B/R NBA Draft Expert Big Board: Ranking Top 75 Prospects

Bleacher Report’s 2024 NBA Draft Big Board rankings look very different from our Mock Drafts.

There is no consensus this year. Neither of our projected top two picks are top two in our big-board rankings.

Our preseason No. 1 is still No. 1 entering the draft, despite most scouts and teams dropping him during the season.

It’s worth noting that the difference between certain rankings is minimal enough to the point where players can be interchangeable at different spots, depending on which team I’d be picking for.

75. Tristan Enaruna (Cleveland State, SF/PF, Senior)

Shooting remains a question mark after five NCAA seasons with three schools. He still managed to average 19.6 points, scoring in different ways using his athleticism off the ball, handle in one-on-one situations and shotmaking diversity inside the arc.

74. Jaedon LeDee (San Diego State, PF, Senior)

Not many 25-year-olds get drafted. LeDee sounds like a long shot to hear his name called, but he’s a skilled post scorer who made over 40 percent of his jump shots from short range, mid-range and deep.

73. Armel Traore (ADA Blois Basket, PF, 2003)

Traore has been on the radar with a strong, 6’8″ frame, charged motor and instincts for scoring, rebounding and anticipating defensively. But he took a disappointing step backward this season as a three-point shooter.

72. Trentyn Flowers (Adelaide, SF, 2005)

Flowers could earn second-round looks for his positional size, 42-inch max vertical and shotmaking. He’s still raw and lacks versatility. A lot will be riding on his three-point shooting.

71. Emanuel Miller (TCU, SF, Senior)

Though not a flashy creator, Miller deserves second-round looks for an adaptable game and defensive tools. He plays hard and scores efficiently off the ball with a solid 215-pound frame and improving shot.

70. Mantas Rubstavicius (New Zealand Breakers, SF, 2002)

NBA teams will look at Mantas Rubstavicius’ three-point shooting in the NBL and volume scoring in previous FIBA settings and see a worthy second-round pick. He’s been ultra efficient spotting up for the New Zealand Breakers, with adequate wing size, shotmaking, passing IQ and open-floor finishing prowess to project as an NBA fit.

69. Blake Hinson (Pittsburgh, SG/SF, Senior)

Hinson hit 207 threes during his two seasons at Pittsburgh. At 24 years old, he’ll earn looks as a shotmaking specialist, though he has showcased some bonus self-creation for scoring in other ways.

68. David Jones (Memphis, SG/SF, Senior)

Jones took a big step forward with his three-ball and overall scoring, finishing the year at 21.8 points per game off a balanced mix of driving and shotmaking. He averaged more turnovers than assists on high usage, but there could be a role for Jones with a second unit.

67. Boogie Ellis (USC, PG/SG, Senior)

Despite Ellis measuring under 6’1″ in socks, shooting will give him a chance, as will a 6’7″ wingspan.

66. Reece Beekman (Virginia, PG, Senior)

Teams will consider Beekman, mostly for his defensive impact with ball pressure and instincts. He’s also developed into a trustworthy decision-maker, capable of running offense and playmaking.

65. Bronny James (USC, SG, Freshman)

There aren’t many successful NBA guards James’ size who aren’t plus-advantage creators or big-time shooters. He has the quickness, IQ, and effort to be an excellent perimeter defender, and he processes the game well.

His 26.7 percent three-point percentage may also be fluky, given James’ late start (due to health issues) and USC’s inability to help him generate confidence or rhythm. But the accuracy on his jump shot must improve dramatically for him to offer an NBA rotation enough offense and value.

64. Tristen Newton (Connecticut, PG/SG, Senior)

Tristen Newton surprised scouts by opting to skip scrimmaging. Teams should ultimately have a confident feel for the 23-year-old’s game, which played a key role during Connecticut’s repeat championships. He should draw second-round interest and two-way offers from teams who see a Swiss Army knife guard who can make plays for teammates, knock down shots, and adapt to different roles and situations.

63. Nae’Qwan Tomlin (Memphis, PF/C, Senior)

Tomlin only played 21 games this year, but he also hit 21 threes, efficiently finished cuts, rolls and putbacks. He’ll turn 24 years old in Memphis, but if the shooting improvement is real, there could be a spot for a 6’10” stretch forward and play-finisher.

