Multiple NBA Executives Believe 2024 NBA Draft Is The 'Worst Ever'

The 2024 NBA Draft Doesn’t Compare to 2023

The 2024 NBA draft class has struggled to receive high praise from pundits. Having drawn the unfortunate yet inevitable comparison to its predecessor, the 2024 draft projects to be significantly weaker. The 2023 draft class was loaded with star talent, both from overseas and the American collegiate basketball scene.

2023 was all about the dazzling talent and physical presence of Victor Wembanyama, as he was drafted #1 overall by the San Antonio Spurs, to no one’s surprise.

Brandon Miller went second overall to the Charlotte Hornets and looks to be a solid partner in crime for LaMelo Ball, provided that the latter is able to stay healthy in the future.

Scoot Henderson initially struggled in his first NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers. The third overall pick in last year’s draft has flashed signs of improvement, and averaged 14.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in March.

Strong Role Players

Multiple rookies have also emerged as key contributors on already strong rosters.

Dereck Lively II has assumed the role of starting center for the Dallas Mavericks and his strong connection with Luka Dončić figures to be a key piece of Dallas’ game plan moving forward.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s seamless fit on a veteran Miami Heat team has been a welcome surprise as well.

Cason Wallace also made an instant impact for the Oklahoma City Thunder as the backup point guard to the potential 2023-24 MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Brandin Podziemski briefly displaced Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors starting lineup. His hard-nosed style of play and defensive prowess are invaluable additions to a veteran backcourt featuring the likes of Stephen Curry and Chris Paul.

2024 NBA Draft Prospects

After Wembanyama went first in 2023, another Frenchman could claim the top spot in 2024. Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr are the premier prospects of this year’s draft class.

Just 18 years old, Risacher is a 6’8 wing plying his trade in the top French division for JL Bourg. Although questions remain over his NBA-readiness, Risacher’s potential speaks for itself.

Sarr, a 7’1 center for the NBL’s Perth Wildcats, is similar to Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. His defensive capabilities should immediately translate at the NBA level.

The most hyped American prospect is Ron Holland, the 18 year-old wing for the soon-to-be-defunct G-League Ignite. Standing at 6’8, Holland averaged 19.5 points in the G-League. Originally projected as the top pick in 2024, Hollands stock has taken a slight hit, due to injuries and questions over his current skillset.

The top college basketball players appear to once again be freshmen. Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham is a shifty guard that has drawn comparisons to Tyrese Maxey and Darius Garland.

Colorado’s Cody Williams, the brother of Oklahoma City star Jalen Williams, is still quite a raw prospect, but projects to be as a top-10 pick. Williams’ combination of size, athleticism, and potential could lead to him being the first collegiate player to be selected in the 2024 NBA draft.