The 2024 NBA Draft is shaping up to be an exciting event, with top prospects showcasing their skills throughout the college basketball season. Here’s a detailed analysis of the first round picks, highlighting key players and their projected teams.
Projected Team: Washington
Height/Weight: 6'9 / 205 lbs
Prospect Rank: 1st | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 18.7 | RPG: 7.5 | APG: 4.1 | 3P%: 36.3%
If the lottery balls bounce favorably for the Wizards, they could snag Cooper Flagg, the consensus favorite for the top overall pick. Flagg is an ultra-versatile two-way player, potentially joining the ranks of Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson as college basketball's Player of the Year. His improvements in shooting and self-creation, combined with his defensive prowess and competitiveness, make him a standout prospect.
Projected Team: Utah
Height/Weight: 6'6 / 215 lbs
Prospect Rank: 2nd | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 19.4 | RPG: 4.6 | APG: 4 | 3P%: 33.3%
Dylan Harper had a challenging season, yet he proved to be a significant asset when healthy. As a jumbo lead guard, he can create for himself and his teammates. While his shooting was inconsistent, finishing at 33% from three-point range, teams will seek clarity on his durability and shooting consistency before making a decision.
Projected Team: Charlotte
Height/Weight: 6'10 / 200 lbs
Prospect Rank: 3rd | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 17.6 | RPG: 7.2 | APG: 1.3 | 3P%: 34.6%
Despite a disappointing season for Rutgers, Ace Bailey remains a top prospect. His size and athleticism make him an attractive option, but teams will want to assess his consistency on both ends of the court, particularly his low assist rate. Nonetheless, the upside is promising.
Projected Team: New Orleans
Height/Weight: 6'5 / 180 lbs
Prospect Rank: 5th | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 15 | RPG: 5.6 | APG: 3.2 | 3P%: 34%
VJ Edgecombe showed promise during the latter part of the season before suffering an ankle injury. His athleticism and competitive edge have garnered attention, and while opinions vary on his offensive ceiling, his skill set provides a solid foundation for development.
Projected Team: Philadelphia
Height/Weight: 6'6 / 190 lbs
Prospect Rank: 6th | Position Rank: 3rd
PPG: 19.9 | RPG: 3.1 | APG: 2.7 | 3P%: 39.7%
Tre Johnson has had an impressive season at Texas, showcasing his scoring ability and efficiency. With an average of 20 points per game and strong shooting percentages, he has positioned himself well in the draft despite facing tight defensive schemes. His decision-making can improve, but his scoring translates well to the NBA.
Projected Team: Brooklyn
Height/Weight: 6'7 / 217 lbs
Prospect Rank: 13th | Position Rank: 5th
PPG: 14.1 | RPG: 3.9 | APG: 2.7 | 3P%: 39.3%
Brooklyn is looking for long-term players, and Kon Knueppel's consistent performance makes him an appealing option. With a blend of size, skill, and court awareness, he is expected to become a productive NBA player capable of contributing to winning efforts.
Projected Team: Toronto
Height/Weight: 6'6 / 205 lbs
Prospect Rank: 4th | Position Rank: 2nd
PPG: 15 | RPG: 5.7 | APG: 4.7 | 3P%: 31.8%
Kasperas Jakucionis began the season strong but struggled in the latter half. His size and skill are appealing, yet teams will consider his recent performance when making their selection. His potential remains, but consistency will be key.
Projected Team: Miami
Height/Weight: 6'3 / 185 lbs
Prospect Rank: 8th | Position Rank: 3rd
PPG: 11.9 | RPG: 3.2 | APG: 2 | 3P%: 40.6%
Jase Richardson has exceeded expectations this season, showing versatility and efficiency. While some believe he could have produced more with a larger role, his adaptability within his current situation has bolstered his draft stock significantly.
Projected Team: San Antonio
Height/Weight: 6'10 / 246 lbs
Prospect Rank: 19th | Position Rank: 3rd
PPG: 16.2 | RPG: 9.1 | APG: 1.9 | 3P%: 19.4%
Derik Queen presents an intriguing option for San Antonio. His playmaking ability in the frontcourt could complement their existing stars, and with improvements to his shooting, he could evolve into a valuable asset.
