2024 NBA draft rankings Jonathan Givony s top 25 prospects

Monaco bump-start for Lambo Norris

 

The Final Four weekend has arrived, and this season of college hoops is coming to a close. Meanwhile, teams in the NBA and abroad are entering the final stretch of the regular season and looking ahead to this year's 2024 NBA draft.

The league announced in late March that its G League Ignite program would not continue past this season opening up opportunities for players such as Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland to make the leap to the league.

Some players have made a significant jump into the top 25, like Colorado's Tristan Da Silva, who was previously ranked No. 40. Others have continued their campaign for No. 1, looking to make a final impression as we gear up for the draft, such as Donovan Clingan currently leading the Huskies to championship weekend.

The rankings -- compiled by NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony with Jeremy Woo assisting on analysis -- continue to change throughout the draft cycle.

Check back all season as we inform you of the risers and fallers of this draft class.

Rankings and write-ups last updated: Saturday, April 6.

Jump to: Jonathan Givony's Top 100

1. Zaccharie Risacher | SF | JL Bourg

6-foot-10 | Age: 18.9 | Previously ranked: 1 

Risacher's JL Bourg team advanced to the EuroCup finals this week -- a major accomplishment that gives them a chance to win their first title in club history. He has continued to play an important role with 56 games under his belt this season, and many still to come over the next two plus months. JL Bourg plays a grueling season with the way the team travels -- a slate more comparable to the G League than an NBA or college team. Risacher has been in a prolonged shooting slump the past two months, going 15-for-58 from 3 (26%) over the past 15 games, after making nearly half his 3-point attempts the first five months of the season. He is still shooting 40% for 3 on the season and, to his credit, continued to play very good basketball on both ends of the floor, making smart passes, never shying away from open looks, and guarding up and down the floor with his terrific size, feel for the game and intensity. With the college season nearly over, NBA executives will be converging on France en masse to get a final impression of Risacher, which could ultimately decide where he ends up being drafted. -- Givony

2. Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth

7-1 | Age: 18.9 | Previously ranked: 24+ 

Sarr's season in Australia was successful, as he stepped into a valuable role on a playoff team and showcased his defensive potential and impressive athletic profile by NBA standards. He remains a contender at No. 1 entering the predraft process who appears to be on a positive development trajectory. As lottery teams nitpick the top prospects, Sarr's below-average rebounding, spotty awareness and toughness will be key questions. Bottom line, it's hard to find 7-footers with his degree of physical gifts in any draft. If he can protect the basket, knock down open shots and finish plays on a consistent basis, there's high value for Sarr as a high draft pick. With his stock likely in the top half of the lottery, expect Sarr to be very selective about the predraft process. -- Woo

3. Donovan Clingan | C | Connecticut

7-2 | Age: 20.1 | Previously ranked: 9 

Clingan's steady ascent back up the ESPN draft board (he entered the cycle ranked No. 6) continues as his early-season injuries become a distant memory -- his productivity, mobility, and two-way impact skyrocketed while healthy. Clingan had his best month of the season in March, stringing together several outstanding performances in the Big East and NCAA tournaments against an advanced level of competition that have now put him in direct competition with Sarr as the first big man to be drafted this year. Clingan is the most dominant defensive center we've seen in college basketball in recent memory, helping UConn win 25 of its last 26 games since late December, a streak the Huskies hope will continue for two more games at the Final Four in Phoenix starting tonight. -- Givony

4. Rob Dillingham | PG | Kentucky

6-2 | Age: 19.2 | Previously ranked: 3 

Kentucky's first-round exit in the NCAA tournament was a tough look for Dillingham, who was unusually passive and didn't offer much defensively. He's been a polarizing player for scouts all season, with some valuing his gifts as a ball handler and shooter, and others harping on his lack of size and defensive struggles, seeing risk selecting him early in the draft.

Overall, Dillingham put together an excellent individual season while being asked to come off the bench alongside Reed Sheppard. Considering this draft class, his unique qualities as a shot-creator might carry additional weight if teams are looking for upside in the lottery -- if he doesn't evolve into a starting-caliber point guard, there's some obvious downside. The range of outcomes here should make him one of the more intriguing names to track between now and June. -- Woo

5. Nikola Topic | PG | Red Star

6-7 | Age: 18.6 | Previously ranked: 4 

Topic, who has been out since early January with a knee injury, is in the "final stage of recovery," head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos said last week. Sfairopoulos added Topic's next steps are to "slowly return to team training, first without, and then with contact. Then he will be ready to play."

