With the trade deadline behind us and March Madness on the horizon, the 2024 NBA Draft is finally starting to shape up.
Even if this class lacks star power at the top of the draft, there are still plenty of players who could emerge with important roles in the NBA once they are selected.
As we get closer to the men’s NCAA basketball tournament, several players will have a chance to potentially separate themselves as legitimate prospects for the next level.
While it makes predictions complicated at this stage, there are several players who could hear their names called with the first few picks in the draft. Based on the intel we have gathered and the scouting we have done so far, however, we feel these projections are as strong as possible for this stage.
A few notes: Within our research, we occasionally referenced AI-Powered statistics provided exclusively by Stats Perform.
Unless noted otherwise, meanwhile, all data outside of the NCAA was pulled from our friends at Cerebro Sports. You can create a free account to evaluate player performance across all levels globally.
Our draft order was based on the latest projections via Tankathon. Let’s get started!
The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
1
Washington Wizards: Cody Williams
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Colorado
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-8
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
Washington could consider a few different routes when they’re on the clock and one of those names they’ll consider is Cody Williams, whose brother Jalen has emerged as an impactful player for the Thunder. Cody has clear upside and versatility and he can score efficiently playing on-ball at 6-foot-8. He still needs to improve his consistency but his name is a very strong bet as one of the first called from the NCAA ranks.
2
Detroit Pistons: Zaccharie Risacher
(KONSTANTINOS TSAKALIDIS/SOOC/AFP)
TEAM: JL Bourg (France)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-8
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
The Pistons aren’t as much of a mess as they once were and may have found a backcourt pairing, especially as they’ve leaned into relying on Jaden Ivey more often. Jalen Duren is a promising big man but Detroit could improve their wing depth with Zaccharie Risacher, who has emerged as a real candidate at No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. At 6-foot-8 and still just 18 years old, he is shooting 44.6 percent on 3-pointers in France.
3
San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Topic
(ALTAN GOCHER/Middle East Images/AFP)
TEAM: KK Crvena zvezda (Serbia)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-7
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
The Spurs will look for a long-term answer at the point guard position to pair alongside Victor Wembanyama. While they might consider a win-now veteran to speed up the process, they’ll also take a serious look at the top floor generals in this draft class as well. Serbia’s Nikola Topic is absolutely a name to watch for this organization and at 6-foot-6, the 18-year-old would make for a fascinating fit.
4
Charlotte Hornets: Matas Buzelis
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-11
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
This season has not gone as expected for the G League Ignite, though it is starting to turn around a bit for 6-foot-10 forward Matas Buzelis.
He has enjoyed a few of his best games yet recently, especially because he is looking a bit less passive as a scorer. Buzelis seems wired to make the right play and when he plays confidently, it’s hard not to notice his skills and IQ. He is more of a Swiss Army Knife at the four than a point forward but a good connective piece.
5
Portland Trail Blazers: Alexandre Sarr
Paul Kane/Getty Images
TEAM: Perth (Australia)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-foot-1
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Alex Sarr was another player scouts have considered as a real candidate to hear his name called at No. 1 overall. He is a skilled, physically gifted big man who impressed during his showcase games against the G League Ignite. Sarr looks promising on the defensive end of the floor and his Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) ranked third-best in Australia’s NBL, according to Cerebro Sports.
6
Memphis Grizzlies: Ja'Kobe Walter
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Baylor
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-5
DRAFT AGE: 19.8
Any team looking for a solid two-way wing who can contribute on both sides of the ball will have Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter high on their draft boards. Although he has slowed down after enjoying a hot start to his freshman season, scouts still rave about his maturity both on and off the court. Walter doesn’t need the offense to run through him to make a difference, scoring well on his catch-and-shoot opportunities and movement actions.
7
San Antonio Spurs (via TOR) Stephon Castle
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Connecticut
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-6
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
UConn’s Stephon Castle missed the beginning of the season due to injury and had to find his role on a juggernaut roster looking to win a second consecutive championship.
While his jump shot isn’t there yet, his physical presence on the defensive end of the floor is indisputable. He has held opponents to 0.64 defensive points per chance, per Stats Perform, which ranks as the best among all the prospects tracked that made ESPN’s latest big board.
8
Houston Rockets (via BKN): Reed Sheppard
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Kentucky
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Point
HEIGHT: 6-foot-3
DRAFT AGE: 20.1
Reed Sheppard recently exploded for 32 points and hit a game-winning shot on Feb. 27 and it was just another chapter in a remarkable campaign. Still shooting better than 50.0 percent on 3-pointers, he is statistically enjoying one of the best freshman seasons since 2008.
While he is a complicated evaluation because he is a bit undersized listed at 6-foot-3, Sheppard clearly contributes to winning. Kentucky’s net rating is a whopping 32.6 points per 100 possessions higher with the freshman on the court relative to when he is off, per CBB Analytics, which ranks in the 99th percentile.
