2024 NBA draft rankings: Jonathan Givony's top 100 prospects
The 2024 NBA draft is less than a week away, and it's time to rank the players ahead of the two-day event, which begins Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN and ESPN+.
Throughout the pre-draft process, the top 100 draft prospect rankings have been adjusted based on everything that happened at the draft combine, numbers and stats from pro day workouts, a number of first-hand scouting trips and intel heard from NBA coaches, scouts and front-office insiders.
This file is not a mock draft, as we've already revealed our most recent two-round prediction of where prospects will be drafted. We've also mocked a draft based on biggest need vs. best value, and have listed the players who rank best at 20 different skills. We've provided background information on some of the top international players, and even came up with 14 comparisons for prospects to NBA pros.
Here are scouting reports for the 100 prospects as draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have taken into account recent news, medicals and intel from teams and players who are evaluating workouts, to inform ESPN's Top 100 Big Board.
1. Zaccharie Risacher | SF | Bourg (France)
6-foot-8 ½ | Age: 19.2 | Previously ranked: 1
Strengths: Risacher is a versatile wing whose ability to shoot on the move, competitiveness and versatility defensively and overall feel for the game helped him stand out against men playing high-level competition in the EuroCup and French league.
Weaknesses: He lacks ideal length and strength. While he shows ability as a passer and attacking in the open court, he is early in his development as a shot creator, playing a narrow role over the past season, leaving questions about his ability to soak up greater usage long-term.
The verdict: Risacher found other ways to contribute when he hit a midyear shooting slump and put together several strong playoff performances to finish the season. He has made a convincing case to hear his name called early in this draft, as every NBA team is looking for players in his mold.
2. Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth (Australia)
6-11 ¾ | Age: 19.1 | Previously ranked: 2
Strengths: Sarr has a 9-foot-2 standing reach. He has impressive mobility, quickness and explosiveness that gives him rare upside as a rim-protector and switch defender stepping out on the perimeter.
Weaknesses: Sarr showed flashes of potential as a ball handler, passer and jump-shooter, but he is still finding consistency with his toughness and feel for the game to complement his impact as a rim-runner, pick-and-roll finisher and versatile defender.
The verdict: He exceeded expectations in his lone season in the NBL, anchoring Perth's defense and finding ways to contribute in a smaller role as an 18-year-old. While Sarr still needs to get stronger and continue to evolve offensively, he fits a coveted mold as a power forward/center with the potential to be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.
3. Donovan Clingan | C | UConn
7-1 ¾ | Age: 20.3 | Previously ranked: 3
Strengths: Clingan was a driving force behind UConn's championship run as a dominant presence protecting the rim with his 7-7 wingspan and impressive timing and instincts covering ground all over the floor.
Weaknesses: While he is a reliable finisher and offensive rebounder with feel as a passer, he is still evolving as a scorer. He struggles to make free throws at a high rate and lacks a degree of explosiveness operating in traffic.
The verdict: Clingan's defensive impact was unmistakable last season after he worked through a foot injury that cost him five games. His size and activity level change the calculus for opposing finishers inside, and his feel for the game, skill level and youth leave room for optimism regarding how his offense can develop over time, especially with his ability to step out to the perimeter.
4. Reed Sheppard | PG/SG | Kentucky
6-1 ¾ | Age: 19.9 | Previously ranked: 4
Strengths: Sheppard is a 3-point sniper with rare basketball instincts who had one of the most efficient offensive seasons in recent college basketball history as a freshman at Kentucky.
Weaknesses: He is a good athlete but has an even wingspan that limits him as both a finisher in traffic and one-on-one defender.
The verdict: Sheppard is coming off a remarkable season, as he shot extremely well, both off the catch and off the dribble. He came up with a huge volume of steals and blocks in spite of his limited length and also posted efficient numbers in nearly every category in between. It will be fascinating to see just how effective Sheppard's unique blend of skill, feel and instincts translates to the NBA level.
5. Matas Buzelis | SF/PF | G League Ignite
6-8 ¾ | Age: 19.6 | Previously ranked: 5
Strengths: Buzelis is a promising wing forward with positional size, explosive leaping ability, impressive rim-protecting instincts and developing versatility on both ends of the floor. Those traits translated inconsistently for G League Ignite, however.
Weaknesses: Buzelis' average length and thin frame are limiting factors, as he has a 6-foot-10 wingspan and weighed under 200 pounds at the NBA combine in May. He's also a streaky jumper who is still developing his handles, which made it difficult for him to score efficiently at times last season.