Topic has been extremely cautious with his return since his team has long been eliminated from Euroleague playoff contention and already secured the No. 1 seed in the Adriatic League playoffs. With the playoffs starting next weekend, we'd expect to see Topic gradually returning to action, likely peaking in the semi-finals and Finals in May. A rush of NBA decision-makers will surely make their way out to Serbia if Red Star is still in action. -- Givony

6. Matas Buzelis | SF | G League Ignite

6-10 | Age: 19.4 | Previously ranked: 6 

As the season went on, Buzelis increased his performance down the final stretch, albeit with Ignite struggling to win games. His scoring profile wasn't inspiring -- he shot 53% on field goals, 27% from 3 and 71% from the line, averaging just two free throw attempts per game -- but he did make strides on the defensive end. Buzelis offers the type of projectable size and skill combination that teams always deliberate over, with a reasonable path to becoming a solid contributor at both forward spots. He still has some things to prove with his shot-creation potential and jump shot, and teams will want to get a better feel for his handling and shooting in workouts. There's intriguing upside here as Buzelis continues to get stronger as a somewhat bankable role-player, considering the demand for versatile two-way forwards. -- Woo

7. Reed Sheppard | PG/SG | Kentucky

6-2 | Age: 19.7 | Previously ranked: 5 

Sheppard's outstanding freshman campaign ended in the most disappointing way possible, with a first-round upset at the hands of Oakland marred by his worst game of the season. Considering how well he played all year, and his current standing as a near-lock lottery pick, this was virtually the only scenario that could push Sheppard to return to Lexington for his sophomore season, something that would still come as a huge surprise for NBA teams. Sheppard has until the end of April to decide his next steps, a decision that might be a little more difficult than other players on this list considering that he was never viewed as a one-and-done prospect entering the season, and could have the opportunity to cement his legacy in his home state of Kentucky. It would be an Oakland over Kentucky type upset if he elected to return, however. -- Givony

8. Dalton Knecht | SG/SF | Tennessee

6-6 | Age: 22.9 | Previously ranked: 12 

Following a breakout year that culminated in an Elite Eight berth for the Volunteers, Knecht has made a compelling case for himself: age notwithstanding, he's arguably the most polished scorer in the class, an excellent shooter and an above-average athlete. Teams know he's not going to add a ton of value on defense, but there's some security in his ability to add offensive value with and without the ball. After entering the season under the radar as a transfer (Northern Colorado), he's proven himself repeatedly, ending the season with an impressive 37-point showing against Purdue. Knecht profiles as a player who can step in and score right away, and considering this draft class, it's easy to see a team prioritizing that in the lottery. -- Woo

9. Cody Williams | SG/SF | Colorado

6-8 | Age: 19.3 | Previously ranked: 7 

Williams' outstanding early-season play from November through January had some NBA teams wondering if he could make a run at being the No. 1 pick, but his lackluster final six weeks of the season extinguished much of that conversation. Battling through several injuries, and forced to play with a bothersome mask for much of that time, Williams struggled with confidence and looked limited offensively as a shot-creator and perimeter shooter, making just five 3-pointers in the last 12 games of the season. NBA teams will try to decipher which version of Williams they can expect to be drafting come June in the pre-draft process and what type of offensive player he projects as long-term. His size, length, defensive versatility and youth give him real upside he can grow into, but he has a fairly wide draft range among teams due to the up-and-down nature of his season and limited resume prior to entering college. -- Givony

10. Isaiah Collier | PG | USC

6-5 | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 14 

Credit Collier for closing his season on a better individual note while showing flashes of what made him a coveted recruit coming out of high school: His size, strength, burst and passing talent set him apart. Teams still have to consider him in the lottery relative to the other top guards. The questions have remained all season, as he's an average jump shooter (33.8% from 3 on three attempts per game) and his decision-making was often spotty, averaging 3.3 turnovers per game.

