{"id":81728,"date":"2024-06-24T13:47:29","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T17:47:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=81728"},"modified":"2024-06-24T13:47:29","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T17:47:29","slug":"final-nba-draft-big-board","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/24\/final-nba-draft-big-board\/","title":{"rendered":"Final NBA Draft Big Board"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/19\/nba-mock-draft-5-0\/\" target=\"_self\">NBA Draft<\/a> is quickly approaching, and here&#8217;s how the big board stands with two days to go. Scouts and teams have seen combine results and are concluding private workouts and interviews. This should give much needed insight into the totality of the prospects available and their skill levels.<\/p>\n<p>The 2024 class is largely <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/20\/dont-call-the-2024-nba-draft-weak\/\" target=\"_self\">regarded as one of the weaker classes<\/a> in recent memory, but there are valuable prospects. There may not be franchise altering talent similar to previous years, but many will make positive impacts for their teams.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at our final NBA draft big board.<\/p>\n<h2>Final NBA Draft Big Board:<\/h2>\n<h3>1) Alexandre Sarr: Perth Wildcats (NBL Australia)<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/alexandre-sarr-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Sarr<\/a>\u00a0is a French big man who plays in the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/05\/kenny-smith-joins-nbl-next-stars-program\/\" target=\"_self\">NBL out of Australia<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/30\/alex-sarr-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Sarr<\/a> is extremely mobile for his size, standing at a lanky seven-foot-one with a seven-foot-five wingspan.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s already NBA-ready on the defensive end, blocking shots and using his length and mobility on the perimeter. He averaged 1.3 blocks and 0.5 steals in only 17 minutes per game having played in a professional league overseas. Similar to\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/livelde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dereck Lively\u2019s<\/a> impact in Dallas, this may be just the floor for Sarr\u2019s potential at the next level. He still has plenty upside though as he\u2019s shown flashes of intriguing offensive skill in face-ups and three-point shooting.<\/p>\n<h3>2) Zaccharie Risacher: JL Bourg (France)<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/zaccharie-risacher-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zaccharie Risacher<\/a>\u00a0is a six-foot-nine French wing who fits what the NBA is looking for.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/27\/zaccharie-risacher-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Risacher\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0stock has been consistently high due to his high percentage three-point shooting and solid defensive efforts. This \u20183-and-D\u2019 wing archetype is always valuable, and Risacher looks to be the best of this mold for this class. This makes his floor somewhat safe, and there\u2019s still a lot of untapped potential in his playmaking and physical growth.<\/p>\n<p>His limited self-creation ability isn\u2019t what you\u2019d like to see this high on the board, but he\u2019s a solid overall prospect.<\/p>\n<h3>3) Stephon Castle: UCONN<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/stephon-castle-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stephon Castle<\/a> is one of the prospects with the best blend of baseline skill and upside. He&#8217;s got NBA ready traits in his physical profile and certain skills, but also has the upside to become more. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/02\/stephon-castle-2024-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Castle<\/a> is a tall lead guard at six-foot-six. His physical tools allow him to be either a point guard with good size, or a wing with good ball-handling ability. Castle\u2019s defensive excellence has also been well noted. He was consistently tasked with shutting down the opposition\u2019s best guard or wing at UCONN. For now, Castle has reportedly only wanted to work out and entertain teams that don&#8217;t have a franchise point guard. If his playmaking continues to trend upwards, this is certainly a viable position for him with his plus size and ball-handling ability.<\/p>\n<p>If Castle can figure the jump shot and self-creation out, he could become one of the stars of this draft.<\/p>\n<h3>4) Donovan Clingan: UConn<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/donovan-clingan-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Donovan Clingan<\/a> is a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/03\/donvan-clingan-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">seven-foot-two big man<\/a> who finished his sophomore season with the Huskies. He won his second national championship this season and was dominant throughout the postseason. Clingan is another prospect with a clear projected role as a frontcourt anchor on the defensive and offensive side of the ball. He has great shot-blocking ability and is a good play-finisher on the interior.