The verdict: Buzelis has intriguing upside as his frame continues to get stronger -- if he can regain the consistency he showed as a set shooter in previous settings. With a relatively high floor, the strides he makes as a shot creator will help determine his ceiling.
6. Stephon Castle | PG/SG | UConn
6-5 ½ | Age: 19.6 | Previously ranked: 6
Strengths: Castle has excellent size and length with budding versatility on both ends of the floor. His competitiveness and unselfishness made him a key cog in UConn's NCAA championship run and give him a high floor at the next level.
Weaknesses: He shot just 27% from beyond the arc last season, and his mechanics leave much to be desired, especially when shooting off the dribble. Castle's ability to space the floor will be a swing skill for him in the NBA.
The verdict: Castle often was tasked with guarding the opposing team's best scorer, and the game seemed to slow down for him as the season wore on. He was able to pick and choose his spots on a talented roster. While he checks a lot of boxes, his ability to turn the corner as a shooter and overall scorer will play a big role in how he's evaluated long term.
7. Dalton Knecht | SF | Tennessee
6-5 ¼ | Age: 23.1 | Previously ranked: 8
Strengths: Knecht is the top all-around scorer in this class, and he carried Tennessee last season with his shot-making prowess, pop as a finisher, ability to draw fouls putting the ball down aggressively and tremendous scoring instincts from the wing.
Weaknesses: He is not a great rebounder or defender, but he also carried a huge burden for the Volunteers. He has good physical tools to continue to improve on that end of the floor as his awareness off the ball evolves.
The verdict: Knecht scored more prolifically in the SEC than he did the season before in the Big Sky -- he averaged 21.7 points per game last season -- and has been one of this draft's fastest risers. He put up games of 40 and 37 points, respectively, against Kentucky and Purdue, and he was spectacularly consistent on the offensive end, stepping up in big moments all season long.
8. Rob Dillingham | PG | Kentucky
6-1 | Age: 19.4 | Previously ranked: 7
Strengths: Dillingham is the most dynamic scoring guard in this draft. His combination of shiftiness, ballhandling, passing and shot-making prowess showed vividly off the bench at Kentucky. He averaged 15.2 points in 23.3 minutes per game.
Weaknesses: He lacks the ideal size and physicality to absorb contact in the lane and hold his own defensively, as he has only a 6-3 wingspan with a frame under 170 pounds.
The verdict: Long known for his ability to heat up in a hurry at the prep level, Dillingham backed that up with efficient perimeter shot-making and steady decision-making as a passer and scorer in his lone season in the SEC. Even if he faces an uphill battle defensively, his offensive gifts give him some of the biggest star power of any prospect in this class.
9. Tidjane Salaun | PF | Cholet
6-8 ¾ | Age: 18.8 | Previously ranked: 9
Strengths: Salaun is a physically gifted power forward whose length, frame, budding versatility as a shot-maker and defensive intensity stood out in his first professional opportunity in France.
Weaknesses: While he shows ability to make shots on the move, he lacks much in the way of ballhandling ability and was inconsistent with his processing speed on both ends of the floor, as one might expect from a late blooming 18-year old at this level of competition.
The verdict: Salaun's best days are clearly in front of him, as he finished last season better than he started and carved out a significant role. His combination of size, shooting and competitiveness on the defensive end are intriguing, even if he's still just getting his feet wet at the highest levels.
10. Nikola Topic | PG | Red Star (Adriatic League)
6-5 ¾ | Age: 18.8 | Previously ranked: 10
Strengths: The 18-year-old Topic is the top pick-and-roll shot creator in this draft. He's an elite ball handler, passer and finisher who proved to be a creative force in the Adriatic League before losing his stint in the EuroLeague to knee injuries. He suffered a partially torn ACL in April, which might force him to redshirt his rookie season in the NBA.
Weaknesses: He has things to prove as a jump-shooter to open up the rest of his game at the NBA level, as he's not a jet with the ball to compensate. His limited length is a concern defensively.
The verdict: Topic has come on strong over the past year and brings a promising blend of feel for the game, playmaking and confidence. He'll face an adjustment period, especially in the wake of his injury, but his trajectory leaves a lot of room for optimism about his ability to find his way in the NBA.
11. Cody Williams | SG/SF | Colorado
6-6 ½ | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 12
Strengths: Williams is a rangy perimeter player whose size, length and flashes of transition-scoring, playmaking and defensive versatility give him intriguing upside.
Weaknesses: Lacking a degree of strength, perimeter shooting and all-around consistency, Williams struggled to produce late in his freshman season, as he was hampered by injuries after a promising start.