9
Oklahoma City Thunder (via HOU): Tidjane Salaun
fiba.basketball
TEAM: Cholet (France)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-9
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
At 6-foot-9 with a wingspan reportedly over 7-foot at just 18 years old, France offers another intriguing prospect with Tidjane Salaun. While he doesn’t have much of a jumper off the dribble yet, his ability to shoot off the catch in the top-tier French league makes him a prospect teams won’t want to ignore at this stage in his development process.
10
Atlanta Hawks: Isaiah Collier
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
TEAM: USC
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Point
HEIGHT: 6-foot-3
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
Although this isn’t the season that many would have wanted to see from USC’s Isaiah Collier, the 2023 Naismith Prep Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American Game MVP has had a solid run since returning from injury.
He could provide some help in the backcourt for the Hawks in Atlanta, where he is from, as they try to figure out their long-term plans amidst trade rumors.
11
Oklahoma City Thunder (via UTA): Johnny Furphy
Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Kansas
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-7
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
Australia’s Johnny Furphy is having a legitimately meteoric rise in recent weeks and in a class often characterized as relatively weak, the 6-foot-9 Kansas freshman will have to seriously consider striking while the iron is hot and declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft.
Since he moved into the starting lineup on Jan. 13, via Bart Torvik, he and Cody Williams are the only high-major freshmen to make 10 or more 3-pointers and 10 or more dunks.
His gravity is valuable as he has now forced a closeout on 31.8 percent of his touches, per Stats Perform, which is the best among all prospects tracked that made ESPN’s latest big board.
12
Chicago Bulls: Dalton Knecht
Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Tennessee
CLASS: Senior
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-6
DRAFT AGE: 23.2
The Bulls didn’t make any major trades at the deadline and seem committed to a path of mediocrity. As the front office has shown interest in attempts to haphazardly contend rather than blowing it up and rebuilding, they could take a swing on a win-now player like Dalton Knecht.
As one of the oldest players in this class, he is one of the most productive as well. The senior has averaged 20.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting better than 40.0 percent on his 3-pointers. He recently had a great outing on Feb. 28, recording 39 points (5-of-8 3P) against Auburn.
13
Portland Trail Blazers (via GSW): Rob Dillingham
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Kentucky
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Combo
HEIGHT: 6-foot-2
DRAFT AGE: 19.5
Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham is easily one of the most polarizing players in this class and his stock has a wide range of potential outcomes on draft night. Mastering his role as a microwave scorer off the bench, Dillingham has fans around the league for his truly one-of-a-kind ball handling and his acrobatic finishes.
He has high highs and low lows and while it’s thrilling when it comes together, a player his size without much vertical pop or tremendously elite shooting may struggle to have his game translate to the NBA.
14
New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL): Ron Holland III
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-8
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
This was not an ideal season for Ron Holland, who was considered one of the top players in this class before the season began. He was plagued by injuries and was eventually shut down for the season.
While his high usage rate led to some awesome scoring performances and he had plenty of opportunities to finish possessions as the ball handler both in the pick and roll and in transition, he struggled with turnovers and efficiency (especially in a set offense).
15
Orlando Magic: Kyshawn George
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Miami (Florida)
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-8
DRAFT AGE: 20.5
One player who is skyrocketing on draft boards across the league right now is Miami’s Kyshawn George, a 6-foot-8 freshman from Switzerland. Scouts who tend to like big guards are intrigued by him and rave about his playmaking instincts and his soft shooting touch. Although he is a late bloomer, he is already shooting 41.3 percent on 3-pointers in his first year of college basketball.
16
Toronto Raptors (via IND): Ulrich Chomche
NBA Academy
TEAM: NBA Academy Africa
CLASS: International
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-foot-11
DRAFT AGE: 18.5
Another prospect who is fascinating to scouts right now is Ulrich Chomche, especially due to his massive frame. A product of NBA Academy Africa, where he focused on traditional big man attributes as well as spacing and playmaking, he is reportedly looking at several options for next year but is expected to go through the pre-draft process.
If he does officially declare, then he would enter this class as the youngest player. Standing at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he could become a potentially elite defender.
17
Miami Heat: Kevin McCullar Jr.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Kansas
CLASS: Senior
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-6
DRAFT AGE: 23.3
Kevin McCullar is someone who can step on the court and immediately earn minutes for his defensive ability. While he may not have as defined of a role on offense, he will find ways to contribute no matter his team. McCullar is a good rebounder for his size and position and has made strides as a playmaker as well.
18
Philadelphia 76ers: Kyle Filipowski
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Duke
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-foot-11
DRAFT AGE: 20.6
Duke sophomore big Kyle Filipowski is still a strong scorer and rebounder but it is his passing that has made him most impressive during his second collegiate season. He is averaging nearly twice as many assists per minute and his overall productivity, especially scoring out of the pick and roll or pick and pop.
19
Atlanta Hawks (via SAC): Ryan Dunn
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Virginia
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-8
DRAFT AGE: 21.5
Any team looking for help on the defensive end of the floor is going to have Virginia’s Ryan Dunn high on their draft board. Even if it’s currently unclear what he can contribute to an offense, his productivity as a defender and physicality makes it very hard to discredit him as arguably the best among all players in college.