Projected Team: Portland
Height/Weight: 6'4 / 182 lbs
Prospect Rank: 7th | Position Rank: 2nd
PPG: 17.1 | RPG: 4.1 | APG: 4.1 | 3P%: 28.4%
Jeremiah Fears has shown significant playmaking ability, especially as he led Oklahoma back to the NCAA Tournament. While he may not be ready immediately, his talent offers flexibility for Portland's backcourt as they look to build for the future.
Projected Team: Portland
Height/Weight: 6'8 / 245 lbs
Prospect Rank: 20th | Position Rank: 4th
PPG: 16.8 | RPG: 8.3 | APG: 2.4 | 3P%: 26.5%
Collin Murray-Boyles is an impactful player on both ends of the floor. His physicality and basketball IQ are strong assets, making him a potential early pick, depending on team needs and fit.
Prospect Rank: 9th | Position Rank: 4th
PPG: 10.5 | RPG: 3.9 | APG: 5.4 | 3P%: 28.1%
This prospect has shown elite perimeter size and floor vision, making him an interesting choice for the Mavericks. However, consistency in ball handling and shooting remains a concern.
Projected Team: Houston
Height/Weight: 7'2 / 250 lbs
Prospect Rank: 16th | Position Rank: 2nd
PPG: 8.4 | RPG: 6.7 | APG: 0.5 | 3P%: 25%
Khaman Maluach’s shot-blocking ability and athleticism make him a valuable addition for Houston. His potential as a lob threat could complement their existing big man, creating mismatches on the court.
Projected Team: Atlanta
Height/Weight: 6'11 / 220 lbs
Prospect Rank: 12th | Position Rank: 2nd
PPG: 15.4 | RPG: 6.9 | APG: 0.9 | 3P%: 29.2%
Asa Newell adds value to Atlanta's frontcourt. His athleticism and rebounding skills are noteworthy, and if his shooting improves, he could become a significant contributor.
Projected Team: Orlando
Height/Weight: 6'6 / 200 lbs
Prospect Rank: 17th | Position Rank: 6th
PPG: 18.9 | RPG: 9.6 | APG: 4.4 | 3P%: 37.7%
Nique Clifford was a standout performer late in the season, proving himself as a complete player. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc while contributing significantly in other areas makes him a valuable asset for the Magic.
Projected Team: San Antonio
Height/Weight: 6'7 / 210 lbs
Prospect Rank: 11th | Position Rank: 4th
PPG: 14.5 | RPG: 6 | APG: 2.3 | 3P%: 31.7%
Liam McNeeley has the potential to provide spacing for San Antonio. His shooting and competitive nature make him a promising prospect, but he must improve his finishing and physicality to thrive in the NBA.
Projected Team: Minnesota
Height/Weight: 6'5 / 200 lbs
Prospect Rank: 18th | Position Rank: 5th
PPG: 12.2 | RPG: 2.7 | APG: 4.3 | 3P%: 27.5%
Ben Saraf's playmaking ability can complement Minnesota's roster. As a left-handed guard, he has the potential to create for himself and others. However, he must focus on improving his shooting consistency and ball security.
Projected Team: Utah
Height/Weight: 6'11 / 235 lbs
Prospect Rank: 41st | Position Rank: 7th
PPG: 4.5 | RPG: 4.5 | APG: 0.3 | BPG: 1.4
Joan Beringer is an athletic big man with significant upside. His hands and defensive potential make him an intriguing draft prospect, especially as a developmental partner for Utah's current roster.
Projected Team: Brooklyn
Height/Weight: 6'4 / 175 lbs
Prospect Rank: 10th | Position Rank: 2nd
PPG: 11.8 | RPG: 1.9 | APG: 4.6 | 3P%: 27.3%
Nolan Traore remains a top prospect despite a challenging season. His playmaking skills make him a desirable choice for teams looking to inject youth into their roster. If available, he would complement Brooklyn's earlier selections well.