62. Trey Alexander (Creighton, SG, Senior)

The success rate of undersized scoring 2-guards isn’t high, and Alexander lacks any playmaking acumen and athleticism. But he is a highly versatile shotmaker, who can knock down jumpers off self-creation from three levels.

61. N’Faly Dante (Oregon, C, Senior)

Dante is worth a look for his 7’6″ wingspan and ability to use it for finishing and shot-blocking.

60. Cam Spencer (Connecticut, SG, Senior)

Whether Spencer gets drafted or not, he’ll have numerous offers from teams drawn to his shooting, shotmaking versatility and intensity. He’s the type of competitor worth betting on to overcome physical and certain skill limitations.

59. Oso Ighodaro (Marquette, PF/C, Junior)

The draw to Ighodaro stems from his ball-handling, passing and touch shots for a big. He just lacks typical rim-protector tools and shot-blocking production, and his offensive fit will require specific, surrounding pieces.

58. Antonio Reeves (Kentucky, SG, Senior)

The combination of elite catch-and-shooting and floater touch could help Reeves provide off-ball scoring at the next level. He just won’t offer much else.

57. Juan Nunez (Ratiopharm Ulm, PG, 2004)

Nunez may be advanced enough in pick-and-roll situations for NBA teams to see a serviceable, ball-screen playmaker. He’s improved his shot, but shooting, defense and athleticism are still weaknesses that are tough to ignore.

56. Melvin Ajinca (Saint-Quentin, SF, 2004)

Ajinca has NBA wing size and significant shotmaking production for an international teenager. The rest of his skill and athletic abilities remain limited.

55. Ulrich Chomche (NBA Academy Africa, C, 2004)

Chomche was higher on my board until the Nike Hoop Summit and NBA combine. There is still something there, specifically with his finishing, shot-blocking and passing. He just looks too far away right now, so he’d require a team willing to invest years of development before expecting results.

54. Jalen Bridges (Baylor, SF, Senior)

Age and creation limitations will keep Jalen Bridges from going first-round or maybe even drafted. But his three-and-D case feels quietly strong right now after he shot 41.2 percent from deep with 6’9″ size and wing agility to guard positions 2-4.

53. Isaac Jones (Washington State, PF, Senior)

Jones grew five inches since starting his junior college career, and guard skill he once had showed on some face-up dribble moves throughout the season. Regardless, his NBA case is built around the idea that he can serve as a big-wing defender and frontcourt energizer who can potentially make open spot-up threes.

52. Nikola Djurisic (Mega MIS, SG/SF, 2004)

Djurisic scored comfortably at the NBA combine before winning MVP at Eurocamp. The positional size and scoring versatility remain intriguing, and clear passing IQ may give him an extra edge with questions about his shooting consistency and decision-making.

51. Jaylen Wells (Washington State, SF, Senior)

NBA wing size, shotmaking production and easy range should help Wells earn second-round looks. His game is fairly one-dimensional, but teams looking for shooting should have Wells highlighted in the 40s or 50s.

50. PJ Hall (Clemson, PF, Senior)

PJ Hall will need his shooting to be more reliable at the next level, but he looks close enough (on his 1.4 threes per game) for a chiseled, 6’10” big who has excellent post-up and box-out technique. He should be able to continue scoring around the key with various moves, strength and shotmaking. He’ll obviously fit much easier offensively if he turns into a regular spot-up threat from behind the arc, where he hit a career-best 52 threes this past season. His rise in three-point attempts (165 in 2023-24) and consistency from the free-throw line are promising indicators.

49. Jamal Shead (Houston, PG, Senior)

While a lack of size and questionable shooting will limit Jamal Shead’s first-round looks, ferocious defense, capable playmaking and toughness could earn him a role and contract similar to Jevon Carter’s. He looks like a value pick in the second round for a team more interested in adding immediate rotational depth and defense over gambling on a longer-term project with upside.

48. Justin Edwards (Kentucky, SF, Freshman)

Edwards shot much better over the last month of the season, keeping hope alive in shooting potential that will sway teams to stay patient. Without much ball-handling, creation or playmaking, sticking in the NBA will be strictly tied to Edwards ability to make jump shots at an above-average rate.

47. Enrique Freeman (Akron, PF, Senior)

Freeman’s scoring versatility at the combine caught scouts attention, and now he looks like a decent bet to hear his name called in the draft. He’ll hang his hat on defense and rebounding, but he looks like a useful scoring threat in the post, an off-ball finisher and capable spot-up shooter.