The verdict: At his best, Williams looked like one of the most interesting players in this class, but he appeared unsure of himself late in the season. He is still early in his development, and there's a disparity in opinions among scouts about how to view him long term.
12. Devin Carter | PG/SG | Providence
6-2 ¼ | Age: 22.2 | Previously ranked: 13
Strengths: Carter is a defensive menace and tenacious lead guard whose significant improvement as a jump-shooter caused his draft stock to explode as a junior. He averaged 19.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
Weaknesses: He has questions to answer about his ballhandling and shot-creation prowess, as well as his unorthodox shooting mechanics. He was able to score prolifically last season, in large part because of his explosiveness, physicality and aggressive approach.
The verdict: Carter carried Providence through a grueling Big East schedule, as his disruptive presence on defense, dogged toughness on the glass and newfound ability to score in bunches made him one of the best two-way players in the country. He could be an appealing fit next to a more dynamic facilitator.
13. Ron Holland | SF | G League Ignite
6-6 ½ | Age: 18.9 | Previously ranked: 11
Strengths: Holland is a physical, aggressive and versatile wing who scored prolifically in a challenging season for G League Ignite.
Weaknesses: His poor decision-making and streakiness as a shooter were concerns that were amplified by his outsized role last season, but the 18-year-old has plenty of room to continue to improve. His season was cut short by a ruptured tendon in his right thumb, which forced him to miss the Ignite's final 19 games.
The verdict: Holland earned a reputation for his competitiveness and unselfishness at the prep level, but he had an up-and-down season as a first option in a losing situation in the G League. His ability to find his range and bring those intangibles back to the forefront in a smaller role will be key to his success early in his NBA career.
14. Ja'Kobe Walter | SG/SF | Baylor
6-4 ¼ | Age: 19.7 | Previously ranked: 14
Strengths: Walter is a wiry shooting guard with the length, dynamic shot-making prowess and intangibles to play a coveted 3-and-D role.
Weaknesses: He is a good but not great athlete whose struggles to create off the dribble raise questions about how he'll score on nights his jumper isn't falling, as his efficiency tumbled in Big 12 play.
The verdict: Walter had a productive freshman season at Baylor with his ability to shoot off movement and aggressiveness crashing the offensive glass and drawing fouls. His size and ability to space the floor give him a role to grow into, but his ability to fill in the blanks in between will dictate his ceiling.
15. Jared McCain | PG | Duke
6-2 | Age: 20.3 | Previously ranked: 15
Strengths: McCain is a physical and competitive guard whose dynamic shooting, rebounding and intelligent style of play on both ends give him a high floor.
Weaknesses: He lacks great length and burst and has some things to prove as a playmaker after he played a lot of small-ball wing as a freshman last season.
The verdict: McCain was a bright spot for Duke all season making shots, drawing charges and doing a lot of little things with energy and instincts. He'll need to continue to evolve as a ball handler and perimeter defender, but the growth he showed and his intangibles suggest he'll find ways to contribute to winning at the next level.
16. Zach Edey | C | Purdue
7-3 ¾ | Age: 22.1 | Previously ranked: 16
Strengths: Edey is one of the biggest and most productive players the sport has seen. He has a 7-11 wingspan and 9-7 standings reach, but it's his level of physicality, conditioning and confidence that gives him more upside than previous players in his mold.
Weaknesses: Though he improved dramatically in college, his speed will always be under the microscope defensively, and on offense he will need to be used consistently by a coach who is willing to take advantage of Edey's unique mismatch potential.
The verdict: Edey was the most dominant player in college basketball over the past two seasons, winning back-to-back John R. Wooden Awards. He plays with the mean streak to take advantage of his rare physical tools. What kind of answers he can find defending pick-and-rolls will dictate just how smooth his transition will be to the NBA.
17. Tristan Da Silva | SF/PF | Colorado
6-8 ¼ | Age: 23.1 | Previously ranked: 17
Strengths: Da Silva is a fluid forward with size and two-way versatility on the wing who broke out as an upperclassman.
Weaknesses: He is a well-rounded player who lacks ideal physicality and perhaps any one elite skill, but he does a lot of things well, making 40% of his 3-pointers and showing a strong feel for the game.
The verdict: Da Silva is a fluid player who can space the floor, attack closeouts and find the open man on the move while guarding multiple positions on defense. His ability to slide between roles is appealing even if his narrow frame figures to be a limiting factor in some matchups, especially considering he's already 23 years old.
18. Johnny Furphy | SG/SF | Kansas
6-7 ½ | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 18
Strengths: Furphy is a late-blooming swingman whose size and shooting in a complementary role changed the complexion of Kansas's season and paved his way to the draft earlier than anyone expected.
