The 2024 NBA Draft is shaping up to be an exciting event, with several standout players poised to make an impact in the league. Below, we delve into the top prospects, their strengths, and the projected teams that will land them.
Projected Team: Dallas
Height: 6'8" | Weight: 221 lbs
Prospect Rank: 1st | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 19.2 | RPG: 7.5 | APG: 4.2 | 3P%: 38.5%
Cooper Flagg is the consensus top pick in the upcoming draft. Following a midseason overhaul that saw Dallas trade Luka Doncic to the Lakers, Flagg presents a foundational piece for the Mavericks' future.
Projected Team: San Antonio
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 213 lbs
Prospect Rank: 2nd | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 19.4 | RPG: 4.6 | APG: 4 | 3P%: 33.3%
While San Antonio may consider trading this pick, Harper stands out as the clear second-best prospect. His talent may outweigh any potential fit issues with current roster members, making him an attractive choice.
Projected Team: Philadelphia
Height: 6'8" | Weight: 203 lbs
Prospect Rank: 3rd | Position Rank: 2nd
PPG: 17.6 | RPG: 7.2 | APG: 1.3 | 3P%: 34.6%
Philadelphia may explore other options like VJ Edgecombe or Tre Johnson, but Bailey's unique combination of size and skill makes him a compelling choice, with many scouts viewing him as the best player available at this point.
Projected Team: Charlotte
Height: 6'4" | Weight: 193 lbs
Prospect Rank: 4th | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 15 | RPG: 5.6 | APG: 3.2 | 3P%: 34%
With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller already in the fold, Charlotte is expected to select Edgecombe, a versatile two-way guard who complements the existing core by providing another scoring option.
Projected Team: Utah
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 190 lbs
Prospect Rank: 5th | Position Rank: 2nd
PPG: 19.9 | RPG: 3.1 | APG: 2.7 | 3P%: 39.7%
As the leading scorer in Division I among freshmen, Johnson's scoring ability and versatility make him an invaluable asset for Utah, solidifying their backcourt as a significant threat.
Projected Team: Washington
Height: 6'3" | Weight: 180 lbs
Prospect Rank: 7th | Position Rank: 2nd
PPG: 17.1 | RPG: 4.1 | APG: 4.1 | 3P%: 28.4%
Fears presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario for Washington. His flashes of brilliance at Oklahoma are offset by concerns about his shooting consistency and playmaking errors.
Projected Team: New Orleans
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 219 lbs
Prospect Rank: 6th | Position Rank: 3rd
PPG: 14.4 | RPG: 4 | APG: 2.7 | 3P%: 40.6%
New Orleans is anticipated to select Knueppel, who has demonstrated exceptional shooting skills. His ability to play off stars like Cooper Flagg will likely enhance his role in the league.
Projected Team: Brooklyn
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 205 lbs
Prospect Rank: 9th | Position Rank: 3rd
PPG: 15 | RPG: 5.7 | APG: 4.7 | 3P%: 31.8%
As Brooklyn undergoes a rebuild, selecting Jakucionis can help rejuvenate their backcourt with his impressive size and shooting potential.
Projected Team: Toronto
Height: 7'1" | Weight: 253 lbs
Prospect Rank: 11th | Position Rank: 2nd
PPG: 8.6 | RPG: 6.6 | APG: 0.5 | 3P%: 25%
Maluach, with his impressive height and wingspan, could become a valuable lob threat for Toronto, pairing well with talented players like Scottie Barnes.
Projected Team: Houston
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 239 lbs
Prospect Rank: 8th | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 16.8 | RPG: 8.3 | APG: 2.4 | 3P%: 26.5%
Focusing on defense, Houston aims to double down with Murray-Boyles, who can contribute to their defensive identity in the frontcourt.
Projected Team: Portland
Height: 6'8" | Weight: 199 lbs
Prospect Rank: 12th | Position Rank: 4th
PPG: 10.6 | RPG: 3.9 | APG: 5.5 | 3P%: 27.3%
Demin's impressive passing ability makes him a compelling choice for Portland as they look to reshape their backcourt.
Projected Team: Chicago
Height: 6'9" | Weight: 248 lbs
Prospect Rank: 10th | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 16.5 | RPG: 9 | APG: 1.9 | 3P%: 20%
Queen's skills and size make him an excellent fit for Chicago, addressing their need for youthful talent and a potential offensive hub.
Projected Team: Atlanta
Height: 6'1" | Weight: 178 lbs
Prospect Rank: 17th | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 12.1 | RPG: 3.3 | APG: 1.9 | 3P%: 41.2%
Despite concerns about his height, Richardson's scoring ability and defensive reach make him a strong candidate for Atlanta, potentially sneaking into the lottery.
Projected Team: San Antonio
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 215 lbs
Prospect Rank: 21st | Position Rank: 5th
PPG: 14.5 | RPG: 6 | APG: 2.3 | 3P%: 31.7%
McNeeley's competitive spirit and selfless play style make him an ideal fit for San Antonio as they look to build a cohesive unit.
