The 2024 NBA Draft Class may lack the sheer star power of the 2023 class headlined by generational talent Victor Wembanyama, but there is still intrigue at the top with several talented international prospects leading the way.
1. Zaccharie Risacher, France
French forward Zaccharie Risacher has emerged as the current favorite to be selected first overall in 2024.
The 18-year-old combines tantalizing physical tools with a developing skill level that gives him an extremely high upside. At 6’9″ (2.05m) with a reported 7’2″ (2.18m) wingspan, Risacher possesses the ideal size for a modern NBA forward along with fluid athleticism.
He has shown the ability to shoot from NBA 3-point range, handle the ball comfortably, and finish above the rim.
Risacher is putting up solid numbers as a rotation player for JL Bourg in the French league. While the production has been inconsistent at times, he has had several standout performances showcasing his vast potential. His defense also remains a work in progress but he has shown flashes of being a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions.
There are still areas of polish needed and Risacher likely has a higher bust factor than someone like Victor Wembanyama. However, in a draft without a surefire superstar, he offers perhaps the most enticing upside for a team picking first overall.
2. Alex Sarr, France
Yet another talented French prospect has emerged as a potential top pick in 2024.
7’1″ (2.16m) center Alex Sarr has climbed draft boards with his promising play in the French league this season. Despite his height, he moves extremely well and has shown some ball-handling and shooting ability unusual for a big man.
Sarr may not quite have the upside of Risacher but he looks like one of the safer bets to at least be a solid rotation big man.
His combination of size, mobility, and budding skill level gives him an extremely high floor. While perhaps not projected as a future superstar, Sarr‘s two-way potential makes him a very appealing option for a team looking for an impactful big man.
As with most young big men, Sarr needs to continue getting stronger but has all the tools to be an excellent rim protector given his length.
Offensively, he is still somewhat limited but has shown enough flashes as a shooter and driver to intrigue NBA talent evaluators.
Sarr is not on Victor Wembanyama‘s level as a prospect but he could still develop into a franchise-changing talent.
3. Cody Williams, Colorado
Freshman guard Cody Williams has played his way into top 5 consideration with his strong start at Colorado.
The younger brother of OKC Thunder sophmore Jalen Williams, Cody possesses great size for a guard at 6’8″ (2.03m) to go along with advanced scoring ability.
He has shown the ability to shoot from a distance, finish at the rim, and create offense for himself and others.
While not an explosive athlete, Williams moves extremely well for his size and uses craftiness and footwork to navigate the floor. He projects as a versatile offensive threat capable of playing both backcourt positions.
Defensively, Williams already shows strong instincts and positioning. With his size and length, he could develop into a quality defender, especially as he gains more strength.
On a team lacking star power, Williams has established himself as Colorado’s clear go-to scoring option early in the season.
His ability to carry a heavy offensive load efficiently at his age is impressive. As the younger brother of an NBA player, Williams also likely has the benefit of experiencing elite training and competition through his development.
4. Nikola Topic, Serbia
Serbian guard Nikola Topic has flown under the radar playing professionally overseas but has loudly entered the 2024 draft conversation.
The 6’6″ (1.98m) playmaker possesses excellent size, shot-making ability, advanced court vision, and passing skills for his position and age.
Playing against far more experienced competition than his NCAA counterparts, Topic is excelling at just 18 years old.
He has shown the ability to run an offense and distribute effectively while also hitting outside shots at a strong clip. Topic sees the floor extremely well and makes quick, accurate passes to set up teammates.
While not an elite athlete, Topic moves well and competes hard on both ends. He will need to continue improving defensively and show he can create more offense for himself, but his current skill set gives him an excellent framework.
Topic looks like one of the more “NBA ready” guard prospects in the 2024 class.
5. Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
After earning McDonald’s All-American honors last season, Baylor freshman Ja’Kobe Walter has not disappointed with his strong start for the Bears.
The athletic 6’5″ (1.95m) shooting guard has emerged as one of the top scorers in the country while also contributing in other areas.
Walter possesses tremendous shooting touch and range, with the ability to get hot from outside and score points in bunches. He has also shown impressive finishing skills around the rim using his leaping ability.
While still developing as an on-ball creator, Walter figures to provide immediate offense at the NBA level as a catch-and-shoot threat and transition scorer.
Defensively, Walter plays hard and has shown nice potential on that end as well using his quickness and length to guard on the perimeter. As he continues expanding his all-around game, Walter has all the makings of a high-level starting shooting guard.
6. Tidjane Salaun, France
Yet another talented French prospect cracks the top ten in the form of forward Tidjane Salaun.
The 6’9” (2.05m) forward has opened eyes with his play in the Spanish second division this season.
An athletic combo forward with a 7-foot wingspan, Salaun’s physical profile gives him strong two-way potential.