<\/p>\n<p>While there may be some mobility concerns, his measurements are eerily similar to those of\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/goberru01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rudy Gobert<\/a>. He should feel like one of the safer bets in this class to be a solid contributor for any NBA team.<\/p>\n<h3>5) Rob Dillingham: Kentucky<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/rob-dillingham-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rob Dillingham<\/a>\u00a0is a twitchy scorer who plays with a lot of flash. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/27\/rob-dillingham-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Dillingham<\/a> can provide shot making and a scoring boost immediately to any team that drafts him. This ability to create his own shot gives him some of the highest upside in class, and he also has the matching production to show for it. The major concern for Dillingham is his size at the next level, having measured at six-foot-one with a slight frame. It&#8217;s a tough league for small guards unless they are elite scorers, which he certainly can become.<\/p>\n<p>Other concerns coming into the season were exactly what role he could fill at the next level. \u00a0Was he a \u2018spark-off-the-bench\u2019 microwave scorer? Can he play true point guard? Dillingham answered these questions by mostly proving he can succeed at whatever role is needed. Once firmly in the rotation at Kentucky, he thrived with just about any lineup on the floor.<\/p>\n<h3>6) Reed Sheppard: Kentucky<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/reed-sheppard-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reed Sheppard<\/a>\u00a0was another surprise to draft boards and wasn\u2019t expected to be one of the top prospects above other teammates at Kentucky. He\u2019s only six-foot-three and doesn\u2019t possess elite athleticism, but he\u2019s shown that he can be a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/12\/21\/best-shooters-in-the-2024-nba-draft\/\" target=\"_self\">lethal shooter<\/a>\u00a0and high-IQ passer. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/29\/reed-sheppard-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Sheppard<\/a> is far and away the best pure shooter in this draft and does a lot outside of just shooting. He also averaged 2.5 steals and 4.5 assists per game this season as one of Kentucky\u2019s primary playmakers.<\/p>\n<p>Sheppard established himself as a top player on a loaded Kentucky team when not many expected him to. This gives teams much reason to believe he\u2019ll accomplish the same thing for an NBA team when finding a role. His upside is limited, but he&#8217;s simply too good a basketball player to slide any further down this NBA draft big board.<\/p>\n<h3>7) Matas Buzelis: G-League Ignite<\/h3>\n<p>For <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/gleague\/players\/b\/buzelma01d.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matas Buzelis<\/a>, any team selecting him will be betting on his major upside, which may be highest in class. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/29\/matas-buzelis-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Buzelis<\/a> is the best prospect outside of Risacher who has the ability to become a star forward on the wing. It\u2019s possible he may have more upside than Risacher as well.<\/p>\n<p>Buzelis is a six-foot-ten wing with polished offensive skills. He can shoot it at all three levels and is a fluid athlete in space. He\u2019s also shown some promise as a weakside shot blocker. Scouts and fans alike were frustrated throughout the season though with Buzelis\u2019 lack of consistent aggression or big-game performances. Buzelis was inefficient in his lone pro season and shot just 27.3 percent from three on the year. His flashes are very bright though, and they have kept him in top five consideration. If he puts it all together, he can become a special player.<\/p>\n<h3>8) Ron Holland: G-League Ignite<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/gleague\/players\/h\/hollaro01d.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ron Holland<\/a> is a six-foot-eight wing who also played with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/11\/28\/2024-nba-draft-top-prospects-g-league-ignite\/\" target=\"_self\">G-League Ignite<\/a>. Due to the Ignite\u2019s awful season and inconsistent scoring numbers, many cooled on <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/16\/ron-holland-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Holland<\/a> as a top prospect. While he didn\u2019t have the most consistent performance, Holland still can impact the game on both ends. His NBA-ready size and athleticism at six-foot-eight should translate well to filling different roles for any NBA team. Holland is an explosive athlete who may be able to guard positions one through four at the NBA level. In an uncertain NBA draft class, these easily projected traits should keep Holland at the top of any big board.<\/p>\n<p>If the ball handling and shooting can start to better trend upward, he\u2019s one of the few in this class with the possibility of star potential. He\u2019s shown enough flashes for scouts to buy into that potential, and playing on a bad G-league Ignite team may give him slack.