46. Bobi Klintman (Cairns Taipans, SF/PF, 2003)

The hesitation with Klintman focuses on the idea that he hasn’t showcased a sure-fire NBA strength or speciality. Everything has mostly come in flashes, from his time at Sunrise Christian Academy, one year at Wake Forest and previous season in the NBL.

But the flashes of transition ball-handling, shooting range, athleticism around the rim and some live-dribble passing were enticing for a 6’8″ combo forward. His positional tools and skill set create a coveted archetype that will sway teams to stay patient. His three-ball may make or break him, unless there is a lot more half-court creation that’s been hidden.

45. AJ Johnson (Illawara Hawks, PG/SG, 2004)

Johnson had a lot riding on the NBA combine after barely playing this year in Australia. He capitalized, showing off combo-guard skills with his handle and shot while completing the highlight of scrimmages with a driving poster dunk. He’s at least a project worth taking on in the second round, though that 167-pound frame looks like it needs a few years of strengthening.

44. Pelle Larsson (Arizona, SF, Senior)

While it would feel more comforting if Pelle Larsson shot more threes, he shot 42.6 percent for the year and 39.7 percent on 340 career attempts. The efficient transition finishing, slashing and secondary playmaking seem translatable, given his physical tools and IQ/decision-making. An interchangeable wing, Larsson has the physical tools, skill set for versatility and mentality of an NBA role player.

43. Kevin McCullar Jr. (Kansas, SG/SF, Senior)

There is still limited information on Kevin McCullar Jr.’s knee injury that kept him out of the NCAA tournament and NBA combine. Ignoring medical reports, his 18.3 points per game were generated mostly in transition and from off the ball. While McCullar struggled creating in ball-screen situations with turnovers and converting layups and pull-ups, he’ll provide offensive value with his transition finishing, cutting and ability to make shots and plays curling around screens.

42. Dillon Jones (Weber State, SF, Junior)

Jones has developed into a sharp ball-handling and creator, getting to spots and finishing off self-creation with driving layups, pull-ups and floaters. A 30.3 assist percentage highlights real point-wing playmaking skill and feel with his live-dribble passing.

And at 6’6″, 235 pounds, the 9.8 boards per game reflects strength and a willingness to go after loose balls despite his offensive guard role. He needs to keep improving his catch-and-shoot stroke, but just being capable or average may be enough for him, as he’s had excellent success attacking the rim in spot-up situations.

41. Harrison Ingram (North Carolina, SF, Junior)

Harrison Ingram improved his shooting at North Carolina, as he spent more time off the ball getting rhythm looks next to RJ Davis and Armando Bacot. At Stanford, he was able to show more pick-and-roll ball-handling and playmaking.

Between his time at both schools, he has developed a connector skill set with his spot-up threes and passing. Flashes of shotmaking from the post, pull-ups and defensive activity could be bonuses that help make Ingram a more multidimensional, two-way role player.

40. Cam Christie (Minnesota, SG/SF, Freshman)

The eye test backs up Christie’s 39.1 three-point percentage. He has a smooth jumper with NBA 2-guard/wing size. And he has a good feel for scoring or passing in ball-screen situations. He just doesn’t put pressure on the rim or finish well around it, so his margin for error as a shooter remains small.

39. Keshad Johnson (Arizona, PF, Senior)

There will be a role for Johnson if he can make open threes at the same clip he hit them during his fifth college season. Otherwise, he doesn’t offer enough creation. But his strength, feet and explosion should translate to off-ball finishing, defensive playmaking/versatility.

38. Adem Bona (UCLA, C, Sophomore)

The improved scoring production was nice to see, but realistically, NBA teams will call on Bona to play to his physical and athletic strengths. With a 40-inch vertical, 7’4″ wingspan and charged motor, he should be able to carve out an energizer role running the floor, finishing plays and protecting the basket.

37. Kyshawn George (Miami, SG, Freshman)

George only worked out for top-20 teams, and there is clear interest in a big wing who shot 40.8 percent from three and handled the ball at Miami. Limited strength and no explosion just raise questions about the translatability of his creation and two-point scoring.

36. Ajay Mitchell (Santa Barbara, PG, Junior)

Mitchell had a fine showing at the NBA combine, but the tape from his junior year remains the selling point. He ended the season with 35-plus points in two of Santa Barbara’s final three games. A weak strength of schedule, record (seventh in the Big West) and his lack of three-point volume work against him. But there will be believers in his scoring translating based on how effectively he uses change of speed to get to spots and touch shots/adjustments around the paint.

