2024 NBA Draft: Wide-Open Race for the No. 1 pick
Six Potential Candidates Shake Up Draft Predictions
The 2024 NBA Draft class is proving to be a dynamic and unpredictable field with a mix of international talents like Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, and Nikola Topić vying for the top spot. Close behind are promising prospects Cody Williams, Matas Buzelis, and Ron Holland, making the upcoming draft an exciting and wide-open competition.
As the draft approaches in the coming months, scouts are accumulating frequent flier miles as they travel the world to evaluate the top prospects for June’s draft. On my podcast and YouTube channel, Locked On NBA Big Board, a comprehensive analysis has been conducted on six potential first overall picks in the upcoming draft. This has set the stage for a thrilling and highly anticipated draft night.
Consider joining the NBA governors, general managers, coaches, scouts and players — as well as the draft junkies and casual fans — who enjoy full access to NBA Big Board. Believe me, I get a little thrill from every single subscription.
And if you want to give NBA Big Board an additional boost, please consider providing an amount of your choosing as a Big Board Member.
The Case for Alex Sarr as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
Sarr is a 7'1" center/forward who is the early favorite to be the top pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Sarr has unlimited potential can has the tools to impact games attacking from the perimeter, running the floor, shooting jumpers, and handling the ball. Defensively, Sarr is versatile and switchable, capable of guarding multiple positions and providing rim protection. However, there are areas where Sarr needs improvement, including adding strength, refining his shot, and addressing concerns about his aggressiveness and ability to handle physicality. Despite these weaknesses, Sarr's immense potential and unique skill set make him a top contender for the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
The Case for Nikola Topić as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
Nikola Topic, a standout 6'6" point guard from Serbia, is an unconventional prospect with the potential to shake up the 2024 NBA Draft as the potential No. 1 pick. Topic is a proven high-level scorer against seasoned competition in Serbia, highlighting his strengths as a primary playmaker with exceptional basketball IQ. His unique combination of speed, craftiness, scoring ability, and court vision make weapon with both in transition and in the half court. While Topic may need to improve his defense and adjust to the NBA's physical demands, tall, skilled ball-handlers and playmakers are in demand, which makes him as a compelling candidate for the top draft selection.
The Case for Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
Zaccharie Risacher is a top prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft with a high floor. His elite skill is his shooting ability, particularly from behind the arc where he has been on fire this season, shooting over 44% from deep. Defensively, Risacher is one of the most versatile defenders in the draft class, capable of defending lead guards and making a significant impact on both ends of the floor. However, he struggles to score at the rim and needs to improve offensive creativity. Despite this, he has one of the highest floors in the draft.
The Case for Cody Williams as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
Cody Williams is emerging as prospect to closely monitor in the 2024 NBA draft, with many considering him as a potential top pick. At 6'8", Williams possesses excellent positional size and a smooth, coordinated skill set. His versatility as an offensive weapon, combined with his ability to attack the rim and creative ball-handling skills, make him an alluring prospect. Additionally, Williams has shown solid passing instincts and has the tools to possibly develop into a point forward at the next level.
While he excels at finishing at the rim, some areas for improvement include his reluctance to shoot from long range and playing through contact. Despite these critiques, Williams' overall talent and potential make a strong case for him to be selected as the No. 1 pick in the draft.
The Case for Matas Buzelis as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
Matas Buzelis is a promising option for the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Despite facing challenges with his 3-point shooting, Buzelis' talent is intriguing, highlighting a rare blend of size and skill that distinguishes him from other prospects.
With the tools and capability to evolve into an All-Star or pivotal starter in the NBA, Matas Buzelis possesses the athleticism, ball-handling finesse, and shooting potential that align perfectly with the modern NBA big wing archetype. Buzelis' promise as a playmaker presents an enticing opportunity that may involve a risk, but betting on his high ceiling could yield substantial rewards.
The Case for Ron Holland as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
As the conversation continues regarding the top pick in the 2024 NBA draft, Ron Holland is optimistic that his noteworthy performance in the G League has not escaped the watchful eyes of NBA scouts.
Unfortunately, Holland is sidelined for the season due to a hand injury. Despite averaging an impressive 19.7 points per game at 18 years old and initially being considered a top contender for the coveted first pick entering the season, his draft stock took a hit despite his solid production on the court.
i guess in one way it sorta depends on the team picking. Id say its between Risacher and probably Buzelis. Saar maybe, too, but I'd not take him. Cody is top five but I cant see going ahead of those other guys. Holland Id not touch. Guys that cant shoot (as badly as he cant shoot) always scare me. He has gotten by on his athleticism. He's not learned to shoot at all. He hits 75% on FTs. Thats not horrid but it does beg the question why his jumper is so bad. He has ok mechanics...not great, but he often misses BADLY. Some guys just are off a touch....or shoot flat...but Holland just bricks an awful lot of outside shots for a guy supposedly in the lottery. Now Kawhi learned to shoot. Nassir Little did not. More have not learned. Topic ive not seen enough of, but his lack of verticality worries me a bit. Question: Is chomche going to enter the draft and what have you heard? The little bit i saw was pretty impressive.....but he hasnt faced anyone yet, I realize. But he sure passes the eye test.