As we creep closer toward postseason play, 2024 NBA draft boards are beginning to clear up but are constantly changing. There have certainly been drastic changes compared to boards before the start of the season. This is the nature of the game, of course, as scouts get a better feel for prospects’ strengths and weaknesses.
For some prospects, though, things have been trending in the right direction since the start of the season. Let’s look at the biggest 2024 NBA draft risers up to this point.
2024 NBA Draft Risers: Biggest Surprises
Reed Sheppard: Kentucky
Reed Sheppard was the overlooked prospect in a crowded Kentucky freshman class. Three of the top six overall players in the 2023 class signed with Kentucky. These three players were also ranked above Rob Dillingham, who will appear next on this list. All, including Dillingham, were ranked ahead of Sheppard, who sat at 23 on ESPN’s rankings. Sheppard became a draft riser quickly, though, after establishing himself as Kentucky’s best statistical player. He’s only six-foot-three and doesn’t possess elite athleticism, but he’s shown to be a lethal shooter and high-IQ passer. Sheppard also has shown he’s a highly adept team defender, averaging a ridiculous 2.4 steals per game. Most mocks currently project him to be the first Kentucky draft pick, with Dillingham right behind him.
Rob Dillingham: Kentucky
Dillingham was a blue-chip recruit coming into Kentucky this season but one of the few to exceed expectations. The primary NBA concern for Dillingham coming into the season was exactly what role he could fill at the next level. Was he a spark-off-the-bench microwave scorer? Can he play true point guard? Dillingham answered these questions by proving he could succeed at whatever role was needed. Now firmly in the starting rotation at Kentucky, he’s thrived with just about any lineup on the floor. Dillingham has been able to dish out assists, handle the point guard responsibility, or even become an explosive scorer if needed. This play has firmly made him one of the biggest NBA draft risers, placing him into lottery consideration.
Dalton Knecht: Tennessee
Dalton Knecht transferred to Tennessee this year after playing two seasons at Northern Colorado. With little hype surrounding his name, it makes sense that he wouldn’t be on draft boards before the season began. Knecht’s first real burst onto the scene came with a 37-point performance against North Carolina. He’s a six-foot-six sharpshooting wing who’s also flashed highlight dunks when given a runway. He’s currently up to six games with over 25 points, averaging 20.1 on the season.
Kevin McCullar: Kansas
Kevin McCullar is in his fifth collegiate year for Kansas. With the NBA’s affinity for youth when looking toward the draft, McCullar wasn’t too high on boards. He’s been included in the NBA draft risers discussions through consistent improvement. He’s always been a great defender, but with increased usage this season, he’s shown better shooting and taken on the offensive initiator role for Kansas. As an upperclassman who could contribute early, he has an advantage in a weaker 2024 class, which has question marks. McCullar will hope to emulate the success of Jaime Jaquez Jr. Jaquez was an older prospect out of UCLA who’s having an outstanding rookie year for the Miami Heat.
Tidjane Salaun: Cholet Basket (France)
Our only international prospect on the list, Tidjane Salaun, did have some eyes on him before the season. Most thought early on that he may be a project pick whose upside won’t match production. He quickly proved this wrong as he’s answered many questions scouts came into the season with. He’s shooting the three-ball well and has shown really good athleticism in space. Salaun is a lanky six-foot-nine wing who reminds most people of Michael Porter Jr. He may be even higher on draft boards if he continues to shoot the three-ball at the high percentages he’s shown recently. He makes the list for NBA draft risers as he’s started to garner top-10 consideration.
Yves Missi: Baylor
Yves Missi is a perfect example of what someone can accomplish by mastering a specific role or skill set. The 53rd-ranked prospect in the 2023 class, Missi wasn’t projected to be a one-and-done recruit. He’s an almost seven-foot big man who’s a fluid mover and provides an instant defensive impact. He will hope to fill the coveted center role in today’s game as a shot blocker and pick-and-roll play finisher. Missi’s high efficiency and defined role have placed him into mid to first-round conversations.
Cody Williams: Colorado
Cody Williams isn’t your typical sleeper prospect, and many may be wondering why he’s included on a list with NBA draft risers. Williams was a top 10 player in the 2023 class and firmly in first-round conversations before the season began. Many knew he would be good, but he’s been great for Colorado this season. He’s now starting to garner number one overall pick consideration, so he earns a spot on this list. He’s a six-foot-eight slender wing and the younger brother of starting NBA guard Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams is a smooth and fluid athlete who looks to have a very polished all-around game for his age. Young wings with production and upside, like Williams, are usually always at the top of the draft.