Weaknesses: The 19-year-old lacks strength, length and consistency on defense, and he is not a dynamic shooter. That's not all that surprising given his age and late rise to prominence in the summer before his freshman year.
The verdict: Furphy had some ups and downs throughout the season, but he thrived in a handful of key matchups when he was filling a small role. His size, shooting and willingness to play with intensity all work in his favor, even if he is still learning to shoot on the move and was not always strong enough to hold his own guarding in the Big 12.
19. Carlton Carrington | PG | Pittsburgh
6-3 ¾ | Age: 18.9 | Previously ranked: 20
Strengths: Carrington is a big guard with a budding floor game whose late growth spurt made him the most unexpected riser of the past year.
Weaknesses: While he has great size and has packed on some muscle, his frame is still a major work in progress. Similarly, he shot the 3 well late in the season but will have to prove his consistency.
The verdict: Carrington's size, feel and midrange game won him a lot of fans last season, as he has a unique maturity for a young guard who was not expected to carry the additional pressure of being one-and-done this season. He might not be an overwhelming athlete, but he is on an interesting trajectory as a big guard who did some nice things operating out of the pick-and-roll.
20. Kyshawn George | SG/SF | Miami
6-7 | Age: 20.5 | Previously ranked: 19
Strengths: George is a big wing whose 3-point shooting ability, pace with the ball, vision and instincts give him intriguing long-term upside.
Weaknesses: George doesn't have stellar athleticism, physicality or assertiveness to make the most of his talent consistently, and he remains green off the ball on defense.
The verdict: One of several unexpected one-and-done prospects in this draft, George flashed considerable talent between quiet stretches in his lone collegiate season. The Swiss swingman could fill a coveted role in the NBA if he can put everything together with the late-blooming trajectory he's on.
21. Kyle Filipowski | PF/C | Duke
6-10 ¾ | Age: 20.6 | Previously ranked: 21
Strengths: Filipowski is a skilled 7-footer who can shoot, dribble and pass, giving him unique offensive versatility projecting to the next level.
Weaknesses: While he was a force at times in the ACC, his consistency as a shooter, lack of physicality and limited length protecting the rim are concerns.
The verdict: Filipowski has no shortage of offensive talent and carried the Blue Devils when he put everything together over the past two seasons. Just how consistent he can be on that end could go a long way toward assuaging concerns about his presence on defense.
22. Yves Missi | C | Baylor
6-10 ¾ | Age: 20.1 | Previously ranked: 23
Strengths: Missi is a rim-running big man with impressive mobility and explosiveness as a lob threat and physical tools that could serve him down the line on the defensive end.
Weaknesses: He lacks polish, experience and the physicality to maximize his ability as a rim-protector and rebounder. He has room to improve his scoring versatility and awareness as a passer.
The verdict: Missi might not be the most polished player -- he didn't start playing organized basketball until he was 16 -- but he has the rare physical tools to give him an obvious role at the NBA level. If his processing speed and frame continue to improve, the Cameroon native has potential as a screen-setter and rim-protector who can do a little more than that offensively.
23. Isaiah Collier | PG | USC
6-2 ½ | Age: 19.6 | Previously ranked: 22
Strengths: Collier is a big, strong guard whose burst, scoring instincts and ability to create in the open court and bully defenders in a straight line stood out as he closed his freshman season on a high note.
Weaknesses: He has a lot of tools with which to work, but he struggled with turnovers, has concerning shooting mechanics and made some avoidable mistakes with lapses on both ends of the floor.
The verdict: Collier's shot-creation gifts and physicality at the rim set the bar high coming into the season, and while he finished better than he started, he had some ups and downs at USC. His upside is apparent, but he has questions to answer on both ends at the NBA level.
24. Kel'el Ware | C | Indiana
6-11 ¾ | Age: 20.1 | Previously ranked: 24
Strengths: Ware has mobility as a rim-protector and a budding skill level in a 7-foot frame, giving him unicorn potential at his position. His game matured noticeably as a sophomore at Indiana after he spent a season at Oregon.
Weaknesses: He lacks ideal feel for the game and all-around consistency, even if he has made noticeable strides with his motor.
The verdict: Ware is a bouncy finisher who runs like a guard, shoots the 3 with promising mechanics and even has some coordination and skill with the ball. Talent was never a concern, but he still has questions to answer regarding his tenacity and awareness on both ends of the floor, something he did a good job of addressing last season.