<\/p>\n<h3>9) Nikola Topic: Mega MIS (Serbia)<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/nikola-topic-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikola Topic<\/a>\u00a0is a Serbian\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/04\/nikola-topic-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">six-foot-six point guard<\/a>\u00a0who can run the show and is currently\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/12\/05\/2024-nba-draft-top-prospects-international-players\/\" target=\"_self\">playing internationally<\/a>. He\u2019s sustained multiple knee injuries this season, and teams inside the lottery will have his medicals. It was recently revealed that he has a partially torn ACL. This has certainly impacted his draft stock, but his archetype and talent may be too valuable to let slide outside the lottery.<\/p>\n<p>As a prospect who was once in contention for number one overall, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/04\/nikola-topic-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Topic<\/a> could prove to be a steal if he stays healthy. He\u2019s not an explosive athlete, but his craft and playmaking ability more than makeup for it. Topic can be the jumbo-sized point guard that is becoming a trend in the NBA.<\/p>\n<h3>10) Dalton Knecht: Tennessee<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/dalton-knecht-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dalton Knecht<\/a>\u00a0put up big-game performances seemingly every night as he took the college world by storm. These outbursts placed him high on NBA draft boards, and have many believing him to be a surefire lottery talent. He is a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/04\/dalton-knecht-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">six-foot-six wing<\/a> who\u2019s a great perimeter shooter and also goes for big dunks when given a runway. His movement shooting ability sprinkled in with highlight dunks is very similar to a later-career\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rosste01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Terrence Ross<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Knecht has also shown value as a cutter making him a good off-ball role player. Role players will be valued in this draft, and this slashing ability draws a pro comparison to\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/connapa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pat Connaughton<\/a>. Currently, Knecht isn\u2019t the best lateral mover on defense, but there\u2019s reason to believe he will be serviceable. Knecht was one of the most exciting prospects to watch this season also winning SEC Player of the Year.<\/p>\n<h3>11) Tidjane Salaun: Cholet Basket (France)<\/h3>\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at another high-upside wing in <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/tidjane-salaun-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tidjane Salaun<\/a>. At first glance, teams will be reminded a lot of\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/portemi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Michael Porter\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0athletic profile as a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/03\/29\/2024-nba-draft-pro-comparisons-part-1\/\" target=\"_self\">pro comparison<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/19\/tidjane-salaun-2024-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Salaun<\/a> is a lanky six-foot-ten wing who has shown a clean shooting strike combined with solid athleticism. Shooting the three-ball at the high percentages has made Salaun\u2019s draft range very wide. He\u2019s still a project pick in most eyes, but he flashed enough to suggest he may be further along in his development than previously believed.<\/p>\n<p>Team&#8217;s will be very intrigued to see if his ball-handling and playmaking ability can improve in order to unlock his potential.<\/p>\n<h3>12) Devin Carter: Providence<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/devin-carter-3.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devin Carter<\/a>\u00a0will hope to be a taller version of Pelican\u2019s fiery, defensive point guard\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/alvarjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jose Alvarado<\/a>.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/07\/devin-carter-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Carter\u2019s<\/a> defensive ability\u00a0is based on physicality and high energy. This projected defensive impact was also helped further after the NBA combine. Carter tied for the highest max vertical at 42 inches, posted the fastest sprint at 2.87, and had the second-fastest lane agility time at 10.63. It was an impressive showing, and it earned him an apparent\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/04\/top-guard-reportedly-received-an-nba-draft-lottery-promise\/\" target=\"_self\">promise from a team inside the lottery<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Carter stands at six-foot-three and tries to keep constant pressure as an on-ball defender. He\u2019s also adept as a team defender and chasing through screens for steals. He\u2019s been seen as streaky on offense up to this point, but he\u2019s had big scoring outings that may give teams confidence. Carter&#8217;s an improved shooter who will hope to be a longtime NBA contributor that fits on any roster.