35. Jonathan Mogbo (San Francisco, PF, Junior)

Mogbo didn’t have many chances to play against pro prospects during the season, so it was encouraging to see his effectiveness during NBA combine scrimmages. His finishing, rebounding/defensive motor and outlier passing skills should be able for Mogbo to generate enough plays and advantages in a backup role.

34. Judah Mintz (Syracuse, PG/SG, Sophomore)

Mintz is slipping through the cracks of the draft process after failing to receive an invite to the NBA combine. Blame the lack of adjustments he made this season. Teams wanted more shooting improvement. I share the belief that his three-point weakness is overblown and that he has some outlier offensive potential with his explosive/shiftiness attacking the basket, tough two-point shotmaking and playmaking.

33. Pacome Dadiet (Ratiopharm Ulm, SF, 2004)

Dadiet started to climb my board during the second half of the season, and it sounds like he’s moving in that direction right now for teams during pre-draft.

His game looks very adaptable due to his shotmaking versatility and how well he moves without the ball.

Between his age, 44.1 percent pull-up jumper and ultra efficiency on his limited ball-screen reps (1.1 PPP), it’s also worth betting on more on-ball upside and development over the next few years.

32. Tyler Kolek (Marquette, PG, Junior)

Kolek has earned first-round interest for the idea that he’s a good bet to provide playmaking, spot-up shooting and toughness. You take the limited defense or on-on-one scoring for a backup who can make plays and raise the intensity level of a second unit.

31. DaRon Holmes (Dayton, PF/C, Junior)

DaRon Holmes made improvements in key areas this year with his shooting and on-ball skill as a ball-handler and passer. Size and athleticism for finishing are still his moneymakers, but some extra shotmaking and driving ability have helped separate him from other basic low-post threats and dunkers. There are just translatability questions about his flat shot, face-up play and defensive presence in the paint.

Baylor Scheierman looking like the best player on the floor during NBA combine scrimmages was validating. More than not, standout performances in those games are positive indicators.

But the questions for Scheierman were about translatability due to athletic limitations, and against NBA prospects and projected second-rounders, he had no trouble making shots, getting to where he needs to and rebounding.

He’s deserving of first-round interest based on proven shooting and high-level ball-screen skill, a combination good for a connector role. The boards, toughness and leadership just help his outlook scream pro a little louder.

Isaiah Crawford’s Portsmouth Invitational and G League Elite camp play forced me to revisit tape from Louisiana Tech. I clearly overlooked the 22-year-old throughout the year.

The more I watched, the easier it became to picture an NBA wing whose eye test backed up exciting numbers: 41.9 percent catch-and-shoot, 41.4 percent shooting off the dribble, 3.7 steal percentage and a 5.8 block percentage.

He may struggle to create for himself at the next level, as the film shows he winds up having to turn his back to the basket often, unable to gain a step. Multiple ACL injuries are also discouraging.

But they didn’t stop him from averaging 16.3 points, cleaning up defensively and registering a 57.9 percent true shooting percentage this season. He’s a likely second-round pick who I’m willing to bet makes his way into an NBA rotation.

While there will always be skeptics in undersized scoring guards, KJ Simpson demonstrated the type of craftiness, high-level shotmaking and competitiveness for teams to bet on a 6’2″ guard overcoming some physical limitations. At least if the gamble only requires a pick in the late 20s or second round.

A 43.1 percent catch-and-shoot guard who hit 42.7 percent of his pull-ups and 43.2 percent of his mid-range shots, totaled 110 made half-court buckets at the rim and registered a 25.0 assist percentage in three consecutive seasons, he could be a second-round bargain for a team that doesn’t worry about upside.

Johnny Furphy should draw first-round looks from teams willing to wait a few years.

At 189 pounds, he doesn’t look ready physically to score against or defend NBA wings. But there is clear fit for a player his size who shoots off the catch, finishes from off the ball, makes good decisions and hustles.

He seems like the type of player who could go to a playoff team, playing in the G League, sit on the bench and then suddenly be a useful reserve in his second or third season.

Tyler Smith was very productive and useful for Ignite with a simple combination of shotmaking, vertical pop at the rim and motor.

The combination feels translatable to a catch-and-score role for making spot-up and pick-and-pop jumpers, play-finishing pick-and-rolls and dump downs and running the floor for easy baskets.