25. Tyler Kolek | PG | Marquette
6-1 ¼ | Age: 23.7 | Previously ranked: 26
Strengths: Kolek is a tough-minded guard whose skill level as a scorer and vision as a passer made him the engine of one of the top offenses in college basketball over the past two seasons.
Weaknesses: He is not the biggest nor most physically gifted floor general, lacking great length and explosiveness. That makes it difficult for him to score in traffic at times or hold his own against some matchups defensively.
The verdict: Kolek picked opposing defenses apart last season out of pick-and-rolls, whipping the ball around to shooters, getting to floaters and proving opportunistic in shooting; he hit 39% of his shots from beyond the arc. His average tools might make him divisive among NBA teams, but his approach and feel for the game will appeal to franchises looking for a backup point guard.
26. Terrence Shannon Jr. | SG/SF | Illinois
6-5 ¾ | Age: 23.8 | Previously ranked: 33
Strengths: Shannon is an explosive wing who has long thrived defensively and in the open floor but made strides with his floor game as a fifth-year senior at Illinois.
Weaknesses: While he had an exceptionally efficient season, it was largely built on his free-throw shooting and shot-making prowess, as he still has something to prove as a spot-up shooter.
The verdict: Shannon emerged as one of the best players in college basketball last season, scoring in bunches, being assertive and pulling up off the dribble. He turned in several huge games late in the season when his jumper was falling, and he has significant potential on both ends.
27. Baylor Scheierman | SG | Creighton
6-6 ¼ | Age: 23.7 | Previously ranked: 25
Strengths: Scheierman is a dynamic perimeter scorer who shoots the ball at a high level on the move while contributing with his versatility and feel for the game on the wing.
Weaknesses: He is not particularly long or physically gifted, complicating his defensive potential at the NBA level, especially considering he will turn 24 in September.
The verdict: Scheierman, who played some point guard at the mid-major level while recording numerous double-doubles last season, brings interesting things to the table as a rebounder and passer for a player who might be the best movement shooter in this draft.
28. Ryan Dunn | SF/PF | Virginia
6-6 ¼ | Age: 21.4 | Previously ranked: 34
Strengths: Dunn is the draft's best defender. He's adept at using his length, explosiveness, mobility and instincts to guard multiple positions and be disruptive on and off the ball.
Weaknesses: He is an interesting litmus test; he has a great deal to prove offensively. He lacks much in the way of ballhandling and shooting ability, making just 12 3-pointers in 65 games and hitting 53% of his career free throw attempts.
The verdict: Dunn had a monster season on the defensive end, shutting down opposing guards, wings and forwards, blocking a massive volume of shots and consistently going out of his area for rebounds. Thanks to his game-changing defensive ability, he should be able to carve out an NBA role if he can become even a mediocre perimeter threat.
29. Bobi Klintman | SF/PF | Cairns
6-8 ¾ | Age: 21.2 | Previously ranked: 27
Strengths: Klintman is a big, versatile forward whose ability to space the floor, finish in transition and make plays on defense helped him carve out a big role in the NBL.
Weaknesses: He has things to prove with his feel for the game and consistency on both ends of the floor.
The verdict: Klintman played a rotation role in his lone collegiate season, but he flashed his talent more consistently in Australia. At his best, he fits a coveted mold with his size, shooting and mobility on the defensive end.
30. Pacome Dadiet | SG/SF | Ratiopharm Ulm
6-7 ¾ | Age: 18.9 | Previously ranked: 29
Strengths: Dadiet is a big, strong and extremely young wing who finished his season in Germany on a positive note, scoring efficiently and prolifically on a per-minute basis as an 18-year-old against high-level competition.
Weaknesses: Just an average athlete, ball handler, passer and defender, he will need to become a more consistent 3-point shooter to carve out a consistent role in the NBA.
The verdict: Dadiet has good scoring instincts finishing around the rim and hitting 3-pointers, both with his feet set and pulling up off the dribble. He has plenty of room to continue to improve as one of the youngest prospects in this class.
31. Jaylon Tyson | SG/SF | California
6-5 ½ | Age: 21.5 | Previously ranked: 28
Strengths: Tyson is a big, versatile guard who nearly doubled his scoring average at Cal to lead the Pac-12 in points per game (19.6, from 10.7).
Weaknesses: He lacks high-end length and explosiveness, and he will likely need to scale down his shot selection and decision-making in a more compact off-ball role at the next level.
The verdict: Tyson was one of the most improved players in college basketball last season. He put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways, putting pressure on the rim and showing growth as a pull-up 3-point shooter. His consistency off the ball on both ends will be a point of interest moving forward.