<\/p>\n<h3>13) Cody Williams: Colorado<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/cody-williams-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cody Williams<\/a>\u00a0rose to number one pick conversations before a rough backend of the season leveled out his stock. He\u2019s a six-foot-eight slender wing who played one season at Colorado.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/03\/cody-williams-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Williams<\/a> is the younger brother of rising star <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/willija06.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Williams<\/a>\u00a0of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He\u2019s a smooth and fluid athlete who looks to have a very polished all-around game for his age.<\/p>\n<p>However, scouts were disappointed by his affinity for mediocre performances as he never exploded or took over a game. His jump shot legitimacy and seemingly average athleticism with the ball in his hands may limit his upside more than previously believed. Young wings with production and traits like Williams though are usually always at the top of the draft.<\/p>\n<h3>14) Ja&#8217;Kobe Walter: Baylor<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s an easy buy-in process when analyzing\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jakobe-walter-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ja\u2019Kobe Walter\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0skillset. He\u2019s long, athletic, and can shoot the three-ball at a high clip. He can also use this length and athleticism to be effective on the defensive end. This 3-and-D archetype makes\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/17\/jakobe-walter-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Walter<\/a>\u00a0one of the safer bets in this draft. Or does it?<\/p>\n<p>Walter shot at lower percentages in the back half of the season and had some underwhelming performances on defense. He isn\u2019t the strongest in the self-creation department, so his stock is solely based on that 3-and-D role. He hopes to have re-confirmed particular worries regarding his defense and consistent shooting in the draft process. Young wing prospects like Walter can still provide a much-needed boost for NBA teams though.<\/p>\n<h3>15) Isaiah Collier: USC<\/h3>\n<p>Another prospect some have soured on similar to Holland, it\u2019s not quite the time to bail on <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/isaiah-collier-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaiah Collier<\/a> as a top prospect. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/06\/isaiah-collier-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Collier<\/a> is a big and physical point guard listed at six-foot-five and 210 pounds. He uses size as well as solid athleticism when finishing at the rim, and he can be a floor general on offense. Collier will need to develop better perimeter shooting and and an in between game to move higher on NBA draft boards.<\/p>\n<h3>16) Jared McCain: Duke<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jared-mccain-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jared McCain<\/a>\u00a0has had an excellent freshman season for Duke. He\u2019s had several big performances and has been a consistent performer throughout the year. What\u2019s really contributed to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/27\/jared-mccain-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">McCain<\/a>\u2019s rise however is his three-point shooting combined with solid perimeter defense. He shot 41.4 percent from deep on just under six attempts per game. McCain\u2019s ability as a \u20183-and-D\u2019 connector guard draws comparisons to\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/divindo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Donte DiVincenzo<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/meltode01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">De\u2019Anthony Melton<\/a>. Both are either a little taller or have more length than McCain, but the roles and playstyles are very similar.<\/p>\n<h3>17) Ryan Dunn: Virginia<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/ryan-dunn-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Dunn<\/a>\u00a0is one of the more special\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/01\/21\/best-defenders-in-the-2024-nba-draft\/\" target=\"_self\">defensive prospects<\/a> we\u2019ve seen in a long time. He clearly projects to have a specific role at the next level as a defensive ace for any team. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/29\/ryan-dunn-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Dunn\u2019s<\/a> a six-foot-eight forward with elite mobility and athleticism. Dunn has virtually no meaningful offensive production and shot 20.0 percent from three on one attempt per game. All that being said, there\u2019s still a great chance he\u2019s selected in the first round. That\u2019s how good of a defender he is as an NBA draft prospect, and it keeps him high on our NBA draft big board.