Collier's physical gifts and flashy style have always made him a tantalizing prospect in spite of his flaws. But it's exceedingly difficult to be a starting point guard in the NBA as a mediocre shooter that doesn't take adequate care of the ball. It might be too late in the process to fully dispel the concerns, but if Collier can better conduct himself in workouts and interviews, there's still an opportunity for him to be drafted early. -- Woo

11. Ja'Kobe Walter | SG/SF | Baylor

6-5 | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 8 

Walter was inconsistent in Big 12 play (37% 2P%, 30% 3P%), but finished his season on a positive note, scoring 39 points in two NCAA tournament games, making a barrage of 3s while getting to the free throw line 21 times. He ultimately ended the season more or less where he started -- in late lottery territory -- but can continue to help himself during the pre-draft process showing there's upside left to tap into due to his length, dynamic shot-making prowess, intensity, youth and outstanding off-court intangibles. He'll be a popular target for teams to study up on, as there's an easy niche in today's NBA for players of his mold. -- Givony

12. Ron Holland | SF | G League Ignite

6-7 | Age: 18.7 | Previously ranked: 12 

Holland's season came to an end on Jan. 31, with thumb surgery. More needs to play out behind the scenes as teams consider his individual productivity within the context of Ignite's difficult season, as well as his reputation as a winning player coming out of high school. He was certainly productive, but he was often stretched thin as a playmaker, and the fast pace of G League games often lend themselves to compiling stats that don't necessarily correlate with winning impact. NBA teams are parsing through all of it, as Holland was once viewed as a No. 1 pick candidate.

Holland likely won't see that level of usage in the NBA, but his motor, athleticism and overall productivity still suggest a multi-faceted type supporting role in the NBA. Teams will especially want to see him shoot the ball more consistently from outside in the pre-draft process, and Holland will have an opportunity to answer some of the questions stemming from this season. -- Woo

13. Zach Edey | C | Purdue

7-4 | Age: 21.9 | Previously ranked: 15 

Edey will go down as one of the most dominant players in college basketball history, and he's taken his game to an even higher level in the NCAA tournament, scoring a career high 40 points to go along with 16 rebounds versus Tennessee while leading Purdue to the Final Four.

Edey's much-improved mobility, conditioning, processing speed and defensive versatility has caused NBA teams to look at him in a different light this season, with some scouts comparing him to Jonas Valanciunas -- just with another five inches and 50 pounds to punish opponents inside the paint. 

Finishing on a strong note this weekend wouldn't hurt his cause, especially in an ideal scouting matchup with Clingan in the national championship should it materialize. -- Givony 

14. Stephon Castle | PG/SG | Connecticut

6-6 | Age: 19.4 | Previously ranked: 16 

UConn's Final Four run has given Castle an extended opportunity to showcase himself, and he's been solid in his role, supplying a major advantage defensively with his size and switchability and distributing well on offense. His defensive play will help get him on the floor in the NBA, and coupled with his room for growth offensively, it's easy to see him as a lottery target for certain teams. The questions about his jumper, aggressiveness, and how much offense he's going to supply remain. With the Huskies competing for a title and playing an unselfish style of offense, teams will want to see him shoot in workouts and show what he can do outside the confines of his role before committing an early draft pick to him. -- Woo

15. Tidjane Salaun | PF | Cholet

6-10 | Age: 18.6 | Previously ranked: 10 

Salaun continues to go through the normal ups and downs of an 18-year-old at the highest levels of European basketball, especially one asked to play a significant role for a team in playoff contention that's undergone quite a bit of upheaval, while taking part in over 50 games with many more still to come.

Salaun is making impressive progress physically -- already growing to over 6-11 in shoes, while filling out his frame notably, giving him outstanding physical ability for his age. His perimeter shooting, one of his most important attributes, has remained streaky since the start of the year (although he's shooting nearly 90% from the free throw line during that span), while his awareness and feel for the game on both ends of the floor is a major work in progress.