32. Cam Christie | SG | Minnesota
6-4 ½ | Age: 18.9 | Previously ranked: 32
Strengths: Christie is a smooth sharpshooter with positional size and an intriguing frame. His feathery touch and diverse shot-making prowess from the perimeter helped him exceed expectations in a major way as an 18-year-old freshman at Minnesota.
Weaknesses: He did most of his damage away from the rim, lacking a degree of physicality as a slasher and defender.
The verdict: Christie's fluidity and scoring instincts stood out not just when spacing the floor but also running off screens and pulling up off the dribble. Couple that with his age and physical tools, and it is not hard to see why NBA teams would bet on his continued development, even if he's likely not ready to help a team as a rookie.
33. Adem Bona | C | UCLA
6-8 ¼ | Age: 21.2 | Previously ranked: 37
Strengths: Bona has some of the best physical tools in this draft with outstanding mobility, explosiveness and a 7-4 wingspan. His nonstop intensity, physicality and ability to cover ground seamlessly give him a clear role at the NBA level -- if he can improve his discipline on both ends.
Weaknesses: As well as Bona finishes lobs and covers ground defensively, he was plagued by fouls and turnovers last season and isn't the defensive rebounder you might hope due to his average feel for the game.
The verdict: The Nigerian-born big man had an up-and-down season on a disappointing UCLA team. But he has several key ingredients that should allow him to thrive in a protracted role as a finisher and switch defender as he adds more polish.
34. Tyler Smith | SF/PF | G League Ignite
6-9 | Age: 19.6 | Previously ranked: 30
Strengths: Smith was a bright spot for G League Ignite last season, as his inside-outside scoring ability made him extremely productive on a per-minute basis. He averaged 13.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 22 minutes per game
Weaknesses: He had a more difficult transition defensively and has room to improve his feel for the game.
The verdict: Smith thrived in a simplified role, shooting the 3 consistently with a high-release point and putting several defenders on posters attacking in a straight line or finishing lobs. While the 19-year old remains raw in some areas, his combination of youth, size and scoring ability is intriguing.
35. AJ Johnson | SG | Illawarra
6-4 ¼ | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 35
Strengths: Johnson is a fluid, talented guard with a narrow frame who is looking to build on the experience he picked up in the NBL.
Weaknesses: He played sparingly last season as his lack of strength, defensive prowess and consistency remain a work in progress.
The verdict: Johnson flashed his talent at the NBA combine much like he did in short spurts this season in the NBL, showing his ability to operate at different speeds, make shots off the bounce and find teammates on the move. He has obvious things to build off as his frame and game continue to mature, especially on a patient team willing to give him the developmental reps he lacked in Australia.
36. Juan Nunez | PG | Ratiopharm Ulm
6-4 | Age: 20.0 | Previously ranked: 36
Strengths: Nunez brings rare creativity, vision and flair to the point guard position, as his shooting, defense and decision-making continue to evolve.
Weaknesses: He made strides with his pull-up jumper last season, but he is limited in spots by his difficulties keeping defenders honest away from the rim and lack of great burst.
The verdict: Nunez built on the minutes he received at last year's FIBA World Cup for Spain, showing growth in several areas in the EuroCup and BBL. While he still has some things to prove, he's one of the draft's best playmakers and has excellent size, strength and feel for the game that could prove valuable in a backup role.
37. Kevin McCullar Jr. | SF | Kansas
6-5 ¼ | Age: 23.2 | Previously ranked: 38
Strengths: McCullar earned a reputation as a high-level utility wing over his five seasons in college, and he answered a lot of questions with his improvement offensively in his final year at Kansas before being hampered by a knee injury.
Weaknesses: While he made clear strides as a spot-up shooter, his consistency -- especially off the dribble -- still leaves something to be desired and is one of the biggest question marks. He made 31% of his 3s over his career.
The verdict: McCullar's toughness, competitiveness and versatility always showed up in his ability to guard and pass, and his improved scoring prowess and efficiency as a senior made him Kansas' most valuable player. While a knee injury ended his season early, his two-way productivity gives him a clear route to minutes on the wing if he can take another step as a shooter.
38. DaRon Holmes II | PF/C | Dayton
6-8 ¾ | Age: 21.8 | Previously ranked: 39
Strengths: Holmes is a skilled interior scorer who made the most of his return to school, improving his body and developing his perimeter skills.
Weaknesses: While he has become more versatile on offense, his lack of great quickness on the perimeter on defense and average size and length leave him stuck between positions.