<\/p>\n<p>If his shot were just serviceable, he would most likely be a top ten lock in this draft. Still, for someone who&#8217;s so elite on one end of the floor, there should be plenty suitors for his services.<\/p>\n<h3>18) Kel\u2019el Ware: Indiana<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/kelel-ware-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kel\u2019el Ware<\/a>\u00a0was a sophomore transfer playing at Indiana this season. Standing at seven-foot-one and containing elite athleticism for his size, Ware shines on the defensive end blocking shots as well as a lob-dunk finisher. He will hope to fill the\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/livelde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dereck Lively<\/a>\u00a0role in this NBA draft class. While there are questions about his motor, he does clearly possess NBA traits.<\/p>\n<h3>19) Yves Missi: Baylor<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/yves-missi-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Yves Missi<\/a> has quickly ascended many draft boards in his freshman season at Baylor. He\u2019s a seven-foot big man who\u2019s a fluid mover and provides an instant defensive impact. He will also hope to fill the coveted big man role in today\u2019s game that\u2019s a shot blocker and pick-and-roll play finisher. His game is eerily similar to <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/capelca01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clint Capela<\/a>\u00a0who\u2019s made a living getting rebounds, catching lobs, and blocking shots.<\/p>\n<p>Missi is somewhat raw as he doesn&#8217;t have the best touch and is still new to high-level basketball in a way. He has the baseline traits to succeed at his specific role very early on, though.<\/p>\n<h3>20) Tristan Da Silva: Colorado<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/tristan-dasilva-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tristan Da Silva<\/a>\u00a0is a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/06\/tristan-da-silva-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">combo forward<\/a> who plays the game the right way and does a lot of things well. At six-foot-nine, he shot 39.5 percent from the perimeter and is a solid team defender. Scouts\u2019 main concern with Da Silva will be his athletic limitations. He might be a tweener with no true position, but he\u2019s proved he can affect the game in a variety of ways. He could become a connector piece at the forward position for a variety of NBA lineups.<\/p>\n<h3>21) Zach Edey: Purdue<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/zach-edey-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zach Edey\u2019s<\/a> archetype as a big with no perimeter game and limited mobility usually doesn\u2019t bode well for an illustrious NBA career. He\u2019s a seven-foot-four giant though whose sheer production has placed him on NBA draft big boards. He averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game as a senior. This included a 37-point performance in the national championship game against UConn. If he can prove his shot blocking and length are enough to make up for a lack of mobility, he could become a frontcourt anchor in the NBA.<\/p>\n<h3>22) Kyshawn George: Miami<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/kyshawn-george-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyshawn George<\/a> has been a late riser to NBA draft big boards mostly due to upside and a coveted archetype. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/23\/kyshawn-george-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">George<\/a> is a six-foot-eight jumbo guard who\u2019s shown playmaking upside combined with great shooting ability. He shot the ball at 40.8 percent from three on just over four attempts per game. Someone with playmaking and shooting ability at six-foot-eight always makes scouts excited. George came onto draft boards late however as he had to find his place on a talented Miami team. His role and playing time fluctuated throughout the season, but he began to find his rhythm in conference play.<\/p>\n<p>Whoever selects George will need to allow him the proper time to develop and realize his potential.<\/p>\n<h3>23) Kyle Filipowski: Duke<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/kyle-filipowski-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle Filipowski<\/a> is a seven-foot big man with good perimeter skills. He showed much better percentages and overall play in his sophomore season at Duke. His shooting touch and fundamentals for his size certainly all pass the eye test. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/30\/kyle-filipowski-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Filipowski&#8217;s<\/a> had somewhat of a slide recently as there may be athletic and position concerns at the NBA level.<\/p>\n<h3>24) DaRon Holmes: Dayton<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/daron-holmesii-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DaRon Holmes<\/a> was projected as a second-round center in last year\u2019s NBA draft but decided to return to Dayton. It\u2019s served him well as he\u2019s beginning to receive late first-round consideration. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/21\/daron-holmes-ii-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Holmes\u2019<\/a> build and physique will remind many of\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/claxtni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nic Claxton\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0profile as a player. He\u2019s a very long and slender center who moves well at his size. His length and mobility have allowed him to be successful in a variety of pick-and-roll coverages. While not a perimeter player, Holmes was the leading scorer for the Flyers operating out of the low post. He averaged 20.4 points per game while also leading his team in rebounds at 8.5.<\/p>\n<h3>25) Tyler Smith: G-League Ignite<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/gleague\/players\/s\/smithty02d.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Smith<\/a> is our third Ignite prospect and may have been their most consistent player. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/24\/tyler-smith-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Smith<\/a> is a smooth lefty forward at six-foot-ten with good mobility. He moves like an NBA wing and has a smooth release on his shooting stroke. He still needs to show that he possesses an elite trait or gain a defined role to rise up our NBA draft big board. When his shot isn\u2019t falling, how does he impact the game? His plus shooting and mobility at the six-foot-ten should unlock good lineup versatility though.<\/p>\n<h3>26) Johnny Furphy: Kansas<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/johnny-furphy-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Johnny Furphy<\/a> is a freshman sharpshooting wing from Kansas, standing at six-foot-nine. Scouts do have questions about <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/16\/johnny-furphy-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Furphy\u2019s<\/a> athleticism and ability to compete on the defensive end. There also doesn\u2019t seem to be much upside in shot creation, but Furphy has shown decent playmaking as a connecting distributor. Furphy earned his way into a starting key contributor as a freshman on a good Kansas team. Six-foot-nine wings who can really shoot the ball are always worth looking at in the back of the first round. He shot 35.8 percent from deep on 3.8 attempts per game.<\/p>\n<h3>27) Carlton Carrington: Pittsburgh<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/carlton-carrington-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Carlton Carrington<\/a> skyrocketed onto draft boards after a triple-double to begin the season at Pittsburgh. He\u2019s certainly cooled down since that point, but scouts still see his potential. It seems his draft range is all over the place at this point, as he&#8217;s even worked out for the Thunder who have a pick at 12. He\u2019s a six-foot-five guard with good creation, playmaking, and shot-making ability. He needs to provide much more effective rim pressure though to be considered a solidified NBA prospect.<\/p>\n<p>Teams are still unsure of exactly what position suits him best, and how he impacts the game if he&#8217;s not a volume scorer.<\/p>\n<h3>28) Baylor Scheierman: Creighton<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/baylor-scheierman-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Baylor Scheierman<\/a>\u00a0was a consistent leader for a talented Creighton basketball team. He\u2019s a lefty who took 289 three-pointers this season which is good for most on this list. He shot those threes at 38.1 percent and averaged 8.3 attempts per game. These are impressive numbers although he won\u2019t be asked to carry as heavy an offensive burden at the NBA level.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/28\/baylor-scheierman-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Scheierman<\/a> isn\u2019t just a three-point shooter either, as he racked up 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game as well. He plays the game with great finesse and could prove to be a plus playmaker even at the NBA level.<\/p>\n<h3>29) Tyler Kolek: Marquette<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/tyler-kolek-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Kolek<\/a> is a traditional point guard who led Marquette to a great season. He\u2019s not the tallest or most athletic, but he\u2019s a physical floor general who can dissect defenses. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/20\/tyler-kolek-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Kolek<\/a> loves the pick-and-roll and can make all the advanced reads and passes scouts like to see. Without having a high projected scoring ability or defensive impact though, teams will wait until at least the late first to take a chance on him.<\/p>\n<h3>30) Jaylon Tyson: California<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jaylon-tyson-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaylon Tyson<\/a>\u00a0had a breakout year after transferring to California this year. He nearly averaged 20 points per game and shot the three-ball at 36 percent on 4.5 attempts. This explosion has placed\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/17\/jaylon-tyson-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Tyson<\/a>\u00a0on NBA draft boards after struggling to find success in college. At six-foot-seven, he has NBA traits on the wing. While he may play in a \u20183-and-D\u2019 type of role early in his career, he has the creation ability to provide playmaking.