Offensively, Salaun has shown the ability to attack the rim forcefully and shoot from the mid-range and beyond the arc. He runs the floor well in transition and presents a huge target cutting to the basket or spotting up outside. Salaun remains somewhat raw skill-wise but continues to show intriguing flashes of potential.
Given his physical attributes and developing scoring, Salaun offers significant upside especially if his skills can catch up to his excellent frame over time.
On a draft short of star potential at the top, he figures to pique the interest of talent evaluators.
7. Ron Holland, G League Ignite
Five-star recruit Ron Holland bypassed playing college basketball to join the NBA G League Ignite developmental program straight out of high school.
The ultra-athletic 6’8” (2.03) forward possesses elite physical tools with his explosiveness, quickness and 7-foot wingspan.
While Holland entered the Ignite program very raw offensively outside of transition scoring, he has already shown encouraging development with his shooting and ball-handling ability. He remains more potential than polish for now but his upside has teams intrigued.
Defensively, Holland makes highlight reel blocks and other plays that showcase his immense athletic gifts. He also contributes on the glass and gives great effort.
Holland’s lack of high-level production so far keeps him just outside the draft’s top five for now. But given time to harness his abilities, he could end up being the biggest star from this class.
8. Isaiah Collier, USC
Explosive USC freshman point guard Isaiah Collier garnered top-five buzz before the season but a recent hand injury has sidelined him for over a month. When healthy, the lightning-quick 6’5″ (1.95m) Collier utilizes his speed and athleticism to get into the paint and make plays for himself and teammates.
Collier excels at breaking down defenders off the dribble and can finish with either hand through contact. He also spots up effectively from the outside when playing off the ball. While still needing to cut down on turnovers and show more consistency defensively, Collier offers substantial lead guard potential.
Before going down with injury, Collier displayed impressive shot creation skill for a freshman playing in a leading conference.
His recovery timeline could impact draft positioning, but Collier figures to remain a coveted lottery level prospect.
March Madness is here! Learn where and how to place winning bets!
9. Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
On a talented Kentucky team, freshman guard Reed Sheppard has shined as an efficient two-way contributor.
Lacking the recruiting hype of some Wildcat teammates, Sheppard’s high basketball IQ and balanced impact stand out.
The 6’3” (1.90m) combo guard does a little bit of everything, spacing the floor with his outside shooting while also creating shots off the dribble when needed.
He plays with an advanced pace and rarely seems rushed or rattled with the ball in his hands.
Defensively, Sheppard puts in consistent effort and shows good positional understanding.
While not possessing star upside, Sheppard projects nicely as a reliable backcourt piece who can play on or off the ball while positively impacting winning.
His efficient inside-outside scoring and steady defense should make him a rotation player at minimum.
10. Robert Dillingham, Kentucky
Yet another talented Kentucky freshman cracks the top ten in scoring guard Robert Dillingham.
Small in stature but armed with elite athleticism and competitive fire, Dillingham constantly applies pressure to opposing defenses.
Despite standing just 6’3” (1.90m), Dillingham is an explosive leaper who finishes strong at the rim through contact. He also sports a smooth shooting stroke with unlimited range.
While still developing his playmaking skills for others, Dillingham is already able to create space for his shot with ease.
His size may cap his defensive upside at the NBA level but Dillingham has quick hands and feet to compete on that end. Few guards in the country can match his ability to fill up the basket.
Dillingham has shown an ability to pour in points as Kentucky’s top bench scorer thus far.
Other Names to Monitor
The 2024 draft class offers plenty of enticing talents beyond the names currently in lottery discussions. Other freshmen guards to watch include Indiana’s Jalen Hood-Schifino, Syracuse’s Judah Mintz, and Seton Hall’s Jaquan Sanders. Each of those three has shown flashes of star ability early on in college.
In the frontcourt, 7’1” UCLA freshman Adem Bona boasts impressive physical tools and a developing inside-out skill set. Texas freshman Dillon Mitchell offers jaw-dropping athleticism as a power forward. And Kel’el Ware brings immense upside as a shot-blocking force at 7’0” for Oregon.
Several talented high school prospects remain in the mix for 2024 as well. Justin Edwards, Bryson Warren, and Darren Harris currently rank among the highest-rated prep recruits and should garner draft looks.
The 2024 class may lack superstar power right now but there are a number of promising talents capable of blossoming into very good NBA players. Teams picking at the top will have options in their quest to land a potential franchise cornerstone.
Sources:
www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2024-nba-draft-prospect-rankings-big-board-has-a-new-no-1-kentuckys-reed-sheppard-jumps-into-top-10/
theathletic.com/5107064/2023/12/06/nba-draft-2024-big-board-isiah-collier-reed-sheppard/