His value at the next level may be reliant on above-average shooting, and there is some debate over just how advanced he is from outside.

He’s also not the highest-level creator or rim protector, but Smith has the right tools and skill set for a stretch 4.

Bub Carrinton has generated a lot of praise during this predraft process, with teams falling for his positional size, shotmaking skill, passing flashes and age.

The differentiator skill for Carrington is his pull-up—he made 102 on 40.8 percent as an 18-year-old freshman in the ACC. He also proved to be an effective pick-and-roll passer. The combination of vision and shooting off the dribble bodes well for his ability to make plays in ball-screen situations.

On the downside, lacks burst to put pressure on the rim or draw fouls. His 1.0 steal rate and 0.9 block percentage are red-flag low historically when looking at previous prospects. And he wasn’t overly efficient off the ball in catch-and-shoot situations.

There are strengths I’m buying with Terrence Shannon Jr, but also some I’m not for the next level.

His speed, explosion and open-floor handle will surely translate to easy transition baskets, foul shots and half-court blow bys. Despite a streaky jump shot, it’s potent enough to catch fire during points of a game. And his defensive tools remain extremely promising, between his 219-pound frame, 6’9″ wingspan and foot speed.

It’s still difficult to picture the high-usage scorer we sat at Illinois. His one-on-one offense is still fairly predictable—he’s either driving hard or settling for a contested pull-up. And after watching him play 145 games over a five-year period, projecting an average spot-up shooter seems most realistic.

The biggest draw to Yves Missi revolves around his defensive versatility, not just his rim protection.

He moves well away from the basket for a big who’s 6’11” in socks.

Offensively, Missi’s finishing figures to translate based on his size, hands and ability to play high above the rim. But he’s also flashed some real face-up skill from the top of the key and mid-range attacking opposing centers off the dribble. Teams who’ve worked him out have been surprised with some of his offensive skill that he doesn’t get credit for.

At some point, the production and dominance has to matter. Even most NBA teams won’t have a center who can match up with Zach Edey physically.

The defensive foot speed may be overblown as well.

I’m not expecting a go-to scorer the way he was for Purdue, but it’s gotten easier to picture an effective screener, play-finisher, rebounder, post scorer and intimidator. And that combination should be enough to warrant top-20 interest for the right team in a perceived weak draft.

Kyle Filipowski never had the wing-like movement and shooting fluidity of a 7-footer such as Lauri Markkanen. So it was a good thing he improved in other areas that have made him more well-rounded for an NBA role player.

He raised his assist rate to 18.4 percent, a number that clearly reflects high-IQ passing and processing from the post or off drives. Filipowski went from finishing 60.7 percent of his cuts to 80.5 percent. He blocked more shots and turned the ball over less. There were plenty of promising sequences of Filipowski sliding his feet and staying with smaller ball-handlers in space.

I don’t anticipate a team getting a top-two or-three option, but I like Filipowski for a jack-of-all-trades big role that gets capable shooting, smart ball-moving, inside scoring and the occasional face-up play.

Ja’Kobe Walter buried 75 threes at Baylor and shot 37.8 percent (on volume) from three at Link Academy. The shotmaking feels real, regardless of the percentages, and at 6’5″ with a solid physical profile, he pairs shooting with strong defensive tools and quickness.

His on-ball creation needs work. His handle has its moments of quick moves that result in line-drive opportunities. But he can also be loose with it, and he doesn’t have the burst to blow by without being able to freeze his man with a dribble move first. He was able to draw 183 fouls, but Walter mostly struggled at the rim (46.1 percent on layups).

A realistic, high-end outcome feels like a three-and-D spot-up 2-guard such as Wesley Matthews or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Tidjane Salaun’s shotmaking, play-finishing, motor and production outweigh the streakiness for an 18-year-old in LNB Pro A.

It’s still worth questioning how much upside there really is to a forward who doesn’t put the ball down often, rebound like a big or finish well (51.6 percent on layups, 26th percentile).

He’s going to go earlier than this to a team that values the three-and-D foundation and wants to bet on age, improved ball skill and feel.

If the shot is real, he should be a rotational player, I’d rather land a prospect with his lack of versatility and polish later in the first round.

Tristan da Silva is trending upward this month, with teams drawn to his polish on and off the floor.

