The 2024 NBA Draft landscape will become more defined in the coming eight months. Currently, everything is in a state of freshness and newness. The G League Ignite recently played exhibition games against the Perth Wildcats, featuring several projected first-round picks. Meanwhile, action has started in Europe, and the NCAA season has gotten underway. The race for the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft is heating up, even though there might not be a clear-cut franchise savior like Victor Wembanyama at the top. Nevertheless, this upcoming NBA Draft class offers a variety of talented prospects vying for the coveted title of the No. 1 overall pick. Join us as we explore the first-round projections and take a closer look at the potential future stars who will grace the basketball court in 2024.
You can also check out our previous 2024 NBA Mock Draft.
1) Ron Holland – G League Ignite – 6'8
Ron Holland has significantly distanced himself from the number two spot. The 18-year-old is averaging 20.4 points after games against the Perth Wildcats and at the Intercontinental Cup in Singapore. He's caught the eye with his speed, athleticism, and ability to beat defenders and finish plays while attacking downhill. Although he still has room for improvement in self-creation and shooting, early signs of pull-up shots, floaters, and rhythm threes make Holland the favorite for the No. 1 overall pick. His defensive skills will be another asset, despite occasional challenges against bigger forwards around the basket. He's a constant threat off the ball and excels in creating turnovers with his pressure.
2) Alex Sarr – Perth Wildcats – 7'1
Alex Sarr is emerging as a top prospect early in the 2024 NBA Draft cycle after an impressive performance, totaling 43 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 blocks in two games against the G League Ignite. Since returning to Australia, he's maintained impressive averages as well. Sarr showcases consistent activity, productivity, and flashes of skill. That's despite his age (18) and limited polish. With his size, athleticism, and defensive agility, he offers a very high floor.
3) Stephon Castle – UConn – 6'7
Stephon Castle is an appealing NBA Draft prospect with his frame, ability to score at all three levels, and flashes of point-wing passing. His body and versatile skills create an attractive archetype. Meanwhile, his smooth and effortless delivery makes a compelling case. NBA teams are likely to view him as a 2-guard with the size to operate as a secondary playmaker.
4) Justin Edwards – Kentucky 6'7
Justin Edwards is a strong candidate for a top-10 NBA Draft pick. He possesses exciting athleticism, improving shot-making, defensive prowess, and signs of untapped creation potential. Edwards will contribute to Kentucky by scoring and impacting games without relying on ball screens or excessive dribbling. His ability to excel in transition, cutting, crashing the glass, hitting spot-up threes, and attacking closeouts is evident.
5) Matas Buzelis – G League Ignite – 6'10
Matas Buzelis has demonstrated his NBA potential with athletic finishes, three-point shooting, and ball-handling skills in two games in Las Vegas. His versatile skill set allows him to fit as an interchangeable 2-guard or forward. However, there are early concerns about Buzelis' aggression, intensity, and whether he is suited to be a primary offensive option.
6) Isaiah Collier – USC – 6'3
Teams seeking an upgrade at point guard will closely monitor Isaiah Collier. He stands out with a unique combination of positional strength and passing ability. During USC's summer trip to Europe, Collier displayed flair and decisiveness in creating opportunities for himself and teammates.
7) Aday Mara – Spain – 7'3
Aday Mara will be a subject of debate among NBA Draft scouts due to his size, above-the-rim play, rim protection, and limitations on the perimeter at both ends of the floor. His height, reach, footwork, and touch in the paint give him a significant advantage. Mara is expected to continue punishing defenses by finishing cuts, rolls/lobs, low post-ups, and putback opportunities even at the NBA level.
8) Ja'Kobe Walter – Baylor – 6'5
Ja'Kobe Walter is poised to push Baylor into three-guard lineups and make scouts pay more attention to his flashy plays than statistics or consistency. With his strong frame, athleticism, and confident shooting, Walter hints at his NBA potential. That's even if he isn't a primary scoring option or high-usage creator.
