2024 NBA Draft Top Prospects Rankings

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6. Matas Buzelis | SF | G League Ignite​

6-10 | Age: 19.0 | Previously ranked: 3

Buzelis' appeal lies in his versatility at 6-foot-10, showing the ability to do a little bit of everything in terms of ballhandling, perimeter shooting, passing and defensive playmaking. He did not have a great showing in G League Ignite's opening preseason games against Perth, struggling with the physicality of the pro game on both ends of the floor before sitting out the team's trip to Singapore because of an ankle injury. Having added significant weight to his frame -- up from 185 pounds in January to 210 now as listed by Ignite -- Buzelis will have a huge runway with Ignite's 48-game G League season to show what he can hang his hat on as an elite-level prospect.

 

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5. Zaccharie Risacher | SF | Bourg​

6-10 | Age: 18.5 | Previously ranked: 11

Risacher moved from EuroLeague squad ASVEL to Bourg in the EuroCup this offseason, which has allowed him to become a full-time rotation player for one of the best teams in France. He is off to a strong start, showing his unique versatility as a 6-foot-10 wing who can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, attack in a straight line and pass unselfishly while still having considerable upside at just 18 years old. Playing a position of significant need across the NBA, it's been encouraging to see the confidence and aggressiveness he is bringing, erasing some of the concerns that arose following a poor showing at the FIBA U19 World Cup.

 

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4. Justin Edwards | SG/SF | Kentucky​

6-7 | Age: 19.8 | Previously ranked: 5

Edwards fits a clear mold NBA teams are actively seeking as a big wing with shot-making prowess, straight-line driving ability, defensive versatility and intensity, giving him a relatively high floor in this draft class. Edwards, who will turn 20 in December, is older than several sophomores and will need to be productive to maintain his lofty standing, hopefully by showing a more diverse floor game as a ball handler, passer and pull-up shooter. Kentucky will be tested when it travels to Chicago for a difficult matchup with No. 1-ranked Kansas in the Champions Classic on Nov. 14.

 

[Wagerallsports]

3. Isaiah Collier | PG | USC​

6-5 | Age: 19.0 | Previously ranked: 2

Collier and USC play in the most intriguing game of the opening day of college basketball, a neutral-court Las Vegas matchup with another top-25 caliber team in Kansas State. The 6-foot-5 point guard is an elite ball handler and passer who lives at the rim creating out of pick-and-rolls and transition, using his strong, 210-pound frame to finish through contact and getting to the free throw line prolifically. His feel for the game and flair in changing speeds and passing off a live dribble have obvious appeal combined with the competitive mindset he brings defensively and all-around basketball instincts. Collier's perimeter shooting is the biggest question NBA scouts have about his game, something we'll learn more about this season. He should have the keys to USC's offense and a huge platform to show he's worthy of consideration as the No. 1 pick.

 

[Wagerallsports]

2. Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth​

7-1 | Age: 18.5 | Previously ranked: 4

Sarr rocketed up NBA draft boards with his two-game September showing against G League Ignite, posting 43 points, 18 rebounds, 12 blocks and 4 assists in Las Vegas. Very few 7-footers bring the combination of mobility, length, skill and defensive versatility Sarr offers. He has been a little more up and down in the NBL since -- not a surprise considering the significant rise in the level of competition and the fact that his team is off to a 3-5 start. Sarr nonetheless drops outstanding glimpses of talent in every area with his impressive footwork, finishing creativity, ground coverage and rim protection. Continuing to play with intensity defensively should solidify him as a top-three pick as the season moves on.

 

[Wagerallsports]

1. Ron Holland | SF | G League Ignite​

6-foot-8 | Age: 18.3 | Previously ranked: 1

Holland did nothing to dissuade his standing at No. 1 with his preseason performances versus Perth and in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, averaging 20 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 steals in 26 minutes in five games. He's an aggressive, intense two-way competitor who pushes the ball in the open court relentlessly and wreaks havoc with his terrific basketball instincts. Holland has shown improvement early on with his perimeter shooting (35% from 3, 85% from the free throw line), demonstrating real confidence in his shot-making ability, which bodes well for his development in this area. That's an important part of his game since he is not blessed with elite physical tools and has wild moments at times as a shot-creator and a decision-maker. G League Ignite should give him the confidence to push the boundaries of his skill set and show he's more than an elite role player like some NBA scouts suspect. As much as teams love his energy and toughness, they want to see Holland keep his emotions in check and be more even-keeled from possession to possession as the season progresses.