<\/p>\n<h3>31) Kevin McCullar: Kansas<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/kevin-mccullar-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin McCullar<\/a> was a superb defender for the highly-ranked Kansas Jayhawks squad. At six-foot-six, he has the size and defensive instincts to match up with a lot of guards and wings in the NBA. He\u2019s also flashed some ability to be a kind of point forward this season, having multiple triple-doubles under his belt. He\u2019s a fifth-year college player, so he will be very old for a rookie. However, he still may be able to contribute immediately if given a defined role. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/22\/kevin-mccullar-jr-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">McCullar<\/a> should be able to provide a solid rotational presence on the wing for NBA teams.<\/p>\n<h3>32) Cam Christie: Minnesota<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/cam-christie-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cam Christie\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0name may sound familiar as he\u2019s the younger brother of Lakers guard\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/chrisma02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Max Christie<\/a>. Similar to his brother in 2023, Christie has a smooth jumper and is a top shooter in this NBA draft class. He shot 39.1 percent on 5.4 attempts per game for the Golden Gophers this season.<\/p>\n<p>At six-foot-five and only 18 years old,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/06\/cameron-christie-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Christie<\/a>\u00a0would be a great upside pick for an NBA team.<\/p>\n<h3>33) Adem Bona: UCLA<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/adem-bona-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adem Bona<\/a>\u00a0is another vertical spacing big man out of UCLA. Standing at six-foot-ten and 245 pounds, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/30\/adem-bona-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Bona<\/a> will be a shot blocker and lob dunk finisher at the next level. Scouts will also value Bona\u2019s high motor and effort levels. Bona needs to clean up his foul numbers and continue to work on his overall skill to improve his draft stock.<\/p>\n<h3>34) Pelle Larsson: Arizona<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/pelle-larsson-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pelle Larsson<\/a> fits what you like to see in complimentary role players at the next level. He can shoot the three ball, is a willing defender, and has good athleticism at six-foot-six. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/18\/pelle-larsson-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Larson<\/a> also played this \u20183-and-D\u2019 role at Arizona willingly. This means there won\u2019t be much upside or creation for scouts to evaluate, however. On the right team though, he could be the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/braunch01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Christian Braun<\/a>\u00a0of this draft class.<\/p>\n<h3>35) Terrence Shannon Jr.: Illinois<\/h3>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/terrence-shannonjr-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Terrence Shannon Jr.<\/a> had the season and numbers to be much higher on this list. He stays at the last spot on this NBA draft big board however due to\u00a0 sexual assault allegations from December. He has officially been ruled not guilty of all charges, so teams may be inclined to take him higher based on in-person interviews.<\/p>\n<p>From a basketball perspective, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/23\/terrence-shannon-jr-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Shannon<\/a> is a six-foot-five combo guard with scoring ability. He averaged 23.0 points for the Fighting Illini this year and flashed a variety of offensive skills. There are questions defensively though and about how effective he can be if not allowed to take volume shots.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NBA Draft is quickly approaching, and here&#8217;s how the big board stands with two days to go. Scouts and teams have seen combine results and are concluding private workouts and interviews. This should give much needed insight into the totality of the prospects available and their skill levels. The 2024 class is largely regarded [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4972,"featured_media":77526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,62,556],"tags":[49040,3116],"class_list":["post-81728","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-nba","category-nba-draft","tag-2024-nba-draft","tag-nba-draft-prospect"],"modified_by":"Jordan Pagkalinawan","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81728","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4972"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81728"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81728\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81728"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81728"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}