Here is a quarter-season Big Board for the upcoming NBA Draft in 2024 that will focus on the top half of the first round along with some honorable mentions I feel can make a major jump between now and the end of the NCAA/G League/NBL seasons. So without any further ado, here are my Top 15 Prospects for the 2024 NBA Draft.
Isaiah Collier
PG / 6'5 / 210 lbs / Draft Age: 19 yrs 8 mo
Big-Bodied point guard that has athleticism just a notch below the likes of Ja Morant, Russ Westbrook, & John Wall. Turnover rate remains a little high but there are very few true freshman tasked with being the best player at a Power 5 school with March Madness aspirations.
Alex Sarr
PF / 7'1 / 217 lbs / Draft Age: 19 yrs 2 mo
Long and lanky big man that will need to bulk up in order to play a true 5 but the flashes of perimeter play point to a modern day 4 with All-NBA defensive team potential.
Ron Holland
SF / 6'8 / 206 lbs / Draft Age: 18 yrs 11 mo
What Holland lacks in explosiveness he makes up for in body control and balance. He has shown the ability to make a variety of shots, just not consistently yet. Could be an easy 20-25 ppg scorer if that consistency develops.
Donovan Clingan
C / 7'2 / 280 lbs / Draft Age: 20 yrs 4 mo
A true 5 that can change the flow of the game based on his size alone. Once he learns how to fully utilize that body on the boards and in the post he can be one of the best centers in the game. At the very least he can replicate what Steven Adams has done in Memphis.
Nikola Topic
PG / 6'6 / 200 lbs / Draft Age: 18 yrs 10 mo
Another big-bodied point guard in a similar mold to Collier. Topic is more sudden quickness than true explosiveness but his ability to see the floor is arguably the strongest in the draft. Could be his team's version of Josh Giddey with a better shot (& without the preference for minors...hopefully).
Matas Buzelis
SF / 6'10 / 209 lbs / Draft Age: 19 yrs 9 mo
A 6'10 Point-Forward that could have an NBA role similar to Franz Wagner if the tools continue to develop. Has one of the highest ceilings in this draft.
Stephon Castle
PG / 6'6 / 215 lbs / Draft Age: 19 yrs 8 mo
High level athlete but a tier below the Thompson Twins. Can get to the rim and finish in creative ways. Playmaking has shown flashes of being elite. Perimeter shot must become reliable to reach ceiling.
Zaccharie Risacher
SF / 6'9 / 204 lbs / Draft Age: 19 yrs 2 mo
Tall & lanky wing that can knock down the 3 and possesses the ability to switch 1-4 in the modern NBA.
Ja'Kobe Walter
SG / 6'5 / 185 lbs / Draft Age: 19 yrs 10 mo
While he is slightly older than most college freshman, he is also much more dynamic than most college freshman. A reliable outside shot (38% on 50 attempts in 9 games) and the prerequisite athleticism to be a strong perimeter defender give Walter a high floor, while still having a ceiling comparable to the rest of the top 10.
Kyle Filipowski
C / 7'0 / 248 lbs / Draft Age: 20 yrs 8 mo
While having the size of a traditional old-school center, his game is much more modern with an ability to put the ball on the floor & operate as an offensive hub. Going back to Duke to further his development has proven a smart decision so far.
Kel'el Ware
C / 7'0 / 242 lbs / Draft Age: 20 yrs 10 mo
Long, athletic lob threat and shot blocker/deterer that will immediately become a favorite in the pick in roll game.
Cody Williams
SF / 6'8 / 190 lbs / Draft Age: 19 yrs 8 mo
Wing player with serious length. Very fluid movement and plays with a great tempo. Has shown ability to knock down outside shots in a small sample size. Could be one of the drafts biggest risers.
Justin Edwards
SF / 6'8 / 203 lbs / Draft Age: 20 yrs 6 mo
Edwards is two months older than Clingan (who is a sophomore) and has not had the best start to his season, however his physical profile & strengths on the court prevent him from dropping too far down draft boards. A 3 & D wing with the potential for more will always be a hot commodity in the NBA.
Ryan Dunn
SF / 6'8 / 208 / Draft Age: 21 yrs 6 mo
Dunn is the type of player you put on the floor and he fills all of the gaps that lineup may have.
He consistently makes the correct pass, jumps into passing lanes and takes good shots. May not have the ceiling of the rest of the top 15 but is about as NBA ready as any prospect this draft.Reed Sheppard
*SG / 6'3 / 187 lbs / Draft Age: 20 Yrs 0 mo
One of the seasons biggest risers so far, Sheppard has shown a strong 3-pt shot with some on-ball ability whether it's playmaking or self creation. A lack of elite athleticism keeps him from top 5 consideration but he could end up being one of the best 5 players from the draft regardless.
Honorable Mentions
Caleb Foster
PG / 6'5 / 197 lbs / Draft Age: 19 yrs 11 mo
The Duke guards as a whole have been disappointing, however in my eyes Foster has the most NBA potential. I see a player that can be similar to Keyonte George in play style & impact.
Tyler Smith
PF / 6'11 / 224 lbs / Draft Age: 19 yrs 8 mo
A prototypical 4 in today's NBA, Smith has a smooth lefty stroke while being incredibly fluid at 6'11.
Tidjane Salaun
SF / 6'9 / 203 lbs / Draft Age: 18 yrs 10 mo
Salaun is one of my favorite players in this draft. He could easily be in the conversation for a top 5 draft pick as we get closer to the draft. A smooth high level athlete that has the height and length to be a defensive menace as well as unguardable on offense. Will almost certainly be in my top 10 the next time I update my big board.