He just finished his third consecutive season as a consistent three-point shooter. Between his 6’8″ size, his mechanics, the accuracy and shot diversity, he makes it easy to visualize a plug-and-play spot-up scorer.

But he also got more ball-screen reps this year, and while Da Silva still isn’t a creator, he’s become capable of shaking defenders with some space and separating into pull-ups, runners or layups.

A lack of physicality and quickness suggest he could have more trouble separating, finishing in traffic and defending NBA wings.

The right fit could unlock substantial impact from Ryan Dunn, one of the decade’s most unique defensive playmakers with a 3.1 steal percentage and 10.4 block percentage.

He’s going to need creators and shooters to mask some of his offensive weakness. But explosive play-finishing, mixed with outrageous defensive court coverage, could generate high-end role-player value.

Kel’el Ware made strong impressions for NBA executives during predraft workouts, where he was able to show off the shooting range that complements his tools and athleticism for finishing and shot-blocking.

He made 17-of-40 threes at Indiana and occasionally looked fluid attacking closeouts with his handle and body control.

Defensively, he’s naturally going to contest shots with his size and length.

Still, opponents can expose him with quick or back-to-the-basket counters, and he was a mixed bag moving his feet one-on-one in space. He took advantage of smaller bigs in the post with his high release point, touch and tough shotmaking. But NBA-sized centers like Donovan Clingan, Hunter Dickinson, Johni Broome and Zach Edey kept him quiet, as Ware struggles against physicality.

Dalton Knecht finished his one season at Tennessee averaging 21.7 points on 57.8 percent true shooting. His numbers weren’t that different from 2022-23’s at Northern Colorado (20.2 points, 58.6 percent TS), but scouts obviously took him more seriously this year based on the competition he faced.

Knecht put up 37 points against Purdue, 40 against Kentucky, 39 against Auburn, 31 against South Carolina, 39 against Florida and 37 against North Carolina. A 6’6″ wing with this level of shotmaking skill and production, plus some toughness attacking the rim and effective leaping ability for transition finishing, comes off as a highly safe bet to fill a supporting scoring role at the NBA.

He’ll likely go higher than his B/R ranking to a team that’s more interested in a sure thing than an upside gamble. Aside from Cameron Johnson, Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield, there have been few players drafted at 23 years old who went on to start regularly for years.

There is also an extremely small list of NBA players who were taken as seniors and registered a steal percentage under 1.5.

Knecht falls into both those categories at 23 with a 1.3 steal percentage, and it’s at least worth thinking about age and his quickness for separating and defending at the pro level.

Medicals must suddenly be factored into Nikola Topic’s evaluation, after he missed four months with knee injury—and then partially tore his ACL.

The huge numbers he put up with Mega MIS, which put him into the top-five discussion early, came from just a 16-game sample size.

The combination of 6’6″ size (in socks), ball-handling and creativity, passing IQ and rare finishing efficiency (at 18 years old) should still keep interest alive from top-10 teams interested in adding an initiator. While he could struggle to create separation, he finds ways to compensate using positional height, body shielding, angles and instincts.

And despite underwhelming three-point percentages, he’s always shot over 80.0 percent from the line, and he demonstrates clear confidence and shotmaking ability, even if the jumper isn’t falling consistently yet.

Matas Buzelis dodged criticism that stuck to teammate Ron Holland in the G League. He can thank the positional size and scoring versatility he flashed, which creates a more enticing archetype.

At 6’9″ in socks, Buzelis’ ability to handle in the open floor, hit improvised jump shots, make threes and finish high above the rim generated some enticing scouting tape.

Still, buying in means looking past a shaky handle when pressured and a three-point percentage that doesn’t align with a proven shooter’s. His game should fit easily, but there does seem to be some boom-or-bust potential tied to Buzelis, who can score in a lot of different ways but isn’t efficient in any just yet.

Buying into Cody Williams’ upside means valuing the foundation and betting on substantial skill development.

At baseline, he’s attractive for a complementary scoring role and 7’1″ wingspan on defense. Right now, he excels at playing off creators and playmakers, picking his spots to attack in a spaced-out half court, making spot-up threes and finishing plays around the lane.

Right now, he’s also a limited creator and pull-up shooter who doesn’t take many threes.

Players like OG Anunoby and Jaden McDaniels have proved that forwards can still be extremely valuable without being top options in an offense.

Williams has the physical tools and complementary skill set to mirror a top three-and-D wings. And creating value in that archetype seems more realistic than him evolving into a featured scorer who’ll eventually start getting his own shot consistently.