9) Donovan Clingan – UConn – 7'2
Donovan Clingan is likely to impress NBA Draft scouts with his high dunking, rebounding, and shot-blocking rates. Of course, that's thanks to his size and mobility. His impressive freshman averages of 21.1 points, 17.1 rebounds, and 5.5 blocks per 40 minutes were achieved through his strength, agility, and quick footwork. Clingan is set for a full-time role at Connecticut, with teammates who can set him up for success.
10) Tyrese Proctor – Duke – 6'5
Combo guard, Tyrese Proctor should see action this season with increased confidence to showcase his three-point shooting, high basketball IQ, and growing ability to create his own shot. Projecting Proctor as a high pick is a bet on his shot-making and his improving ball-handling skills. These should enable him to split double teams and create separation for jump shots.
11) Aaron Bradshaw – Kentucky – 7'1
Scouts are eagerly awaiting updates on Aaron Bradshaw's foot injury. That's a condition that has previously impacted the NBA Draft stock of big men. To allay concerns, Bradshaw must make an impact on the court with his shot-blocking and scoring abilities. Of course, that's provided his medical evaluations check out positively in the coming months.
12) Izan Almansa – G League Ignite – 6'10
Izan Almansa's early performance has been a mix of ups and downs. This has shed light on his knack for finishing plays, passing, work ethic, and limited ability to create scoring opportunities for himself. His strengths primarily lie in off-ball actions. That's a skill set that is likely to remain his forte for years to come. This involves actions such as screening, cutting, and offensive rebounding.
13) Tidjane Salaun – France – 6'9
After an efficient showing at the European Championships, Tidjane Salaun started the season impressively. He even scored 24 points and hit four three-pointers in a Champions League qualifier win for Cholet. However, he has since struggled. There's a strong possibility that Salaun will go through phases of inconsistent scoring.
14) DJ Wagner – Kentucky – 6'2
DJ Wagner should play a central role as the engine for Kentucky. Standing at 6'2 and weighing 175 pounds, Wagner's lack of size and explosiveness raise concerns. His ability to alleviate doubts about his shooting and playmaking will be crucial. Scouts are keen to assess whether he is suited to be a point guard or if he might have to adapt to a role as an undersized scoring combo guard.
15) Nikola Topic – Serbia – 6'6
Nikola Topic was the MVP of the U18 European Championships. He has achieved notable success by scoring while driving to the basket, using changes of speed and surprising bursts from the point of attack. His shooting may be a point of concern, but his size and ability to break down defenses make him a valuable NBA Draft prospect.
16) Jared McCain – Duke – 6'3
Jared McCain makes a case for himself with his efficient shot-making and basketball IQ. He may encounter challenges when scoring and finishing in traffic. However, scouts should recognize his potential as a connector. He fits well with his shooting, ball-handling, maturity, and competitive spirit.
17) Mackenzie Mgbako – Indiana 6'8
Mackenzie Mgbako stands out with his shooting and ability to finish plays. After decommitting from Duke to join Indiana, he should have the opportunity for an optimal role and the freedom to experiment. He should showcase newer skills in face-up creation and isolation scoring.
18) Kyle Filipowski – Duke – 7'0
Kyle Filipowski should be one of the most impactful big men in college basketball due to his versatility. His inside-out scoring perfectly fits the NBA. However, his ability to perform at the next level remains a question mark. Improved three-point shooting and a greater display of face-up scoring will likely secure Filipowski's position in the first round.
19) Riley Kugel – Florida – 6'5
Riley Kugel's strong finish last year captured the attention of NBA Draft scouts. Now in his sophomore season, he is viewed as a potential breakout candidate. He has displayed flashes of self-creation and three-level scoring with confidence and fluidity. However, his consistency will be the determining factor in convincing scouts of his future.
