indiana sophomore big man Kel’el Ware.
Ware is a 7-footer who shot 57.1 percent on all catch-and-shoot jumpers, via Stats Perform, which is among the best of any player who made the latest consensus big board.
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TEAM: Kansas
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-8
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
Kansas freshman Johnny Furphy is a solid option, especially at this point in the draft.
From when he moved into the starting lineup on Jan. 13 until the end of the season, via Bart Torvik, Furphy was one of only three high-major freshmen to make 10 or more 3-pointers and 10 or more dunks. The other two were Stephon Castle and Cody Williams, both projected lottery picks as well.
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TEAM: Virginia
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-6
DRAFT AGE: 21.5
The Knicks should focus on drafting players who coach Tom Thibodeau will actually trust to step on the court, which means Virginia’s Ryan Dunn is an obvious target. He has already worked out with the team and is originally from New York.
(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-foot-9
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
During the final season of the G League Ignite, one of the bright spots was Tyler Smith, a stretch four who ended up actually exceeding expectations as a 3-point shooter.
USA TODAY’s For The Win recently spoke to Tyler Smith about what he brings to the NBA when he reaches his full potential.
“I can put the ball on the ground, make plays, make reads, get a bucket of my own, get the rebound, push it myself, things like that, and not just be a pick-and-pop big as people try to call me right now,” Smith said. “I feel like I’m more of a three or a four at the next level.”
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TEAM: USC
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-3
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
After sitting out his pro day earlier this offseason, USC’s Isaiah Collier is reportedly expected to have a “somewhat wide range” of outcomes on draft night.
But there are reasons that Pac-12 All-Freshman guard and former Naismith National Prep Player of the Year winner will hear his name called in the first round, especially because Collier is considered a strong creator at the rim and on jumpers.
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TEAM: Duke
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-foot-11
DRAFT AGE: 20.6
This is another player who could potentially fall a bit in the 2024 NBA Draft, but it could wind up with him ending in an excellent situation like on the Nuggets.
After two very solid collegiate seasons, the consensus second-team All-American checks a lot of the boxes for versatility that could make him a very useful player in the pros. He recently spoke to USA TODAY’s For The Win about how he can help make an impact on a contender.
“I’m excited for the spacing just to expand my range on 3-pointers because I know that’s going to help a lot with my passing and my facilitating as well,” Filipowski explained.
RELATED: Meet NBA Draft prospect Kyle Filipowski, the Duke star ready to reintroduce himself in the pros
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TEAM: Cairns (Australia)
CLASS: Interna