The 2024 NBA Draft is regarded as one of the worst in recent history. Now, that isn’t to say a team can’t find a skilled young player, full of potential to bring to fruition or use as a trade asset. It’s just there isn’t a clear franchise defining player. No Victor Wembanyama, no Zion Williamson, no Anthony Davis, no LeBron James. It’s a draft of low-end starters, role-players, busts, and maybe a few All-Star’s.

Alexandre Sarr (7ft-0in, 224lbs, 19, NBL Perth, Center) – Has all the physical tool to make the scouts go wild. He’s incredibly mobile, can defend in the post, as well as on the perimeter, and has a knack of blocking shots. Offensive game must improve in all areas, but showed flashes of a stretch-4/5. Only averaged 17 minutes per game in Australia, so a long-term development plan is a must.

Rob Dillingham (6ft-1in, 164lbs, 19, Kentucky, Guard) – Came to Kentucky as part of the number 1 recruiting class in 2023 and lit it up. He averaged 15.2 PPG (.475/.444/.796 shooting splits), which was 2nd best on a highly-talented Wildcats team. He’s an athletic combo G who can shoot off the bounce, drive by his man and finish around a big guy. He also has a runner/floater, can catch-and-shoot, be a primary ball-handler and has some play-making ability (3.9 APG). If you need buckets, he can deliver them. His smaller size and relatively light playing weight are concerning and will need to be addressed by the strength and conditioning coach of whatever team drafts him.

Cody Williams (6ft-7in, 178lbs, 19, Colorado, Forward) – The younger brother of OKC’s Jalen Williams was a highly-rated 5 star prospect coming into college one year ago. He signed with the Buffaloes, and became the highest rated player to ever attend the university. His season ended up being a mixed bag. At times, he flashed unbelievable athleticism in transition, a willingness to get to the rim and lockdown defensive potential. Not a willing 3-point shooter (1.7 attempts per game), so he’ll need to put in the work to improve. In 24 career games, he scored over 15 points nine times. On the flip side, he scored less than 10 points ten times.

Stephon Castle (6ft-6in, 210lbs, 19, UConn, Guard) – A well-rounded G with good size, who doesn’t mind playing defense. Likes to get downhill with the dribble and attack the rim, also exhibits some play-making ability. Was an integral piece on a championship team. His 3-pointer will need work, as he only shot .267% in college.

Reed Sheppard (6ft-2in, 182lbs, 20, Kentucky, Guard) – What was said about Rob Dillingham can also be applied to Reed Sheppard. A three level college scorer with an eye for the long-shot. The thing that sets him apart is his defensive IQ. His 2.5 SPG were 8th best in the country. He reads passings lanes well and gets his hand in there to knock it away. He also led the Wildcats in assist per game averaging 4.5, so expect a fair bit of play-making too.

Tristan da Silva (6ft-8in, 217lbs, 23, Colorado, Forward) – A dependable jack-of-all-trades F who played over 1000 minutes of college basketball his junior and senior years. Has the ability to score from all 3 levels and posted solid career shooting splits (.493/.386/.786). One of the older prospects at 23 years old, so developmental time will be minimal.

Zach Edey (7ft-4in, 299lbs, 22, Purdue, Center) – If you’re a team in need of size, Edey has plenty of it. The 2x AP Player of the Year absolutely dominated the painted area in college. Often he towered over, and out-muscled the competition, however, in the NBA this will be less frequent. He’ll need to keep developing his low-post game, which has shown promise. He favors the right block and loves to look for the right-hand hook shot. One major concern is his switchability on defense. It will be easy for him to patrol the paint due to his length and size, but what happens when a smart team forces him to guard a pick-and-roll? Does he have enough foot speed and agility to stay in-front of a Jalen Brunson or will he get blown by?

Jaylen Wells (6ft-7in, 206lbs, 20, Washington State, Forward) – A player who came out of nowhere and excelled at Washington State in his only season of D1 hoops. He was the Cougars most lethal shooter hitting 3’s at a 41.7% rate and made the 8th most 3’s within the PAC-12. Has the size and length to become a prototypical 3-and-D type of player, but needs to work on his defensive awareness.

Carlton “Bub” Carrington (6ft-4in, 195lbs, 18, Pittsburgh, Guard) – This kid jumped out during the research, as Pitt basketball was far from my radar. As a freshman, he was asked to score (13.8 PPG), in addition to handling the play-making duties (4.1 APG) and did so with aplomb, which landed him on the ACC All-Freshman team. If he’s able to reign in his 3-point habit, a little over 6 attempts per game, and clean up his shooting %, there could be a special player after a few seasons of development, especially as he’s the 2nd youngest player in the draft.

Isaac Jones (6ft-8in, 235lbs, 23, Washington State, Center) – An undersized front-court player with a knack for out-maneuvering larger opponents. He isn’t going to be an offensive hub, and a coach may never draw up a play specifically for him, but with his hustle and rebounding acumen he’ll find his way onto an NBA roster.