Stephon Castle will go earlier, with NBA teams drawn to his versatility, defensive tools, impact on Connecticut’s title run and background intel.

Taking him top five, where he may wind up going, means betting on more full-time playmaking ability and improved shooting. He’s still attractive without either—just more so for a Josh Hart-type role, attacking through contact, moving the ball, crashing the offensive glass and defending teams’ premier wings.

However, Castle played a lot of point guard in high school, and he clearly has a comfort level handling the ball and passing off the live dribble. His jump shot seems too far away to bet on becoming a strength, but just reaching a league-average level—and demonstrating more of the ball-screen playmaking he flashed at Connecticut—could turn Castle into a strong enough offensive player to yield top-five overall value in 2024.

Jaylon Tyson was still in the top 20 in our last update before the NBA combine, but the self-creation, three-level shotmaking, passing reads and high-level finishes looked even more convincing during second run-throughs of game film.

He was most effective in ball-screen situations, handling at 6’7″ with the ability to dance around and shoot off the dribble and attack with strong physical tools or play the role of setup passer.

It’s worth questioning how well he’ll transition to more of an off-ball role at the next level. But Tyson’s scoring versatility really stands out, specifically his footwork, rhythm and ability to hit jumpers in different ways with NBA forward size.

For NBA teams, Isaiah Collier’s three-point shooting and high turnover rate clouded the highlights of shifty ball-handling moves, powerful drives, vision and creative finishes.

I’m not putting as much stock into an improvable jump shot, and though his decision-making can be frustrating, it’s less worrisome for a bench-spark role.

He may need more time than other prospects to be trusted full-time, but Collier should be an effective offensive weapon with how well he puts pressure on the defenses in the open floor, off quick change-of-direction, the ability to play through contact, making passing reads and occasionally hit jumpers when he’s feeling it.

Rob Dillingham possesses the most potent mix of ball-handling creativity and shotmaking in the draft. And now that we know he’s 6’1″ in socks and weighs 164 pounds, the big question is how efficiently he’ll execute.

Those exact measurements haven’t stopped Trae Young from putting up big numbers. But Dillingham isn’t the same level of playmaker/passer, and defensive issues feel inevitable.

Still, he’s too quick and skilled to only focus on the physical limitations and potential concerns tied to his shot selection, finishing and shoot-first mentality. The fact that he was sharp with his touch shots/floater and spot-up threes is also very assuring.

Ideally, he’s paired with a big guard who can set up teammates and defend 2s/wings so the undersized Dillingham doesn’t have to.

Jared McCain was one of the biggest movers on my board over the second half of the season.

Convincing shooting obviously drives the appeal. He was one of the top shotmakers in high school basketball and college. He went out at Duke with eight threes in the Sweet 16 and five in the Blue Devils’ Elite 8 loss to North Carolina State, giving him 87 for the year.

But McCain checks in at top 10 due to the adjustments he made as a pick-and-roll creator and finisher. I didn’t expect him to be as effective as he was manipulating in ball-screens, getting to spots and converting around the basket, where he shot 61.7 percent despite picking up only one dunk on the year.

He shows excellent poise and feel for when to slow down and accelerate when attacking a defense. And he has effective touch shots and counters for his drives.

McCain still profiles as more of a combo, and he’s very comfortable off the ball, shooting off spot-ups (40.7 percent), movement (40.0 percent) and transition (30 3PTM).

The lack of size and explosion may limit his upside, but reaching an Immanuel Quickley level of scoring firepower and secondary playmaking feels very attainable.

Zaccharie Risacher bolstered his No. 1 overall case with big scoring games in the LNB Pro A playoffs. They still mostly came off the same shot diet of—transition finishes, spot-up shooting and slashes to the basket.

Occasional glimpses of Risacher separating into step-back jumpers hints at more potential self-creation for a team to unlock.

But right now, the draw to Risacher is the level of safety tied to his positional size, athleticism, shotmaking and defensive court coverage. A team still gets a valued three-and-D archetype in a worst-case outcome.

There is some guesswork in how much he’ll improve off the dribble, particularly he spent so much time spotting up for JL Bourg. He’ll still need to tighten his handle against pressure to pose a different level of scoring threat.

Before the season, Devin Carter had been on my radar as a deep sleeper for a defensive specialist role. Fast-forward, and he’s now top 10 due to his offensive improvement and validating measurements/athletic results at the NBA combine.