The verdict: Holmes excelled as a pick-and-roll finisher and post scorer as an underclassman at Dayton, but he found 3-point range and made clear strides as a ball handler and passer as a junior. He has questions to answer defensively, but he brings a diverse offensive skill set that made him one of the top per-minute scorers in college basketball.
39. Justin Edwards | SG/SF | Kentucky
6-6 | Age: 20.5 | Previously ranked: 31
Strengths: Edwards was a highly touted prep prospect who found his footing once expectations recalibrated in his freshman season. He shot the 3 well (36.5%) and saw the game slow down for him on both ends of the floor.
Weaknesses: He struggled for large parts of the season, as he's a good (but not great) athlete with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and average floor game, which put a lot of pressure on his jump shooting and inconsistent defense.
The verdict: Edwards might not have had the most consistent season, but in his best moments, he made an impact on offense and defense with the type of size, length and pedigree that is hard to come by. Even if it is as a role player, there's room for optimism about what kind of player he could grow into if he puts everything together.
40. Jonathan Mogbo | SG/SF | San Francisco
6-6 ¼ | Age: 22.6 | Previously ranked: 41
Strengths: Mogbo is a late-blooming, undersized big man with a lean frame, long arms and explosive physical tools.
Weaknesses: He does not have any floor-spacing ability to speak of at this stage, which puts a lot of pressure on his ability to finish inside against bigger and stronger defenders in the NBA. Plus, his limited experience shows in his inconsistent technique on defense.
The verdict: Mogbo is a juco product who grew late and garnered little interest out of high school. He has blossomed into a bouncy lob threat, effective slasher and out-of-area rebounder who is one of the best playmaking big men in this draft. He excels at pushing off the glass and finding teammates on the move.
41. Ajay Mitchell | PG | UC Santa Barbara
6-3 ¼ | Age: 21.9 | Previously ranked: 44
Strengths: Mitchell is a big, creative guard who excels operating in the pick and roll, showing ability as a passer and midrange scorer.
Weaknesses: He plays with pace more than explosiveness and has questions to answer regarding the lack of volume as an outside shooter throughout his career. He hit just 63 3-pointers in 85 games (33%).
The verdict: Mitchell was the best player in the Big West despite playing through injuries. The Belgian guard backed up his standing with a strong showing running his team at the NBA combine and has several key ingredients teams are looking for from a backup with his size, feel for the game, willingness to defend, unselfishness and budding shot-making prowess.
42. Cam Spencer | SG | UConn
6-3 | Age: 24.2 | Previously ranked: 52
Strengths: Spencer is a first-team All-Big East player whose shot-making diversity, passing acumen and feel for the game made him a key cog in UConn's national championship run.
Weaknesses: Already 24 years old, Spencer is not particularly tall, long or explosive, getting by on toughness and instincts at the college level defensively. That might not translate as seamlessly to the NBA, as he has limited physical tools.
The verdict: Spencer is an excellent off-screen shooter whose consistency pulling up off the dribble puts added pressure on defenses as he constantly moves without the ball. His competitiveness, skill level and experience were huge assets for the Huskies last season and often overshadow his physical limitations, which are nonetheless questions he'll have to answer in the NBA on both ends of the floor.
43. Ulrich Chomche | PF/C | NBA Academy Africa
6-10 ¼ | Age: 18.4 | Previously ranked: 42
Strengths: Chomche is a young, inexperienced big man with massive defensive potential, thanks to his 7-4 wingspan, exceptional frame and mobility.
Weaknesses: Most of his experience has come at the junior level, as he spent last season at the NBA Academy Africa.
The verdict: While Chomche remains green offensively, he has a lot of things that can't be taught. He has flashed as a passer and shooter, which could be developed into more consistent traits down the road. The Cameroon native is far from being ready to help an NBA team, but he is interesting for a team that believes in its player development system.
44. Harrison Ingram | SF/PF | North Carolina
6-5 ¼ | Age: 21.5 | Previously ranked: 43
Strengths: Ingram is a long and strong swingman whose versatility, feel for the game and improvement as a spot-up shooter made him an indispensable player for the Tar Heels.
Weaknesses: While Ingram checks a lot of boxes with his 7-foot wingspan and 3-point shooting (39% last season), he is a good but not great athlete who struggled to finish inside the arc (45% on 2-point shots) throughout his college career. He is only a 62% free throw shooter, raising questions about just how consistent of a perimeter threat he can become in the long term.
The verdict: Ingram is a terrific rebounder, heady passer and capable shot-maker who stuffed the stat sheet and came up big in several high-profile games last season. He has the tools to hold his own defensively and has appeal as a role player, especially if he can take the next step with his shooting.