Projected Team: Oklahoma City
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 213 lbs
Prospect Rank: 18th | Position Rank: 3rd
PPG: 17.7 | RPG: 7 | APG: 3.7 | 3P%: 40%
As a late riser in the draft, Coward's multipositional versatility and scoring prowess make him an appealing option for a contender like Oklahoma City.
Projected Team: Orlando
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 202 lbs
Prospect Rank: 15th | Position Rank: 4th
PPG: 18.9 | RPG: 9.6 | APG: 4.4 | 3P%: 37.7%
Clifford is ready to contribute to any team, showcasing his two-way skills that can enhance Orlando's overall performance.
Projected Team: Minnesota
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 199 lbs
Prospect Rank: 24th | Position Rank: 6th
PPG: 7.4 | RPG: 3.4 | APG: 1.1 | 3P%: 37.9%
After an impressive Combine, Powell's shooting and defensive potential could make him a valuable asset for Minnesota.
Projected Team: Washington
Height: 6'11" | Weight: 252 lbs
Prospect Rank: 16th | Position Rank: 3rd
PPG: 13.2 | RPG: 9.7 | APG: 3.6 | 3P%: 33.6%
Wolf adds much-needed size to Washington's frontcourt, pairing well with Alex Sarr to create a formidable duo.
Projected Team: Brooklyn
Height: 6'9" | Weight: 224 lbs
Prospect Rank: 20th | Position Rank: 4th
PPG: 15.4 | RPG: 6.9 | APG: 0.9 | 3P%: 29.2%
Newell's athleticism and shot-blocking ability make him a perfect complement to Jakucionis, strengthening Brooklyn's frontcourt.
Projected Team: Miami
Height: 6'4" | Weight: 175 lbs
Prospect Rank: 14th | Position Rank: 5th
PPG: 11.7 | RPG: 1.7 | APG: 5.1 | 3P%: 31.7%
Traore's playmaking skills would be a valuable addition to Miami, allowing Tyler Herro to thrive as an off-ball scorer.
Projected Team: Utah
Height: 6'10" | Weight: 200 lbs
Prospect Rank: 22nd | Position Rank: 5th
PPG: 17.7 | RPG: 7 | APG: 3.7 | 3P%: 40%
Essengue’s size and potential as a shooter make him a long-term project for Utah, representing a smart investment for a team willing to be patient.
Projected Team: Atlanta
Height: 6'9" | Weight: 263 lbs
Prospect Rank: 19th | Position Rank: 3rd
PPG: 14.5 | RPG: 8.5 | APG: 2.4 | 3P%: 16.2%
Landing Sorber at No. 22 could be a steal for Atlanta, especially if he performs closer to the lottery expectations many have for him.
Projected Team: Indiana
Height: 6'11" | Weight: 235 lbs
Prospect Rank: 27th | Position Rank: 5th
PPG: 15.4 | RPG: 6.9 | APG: 0.9 | 3P%: 29.2%
Beringer's wingspan and potential as a rim protector could prove beneficial for Indiana, making him a worthwhile pick despite potential concerns about immediate contributions.
Projected Team: Oklahoma City
Height: 7'1" | Weight: 257 lbs
Prospect Rank: 32nd | Position Rank: 6th
PPG: 19.2 | RPG: 8.7 | APG: 1.5 | 3P%: 34.4%
Kalkbrenner's proven track record as a defensive player of the year in the Big East makes him an enticing fit for Oklahoma City, ready to contribute immediately.
Projected Team: Orlando
Height: 6'8" | Weight: 220 lbs
Prospect Rank: 26th | Position Rank: 7th
PPG: 18.3 | RPG: 3.7 | APG: 4.2 | 3P%: 38.6%
Clayton's scoring ability could make him a sparkplug for Orlando's offense, addressing their need for offensive firepower.
Projected Team: Brooklyn
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 200 lbs
Prospect Rank: 23rd | Position Rank: 6th
PPG: 4.9 | RPG: 4.1 | BPG: 1.5
Saraf's scoring and playmaking prowess might help Brooklyn reshape their backcourt, particularly with their multiple first-round picks in play.
Projected Team: Brooklyn
Height: 6'6" | Weight: 205 lbs
Prospect Rank: 30th | Position Rank: 8th
PPG: 18.6 | RPG: 10.8 | APG: 2.9 | 3P%: 27.8%
Gonzalez's athleticism and high motor make him a candidate for the first round, despite his limited production in a competitive league.
Projected Team: Boston
Height: 6'8" | Weight: 225 lbs
Prospect Rank: 30th | Position Rank: 8th
PPG: 10.2 | RPG: 5.1 | APG: 2.6 | 3P%: 30.4%
Penda's ability to score both inside and out, combined with his physicality, could make him a valuable asset for Boston as they transition into a new era.
Projected Team: Phoenix
Height: 7'0" | Weight: 237 lbs
Prospect Rank: 25th | Position Rank: 4th
PPG: 20.2 | RPG: 10.6 | APG: 1.7 | 3P%: 34.5%
Raynaud's remarkable skills for a player of his size could make him a unique addition to Phoenix, providing them with a versatile offensive threat.
This year's draft promises to reshape the future of many franchises in the NBA. With an impressive class of prospects ready to make their mark, fans and teams alike are eagerly anticipating how these selections will unfold.
