Although the 2024 NBA Draft doesn’t have a clear superstar talent at the top of the draft, there are still some very valuable prospects available in the first round range that project to be solid rotational players in the NBA from day one.
A player that has been around the college game for quite some time is Kevin McCullar Jr, and in his final season of college basketball he has absolutely flown up draft boards. Let’s dive into why the wing is projected to be a top-20 pick in this year’s draft:
McCullar on the season is averaging 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 46.9% from the field and shooting a career best 35.6% from behind the arc. Statistically, the sixth-year senior is having the best season of his collegiate career which clearly plays a part in his stock rising. The Kansas wing is considered one of the best perimeter defenders in all of college basketball and his defense has been a staple in college basketball since he took the court for the first time.
What really has made McCullar’s stock rise to a potential top-20 pick is the big improvements he has made as an overall scorer, shooter and playmaker. He’s clearly more aggressive scoring the ball and seeking his own shot. The jump-shot is a tad bit faster and it comes off his hand a lot smoother. The overall decision-making and vision at 6-foot-7 is quite impressive and he has proven he can serve as a secondary playmaker for a team at the next level.
McCullar truly is a swiss army knife of a player, meaning he can do just about everything that’s needed — another big reason he’s projected to be picked in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. A team like the Phoenix Suns could really use McCullar as he would bring defense, floor spacing, occasional scoring and great decision-making. When watching the sixth year senior play you can tell how much of an impact he really makes and it goes beyond the stat sheet.
Overall, whatever team elects to draft McCullar should expect a winner and someone that is going to compete day in and day out. Obviously the 22 year old prospect doesn’t have the most exciting ceiling as you shouldn’t expect him to reach superstar status but the floor is so high due to his two-way impact. As of right now he’s looking to lead the Kansas Jayhawks to their second national championship in the last three years.
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