Projected Team: Oklahoma City
Height/Weight: 6'9 / 240 lbs
Prospect Rank: 26th | Position Rank: 6th
PPG: 14.7 | RPG: 8.5 | APG: 1.3 | 3P%: 39%
Rasheer Fleming possesses an impressive wingspan and shooting ability. His physical attributes suggest he could become a valuable role player alongside Oklahoma City's emerging stars.
Projected Team: Miami
Height/Weight: 6'8 / 225 lbs
Prospect Rank: N/A | Position Rank: N/A
PPG: 6.5 | RPG: 4.1 | APG: 1 | 3P%: 37.4%
Carter Bryant may benefit from returning to school to improve his draft stock. He has the potential to develop into a solid contributor with more experience under his belt.
Projected Team: Indiana
Height/Weight: 6'8 / 195 lbs
Prospect Rank: 34th | Position Rank: 10th
PPG: 12.6 | RPG: 4.1 | APG: 2.2 | 3P%: 32.6%
Will Riley's physical readiness for the NBA is a concern, but his potential for growth is evident. He has shown flashes of skill that could make him a valuable asset in the future.
Projected Team: Atlanta
Height/Weight: 6'10 / 200 lbs
Prospect Rank: 21st | Position Rank: 5th
PPG: 10.7 | RPG: 4.8 | APG: 1.2 | 3P%: 24.7%
Noa Essengue is a young prospect with significant upside. While he requires patience for development, his athleticism and defensive potential make him a player to watch.
Projected Team: Washington
Height/Weight: 7'0 / 250 lbs
Prospect Rank: 14th | Position Rank: 1st
PPG: 13 | RPG: 9.8 | APG: 3.6 | 3P%: 33%
Danny Wolf has impressed with his size and skill at Michigan. His ability to handle and pass the ball enhances his appeal, though concerns about his footspeed and defense remain.
Prospect Rank: N/A | Position Rank: N/A
PPG: 17.9 | RPG: 3.8 | APG: 4.2 | 3P%: 38.7%
Orlando may look for a backup point guard to complement their roster. This prospect has showcased shooting ability and has developed into a lead guard, making him a good fit.
Projected Team: Brooklyn
Height/Weight: 6'6 / 205 lbs
Prospect Rank: 22nd | Position Rank: 7th
PPG: 3.1 | RPG: 1.7 | APG: 0.5 | 3P%: 27.4%
Hugo Gonzalez is an intriguing long-term prospect for Brooklyn. His athleticism and potential as a 3-and-D player make him a candidate for the team looking to boost their wing depth.
Projected Team: Brooklyn
Height/Weight: 6'10 / 255 lbs
Prospect Rank: 33rd | Position Rank: 6th
PPG: 14.5 | RPG: 8.5 | APG: 2.4 | 3P%: 16.2%
Brooklyn may look to add depth with Thomas Sorber, who has shown promise at Georgetown. His recent injury may raise questions about his draft stock, but his performance warrants attention.
Projected Team: Boston
Height/Weight: 6'10 / 240 lbs
Prospect Rank: 37th | Position Rank: 7th
PPG: 18.4 | RPG: 10.7 | APG: 3 | 3P%: 26.5%
Johni Broome has been exceptional this season, providing the Celtics with a versatile frontcourt option. His experience and skill set could fill a critical role as the team looks forward.
Projected Team: Phoenix
Height/Weight: 6'4 / 177 lbs
Prospect Rank: 36th | Position Rank: 5th
PPG: 10.5 | RPG: 3.3 | APG: 3.7 | 3P%: 29.6%
Labaron Philon has emerged as a key player this season, demonstrating athleticism and playmaking ability. As a freshman, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for teams seeking a young guard.
Each of these prospects brings unique skills and potential to the table, making the 2024 NBA Draft an exciting event for basketball fans and teams alike. Stay tuned for further developments as we approach the draft date.