20
New York Knicks (via DAL): Tyler Smith
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-foot-10
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
One of the players who improved his draft stock the most so far this season is Tyler Smith. He is a stretch big who is shooting 39.8 percent on 3-pointers, now attempting more than four attempts from beyond the arc per game off the bench in the G League. Nearly every team in the NBA could use a player of his archetype.
21
New Orleans Pelicans: Bobi Klintman
Chris Hyde/Getty Images
TEAM: Cairns (Australia)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-10
DRAFT AGE: 21.3
After an intriguing freshman year at Wake Forest, Sweden’s Bobi Klintman turned pro while also maintaining his NBA draft eligibility. He averaged 9.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 33.7 percent on 3-pointers in Australia’s NBL.
22
Phoenix Suns: Kel'el Ware
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Indiana
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-foot-0
DRAFT AGE: 20.2
Kel’el Ware, who transferred from Oregon to Indiana after his freshman season, recently played the best game of his collegiate career. He recorded 27 points (11-of-12 FG) with 11 rebounds, five blocks, no turnovers and just one foul during a win over Wisconsin on Feb. 27.
Ware has also improved his 3-point percentage from 27.3 percent last season to 43.8 percent this season.
23
New York Knicks: Devin Carter
Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Providence
CLASS: Junior
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-3
DRAFT AGE: 22.3
Providence’s Devin Carter is not a typical first-round prospect because he is undersized and a bit older than some of the other players in this class. But he fits the mold of what tends to translate to the pros (including his productivity, versatility and competition). His defensive intensity is valuable and he is also playing particularly well of late.
24
Washington Wizards (via LAC): Donovan Clingan
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Connecticut
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-foot-2
DRAFT AGE: 20.3
After winning a national championship last season, UConn’s Donovan Clingan was one of the most intriguing NBA prospects who did not declare for the draft.
The big injured his foot in September and he did not immediately make the “leap” many expected to see from him as a full-time starter. But he remains one of the most impactful players in the nation, via Evan Miya. He already plays an NBA-style role. He has set more dribble handoffs per touch (0.19) than any other player included on ESPN’s big board, per Stats Perform.
25
Milwaukee Bucks: Trentyn Flowers
(James Worsfold/Getty Images)
TEAM: Adelaide (Australia)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-8
DRAFT AGE: 19.3
Originally committed to Louisville as a freshman, Trentyn Flowers instead took his talents overseas to play in Australia’s NBL24 Next Stars program.
Flowers was originally tasked as playing point guard for his team but he was moved off the ball shortly after he was given the assignment. However, if he plays point or wing, there is a lot of intrigue about his game.
“His versatility is there,” an NBA scout told For The Win. “He can facilitate and initiate offense as a secondary playmaker. He can score at every level and play above the rim.”
26
Cleveland Cavaliers: Jared McCain
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Duke
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-2
DRAFT AGE: 20.3
Duke’s Jared McCain recently enjoyed the best game of his collegiate career, recording 35 points (12-of-20 FG, 8-11 3P) while adding four rebounds and three steals during a win over Florida State on Feb. 17.
While this was a particularly dominant performance from McCain, he has impressed as one of the best freshmen in college basketball this season. The freshman has ridiculous shooting range and he looks ready to make a leap.
27
Denver Nuggets: Tristan da Silva
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Colorado
CLASS: Senior
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-foot-9
DRAFT AGE: 23.1
Denver’s front office has recently shown an affinity for older prospects who can potentially help them contend during their current championship window. They could find someone who fits that archetype nearby playing at Colorado in Tristan da Silva. The senior is averaging 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
28
Minnesota Timberwolves: Hunter Sallis
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Wake Forest
CLASS: Junior
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-foot-5
DRAFT AGE: 21.2
One of the most successful stories from the transfer portal this season once again comes from Wake Forest. After spending two years at Gonzaga, former five-star recruit Hunter Sallis has enjoyed a breakout season in the ACC. As one of the best players in the conference, Sallis is averaging 18.3 points per game while shooting 42.8 percent on 3-pointers.
29
Utah Jazz (via OKC): Yves Missi
Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
TEAM: Baylor
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-foot-10
DRAFT AGE: 20.1
Baylor freshman Yves Missi projects well as an efficient rim-finishing big man at the next level. He is setting 0.34 ball screens per chance, via Stats Perform, which is currently the most among all the prospects tracked that made ESPN’s latest big board.
30
Boston Celtics: Tyrese Proctor
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM: Duke
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6-foot-5
DRAFT AGE: 20.2
Even if he hasn’t made massive year-over-year improvements since his freshman campaign last season, it’s still easy to see why a team would convince themselves to select Duke’s Tyrese Proctor. It’s rare to find a prospect so comfortable in the pick and roll at his height and his 3-point shooting has gotten a bit better.
