The 2024 NBA Draft is only moments away and the drama will surely be on full display. It is time to take a look at our 2024 Draft Odds series where our No.4 Overall Pick Prediction will be revealed.
With the fourth pick in this year's draft, the San Antonio Spurs will be eager to take yet another set towards relevancy after several years of being in rebuild mode. Of course, the buzz surrounding the franchise had to do with reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembenyama who took the league by storm with his dynamic skill for someone of his lengthy stature. Despite wrapping up the 2023-2024 regular season with a 22-60 record, the future could not be brighter for the San Antonio Spurs organization. By the end of the night, what name will call San Antonio, Texas their new home?
Here are the 2024 NBA Draft odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
2024 NBA Draft Odds: No. 4 Overall Pick Prediction
Stephon Castle: -180
Matas Buzelis: +500
Donovan Clingan: +550
Why Stephon Castle Will Be Selected
If San Antonio ends up believing that the point guard position is a high priority, look no further than Castle to be on that list of players who can make an impact right from the get-go. With Castle making it clear that playing the point guard position would be something that he'd be interested in, it wouldn't be a total surprise if the Spurs took him up on that offer, Entering the draft at 22 years of age, Castle was named the Big East Player of the Year during the 2023-2024 season. Not to mention, his athleticism and speed are considered to be off the charts.
Castle's offensive fit isn't perfect due to his shortcomings as a three-point shooter and his lack of a strong first step to beat defenders who go under screens. However, his situation is fortunate because he would be joining a team where these deficiencies could be mitigated. The team already has Devin Vassell, a perimeter creator, and Victor Wembanyama, a screener who draws significant defensive attention. Could Castle's name be called upon when the Spurs are on the clock with the fourth pick later this evening?
Why Matas Buzelis Will Be Selected
The Spurs aren't afraid to go the international route, so what's stopping them now? After selecting their franchise player in Wembanyama out of France with the number-one overall pick a year ago, the Spurs may end up falling in love with the idea that Buzelis could be their man with the fourth-overall pick.
To begin, how well would someone line Buzelis fit schematically in a system like San Antonio's? At first glance, Buzelis would bring a much-needed defensive tenacity on that end of the floor. While there are certainly areas where Buzelis would need to improve his game offensively, he is considered one of the more promising defenders in this year's draft.
Furthermore, adding young talent to be complimenting pieces is a route that the Spurs could go down on in order to be Western Conference contenders for years to come. Matas Buzelis gained valuable experience with the G League Ignite, which exposed him to a higher level of competition akin to the NBA. This experience raises questions about how well his skills will translate to a professional NBA roster, a matter the San Antonio Spurs will undoubtedly consider.
Why Donovan Clingan Will Be Selected
Quite arguably one of the top college prospects among the 2024 NBA Draft Pool, there is an overwhelmingly long list of things to like about Donovan Clingan's game. Not only would his towering height of 7'2″ be a nightmarish matchup for San Antonio's opposition, but his soft touch on shots around the rim and ability to make an impact offensively is what stands out in a big way.
Clingan's main responsibilities would include anchoring the interior defense, securing rebounds, and ensuring that Wembanyama remains a credible threat in the paint on offense while also maintaining adequate floor spacing. Despite his size, Clingan is not immobile; he can step out beyond the free throw line and defend without being easily beaten by ball handlers. This demonstrates Clingan's surprising mobility and agility for someone of his height and build.
Overall, it may prove to be slightly more difficult for Clingan to fall to the number four overall pick, but if he does, then the Spurs might not be able to resist Clingan's upside at the NBA level.
Final No. 4 Overall Pick Prediction
Outside of the fact that Castle might not be a true, traditional point guard, he will no doubt be the best overall player available by the time the Spurs are on the clock. With that being said, don't be surprised if Popovich and the Spurs front office pull the trigger on the UConn standout.
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