20) Bobi Klintman – Cairns Taipans – 6'10
Early in his career in Australia, Bobi Klintman is making a name for himself more with his passing and defensive contributions. That's rather than his scoring and shooting. Klintman could become an attractive, multi-skilled big man by the time the draft arrives in June. That's if he gradually improves his three-point shooting and showcases flashes of driving and finishing.
21) Garway Dual – Providence – 6'5
Garway Dual is an athletically gifted combo guard with an electrifying presence on the court. He particularly likes open-court situations and driving to the basket. He unquestionably stands out, easily passing the eye test. His strengths lie in breaking down defenders, explosively penetrating the lane, and showcasing solid passing instincts while developing his skills as a lead guard.
22) Kel'el Ware – Indiana – 7'0
Scouts widely recognize Kel'el Ware's potential as a lottery-level NBA Draft talent with an NBA-ready game. However, he faces the task of proving himself after fading into the background during his time in Oregon. Now, with Indiana, he's in a more favorable environment to build confidence, establish a rhythm, and display his post skills and shooting touch.
23) Thierry Darlan – G League Ignite – 6'6
Thierry Darlan is a well-built shooting guard from Senegal. He is ascending through the NBA Academy program and exhibits the characteristics of a potential first-round pick. With impressive length and a robust frame, Darlan possesses evident NBA-level skills and has delivered impressive performances.
24) Adem Bona – UCLA – 6'10
Sure, expecting a significant offensive leap from Adem Bona may be unrealistic. Still, a full-time role should illuminate his trademark motor and athleticism. This should facilitate easy baskets and defensive court coverage. NBA teams will have a clear understanding of what Bona brings to the table. They should recognize his strengths and areas of development.
25) Melvin Ajinca – France – 6'7
Melvin Ajinca made a strong impact by shooting 48.9 percent from three during the U19 World Cup. He also continued making multiple threes in four consecutive games at the start of the LNB Pro A season. Yes, scouts may wish to see more versatility and creativity to consider him among the top 20 prospects. However, his robust frame and ability to make shots will maintain his relevance throughout the season.
26) Elliott Cadeau – UNC – 6'1
Elliott Cadeau's stature and limited length may deter scouts from seeing substantial upside. However, they should recognize his creativity, passing ability, and high basketball IQ. All of those are transferable to NBA playmaking. He has also developed into a formidable shot-maker, and efficient shooting, even at a low volume. That will be vital in helping scouts overlook his physical limitations.
27) Zacchary Risacher – France – 6'8
Zacchary Risacher's buzz has seen ebbs and flows over the past year. He displayed an efficient showing at the U19 World Cup and a promising start for JL Bourg. This included a 24-point performance earlier this month.
28) Elmarko Jackson – Kansas – 6'3
Elmarko Jackson now has a clearer path to playing time and a potential 2024 NBA Draft selection. This follows the departure of Arterio Morris from Kansas. Scouts would undoubtedly be drawn to Jackson's effortless explosiveness, creative ball-handling, and shot-making skills.
29) Baba Miller – Florida State – 6'11
Baba Miller's strong showing at the U19 World Cup helped restore confidence after a quiet freshman season. His size and versatile wing skills are undeniably appealing. To gain more recognition from scouts, he must work on his three-point shooting and off-the-dribble execution.
30) Mark Mitchell – Duke – 6'8
Mark Mitchell is highly regarded by those who appreciate his two-way versatility. That said, some skeptics question whether he possesses above-average skills for the NBA. To dispel concerns about his fit, Mitchell needs to make strides as a shooter.
With each passing day of the new 2023-24 NBA season, the 2024 NBA Draft approaches. As such the basketball world eagerly awaits the emergence of a new generation of stars who will shape the future of the sport. With a diverse group of prospects, next year's draft should be a captivating event filled with anticipation and intrigue. As the journey toward the NBA Draft unfolds, all eyes are on these up-and-coming young players as they strive to make a mark in NBA history. Stay tuned for future developments and witness the birth of a new era in basketball greatness.
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