45. Pelle Larsson | SG | Arizona
6-5 ¼ | Age: 23.3 | Previously ranked: 45
Strengths: Larsson is a strong-framed wing with two-way versatility who contributed steadily on and off the ball as a senior in the Pac-12.
Weaknesses: He is not especially rangy on the defensive end or dynamic with the ball, making contributions as a playmaker on both ends of the floor. He has questions to answer in those areas projecting to the NBA level, as well as with his reluctance to take open jumpers at times, despite hitting an excellent 43% of his attempts.
The verdict: Larsson played a key role for an Arizona team that earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. He scored efficiently, made smart and unselfish decisions as a secondary ball handler and used his physicality and smarts on the defensive end. He has excellent role-player potential, provided he can prove his outside shooting will translate to the NBA level.
46. Jamal Shead | PG | Houston
6-0 ¼ | Age: 21.9 | Previously ranked: 51
Strengths: Shead is one of the winningest players in this draft class -- he went 120-18 in his college career. His defensive intensity, unselfish passing and competitiveness give him upside as a backup point guard.
Weaknesses: He lacks in size and consistency as a shooter. Shead, however, set the tone for Houston last season, helping them earn the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
The verdict: Shead brings similar intangibles that allowed T.J. McConnell and Jose Alvarado to stick in the league despite lacking elite physical tools or scoring. His ability to manage a game while putting opposing guards through the wringer gives him a clear niche he can fill in the NBA, and he'll have a chance at a role if he can improve his shooting.
47. Jaylen Wells | SG/SF | Washington State
6-6 ½ | Age: 20.8 | Previously ranked: 46
Strengths: Wells is a late-blooming, former Division II star whose size and shooting (42% on 3-pointers) translated in impressive fashion in his lone season at Washington State.
Weaknesses: As efficient as he was last season, Wells is still coming into his own on both ends of the floor, lacking a degree of toughness, length, versatility and feel that he'll need in order to carve out a role in the NBA.
The verdict: Wells played sparingly early last season but shot the ball so well his role continued to expand as he finished the year among the best spot-up shooters in the country. His pull-up shooting in pick-and-roll reps only add to his appeal as someone who grew considerably in high school and still has upside to tap into. He'll have a chance to outplay his draft position if he can evolve on both ends of the floor, as he's only 20 years old.
48. Melvin Ajinca | SG/SF | Saint-Quentin
6-7 ¼ | Age: 19.9 | Previously ranked: 47
Strengths: Ajinca is a promising role player coming off a solid season in Pro A France. He had several impactful stretches, finding his range impressively and bringing great energy on the defensive end of the floor.
Weaknesses: While Ajinca has run red-hot at times, his consistency as a shooter is critical (career 32% mark from 3-point range). He has an even wingspan and lacks great ballhandling and the playmaking ability to consistently create his own shot. He will also have some lapses at times on the defensive end.
The verdict: Ajinca improved his standing considerably at the FIBA U19 World Cup last summer, flashing dynamic shot-making prowess and bringing aggressiveness on both ends of the floor. He did that in spurts in Saint-Quentin last season and has intrigue when he puts everything together offensively. He's young, as he turns 20 on June 26.
49. Keshad Johnson | PF | Arizona
6-6 ¼ | Age: 22.9 | Previously ranked: 50
Strengths: Johnson is a physically gifted, energetic and highly competitive big man whose perimeter shooting and passing improvement as a fifth-year senior have simplified his fit at the NBA level.
Weaknesses: Johnson is undersized for a power forward without great length to compensate and is not adept at creating his own shot. The small sample of 3-point makes and his career 64% free throw shooting raise questions about how consistent of a shooter he can become in the long term.
The verdict: Johnson was among the best defenders in college basketball, tasked with guarding up and down the floor for Arizona. His versatility and toughness give him a niche he can build off in the NBA, provided he can provide ample floor spacing.
50. Nikola Djurisic | SG/SF | Mega MIS
6-7 | Age: 20.3 | Previously ranked: 40
Strengths: Djurisic is a physically gifted wing who scored in bunches late in the 2023-24 season to give himself momentum in the draft process.
Weaknesses: With an even wingspan and just an average feel for the game, he will face questions about his defensive potential and will need to show more consistency with his decision-making and 3-point shooting to carve out a niche at the next level.
The verdict: After finding mixed results early in the year, Nikola Topic's departure opened the door for Djurisic to take on a playmaking role for Mega Basket, where he excelled and played the best basketball of his career in a winning context. His size, athletic ability and scoring talent are undeniable, and he has upside to grow into at just 20 years old.
pmatic