A 6’9″ wingspan helps ease concerns over 6’2″ size in socks. So do his verticals (42″ max, 35″ standing), which both tied for the highest in the class. He set the record for the fastest sprint time and finished third in lane agility.

At Providence, Carter used a big spike in usage to become a dangerous ball-screen weapon and confident shotmaker, finishing with 85 threes (37.7 percent) after making 35 last season.

He was an effective pick-and-roll ball-handler, using change of pace and patient dribbles to find a path to the rim. His pull-up was erratic, and though he added new isolation moves with his step-back and side-step footwork, he didn’t convert those self-created jumpers at a good rate.

Donovan Clingan feels like one of the draft’s easiest bets to be a positive NBA contributor and valued starter at his position. For two seasons he showed he could use his enormous frame, feet, length and reactions to block shots, contest in pick-and-roll coverage, own the glass and pick up easy baskets.

His measurements won’t be far off from Rudy Gobert’s. I wouldn’t anticipate that level of impact, but Clingan has the right tools and movement to reach a high-end outcome for that archetype.

He’s suddenly in the No. 1 overall discussion for the Atlanta Hawks, though, and that likely has to do with how persuasive his shooting has looked in workouts during the predraft process.

There are still some questions about his post fluidity or stiffness separating into shots when contested. And despite his excellent tools and instincts, he isn’t the quickest defending in space.

Alex Sarr figures to be top-two on some teams’ boards behind the idea that his defense is a lock and his open-floor ball-handling and shotmaking development will continue.

Theoretically, no other top prospect has the potential to impact games at both ends like Sarr, a 7’1″ shot-blocker who can slide with guards, hit threes, knock down pull-ups and fallaways, attack closeouts and occasionally initiate fast breaks.

He finished the year with 16 made threes, 14 dribble jumpers and an impressive 8-of-14 mark on runners/floaters, unique numbers for an 19-year-old his size. The fluidity at which he can put the ball down and separate into a balanced, makable shot is where the offensive upside really shines.

Still, he remains raw offensively, showing some lack of polish converting off his creation. Despite athleticism and length for finishing, he doesn’t have strong hands and struggled at times converting rolls to the basket and layups in traffic.

Defensively, he popped the most on switches and moving in space. He’ll always remain a threat in rim protection, but at his size, his lateral mobility is what separates him.

An 18.3 defensive rebounding percentage is underwhelming for a player his size, though it also came against NBL pros as an 18-year-old.

It still feels like the worst-case outcome for Sarr can still be valuable for a team that would get a super-versatile defender and lob-catcher who’d be able to hit the occasional three.

Best-case, he replicates Jonathan Isaac defensively while collecting easy baskets, regularly spacing the floor, capitalizing on drives and flashing to the middle for catch-and-shoot makes.

Despite being labeled as more of a connector, Reed Sheppard was highly efficient in pick-and-roll situations (1.07 PPP), showing command with his pacing, handle and reads. His isolation results were mixed—I watched all 25 possessions and saw both space creation with his pull-up and step-back, some ability to blow by and also some trouble finishing drives or getting past bigger defenders.

Still, self-creation can be overrated for players who shoot 52.1 percent on pull-ups and have elite touch, as evidenced by his 9-of-15 clip on floaters and 83.1 free-throw percentage.

Aside from off-the-charts percentages, a strong assist-to-turnover ratio and elite defensive playmaking numbers, which highlight unteachable instincts and anticipation, the analytics show a BPM that ranks tied for 12th all-time among freshmen behind 11 top-six picks.

Sheppard doesn’t have the typical usage, measurements or athleticism of a top pick. But I’m choosing to bet on elite shotmaking, intangibles, untapped on-ball juice and a history of Kentucky guards showing more in bigger NBA roles.

During a cycle without a consensus No. 1 or even obvious tiers to split names into, my board may look nothing like the finalized one that’s standing in Brooklyn after June 27.

Ron Holland’s shooting, turnovers and record with Ignite may have turned off scouts and teams. I’m still a believer in my preseason No. 1 prospect, who averaged 19.5 points in the G League (at 18 years old) while showing clear progresses with his handle/creation and pacing.

The shot doesn’t have to reach 40.0 percent from three for a player with Holland’s explosiveness for open-floor scoring, quickness and change of direction in the half court, athleticism around the rim and defensive tools.