Salaun is a prospect sure to help himself as soon as he makes his way to the States for the pre-draft process. His frame, size, shooting stroke and outstanding off-court intangibles are bound to intrigue NBA teams with an eye on his considerable long-term upside. -- Givony

16. Kyle Filipowski | PF/C | Duke

7-0 | Age: 20.4 | Previously ranked: 10 

Filipowski's season certainly didn't end the way he hoped for, with a disappointing showing against NC State in the Elite Eight that brought Duke's season, and presumably his college career, to an end. He made legitimate strides this season on the defensive end and put together a productive year -- there aren't many 7-footers who can handle, pass and shoot the way he can -- but he remains a divisive player for scouts. Some scouts value his skill level and versatility, while others are concerned with his struggles against physicality and his ability to create mismatches in the NBA. He should be a first-round pick, but he won't be a stylistic fit for every team. -- Woo

17. Devin Carter | PG/SG | Providence

6-3 | Age: 22.0 | Previously ranked: 17 

Carter's Providence team narrowly missed out on the NCAA tournament, but not due to a lack of effort on his part. He played three very impressive games in the Big East tournament in front of a bevy of NBA executives. He's already announced his intention to enter the NBA draft, not a surprise considering the 22 year old's Big East Player of the Year and All-American accolades. There's going to be considerable interest among playoff teams in the two-way versatility, improved perimeter shooting, toughness and role-playing potential Carter offers. He looks like a plug-and-play option to insert into a team that already has ample shot-creating options. -- Givony

18. Tristan Da Silva | SF/PF | Colorado

6-9 | Age: 22.8 | Previously ranked: 40 

Da Silva ended the season in excellent form and showcased his versatility, feel and improved jumper in March. A reliable connective frontcourt player, Da Silva helped Colorado play its way off the bubble during the Pac-12 tournament before stringing together a couple wins in the NCAA tournament and framing himself in a positive light as a player who can step in early and log useful NBA minutes on a rookie contract. Da Silva's rebounding and physicality are areas for improvement, and he's nearing 23, but he's put himself in strong first-round territory entering the spring. -- Woo

19. Jared McCain | PG/SG | Duke

6-3 | Age: 20.1 | Previously ranked: 20 

A pair of 30-point NCAA tournament games (shooting 13-for-22 from 2) by McCain helped guide Duke to the Elite Eight, a successful campaign for which his fingerprints were all over. McCain is one of the best shooters in this draft, but can do more than that. Improving his shot-creation, rebounding and defense will add to his yet-to-be-determined upside due to his average physical tools. We're yet to hear definitive news on McCain's plans for the NBA draft, but most teams say they would be surprised if he elected to return for his sophomore season. -- Givony

20. Yves Missi | C | Baylor

6-11 | Age: 19.9 | Previously ranked: 21 

Missi had a forgettable NCAA tournament while battling a rib injury, reinforcing that he's assuredly a long-term project. Some scouts are highly intrigued by his physical tools, defensive potential and hints of offensive skill, while others view him as far away from contributing in the NBA due to his limited feel at this stage. It's clear that Missi has a long way to go developmentally, but in this year's uncertain draft, there's a valid argument for his long-term potential. He will likely require a good deal of patience, which could impact the type of draft landing spots available to him. The next two months will be key for him to help teams envision his upside in workout settings. -- Woo

21. Tyler Smith | SF/PF | G League Ignite

6-10 | Age: 19.3 | Previously ranked: 18 

Smith's season is over after 43 games with G League Ignite, and the team's dismal 6-37 record playing an obvious role in the NBA's decision to abruptly disband the program. Smith was actually a major success in the team's last season, as he proved to be one of the G League's most prolific per-minute scorers, doing so with strong efficiency -- not an easy task considering he's only 19 years old. Smith can continue to help himself in the pre-draft process by showing he has better feel for the game and potential defensively than he was able to display this season, where he regularly looked lost off the ball. -- Givony

22. Kevin McCullar Jr. | SG/SF | Kansas

6-7 | Age: 23.0 | Previously ranked: 19 

It was a shame to see McCullar's season end early due to a bone bruise in his knee. Kansas felt his absence in the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments, where the Jayhawks lack of offensive firepower was obvious. He was playing at a high level early in the season, demonstrating improvement as a shooter and offensive creator, and looks like a potential plug-and-play type of pick for teams in need of wing help. If McCullar can get back to full health, he'll have a good opportunity in workouts, where teams will want to see him shoot it consistently. He's old for a first-round prospect, but he could be a useful contributor in a role that will demand less of him than Kansas did. -- Woo

23. Bobi Klintman | SF/PF | Cairns

6-10 | Age: 21.0 | Previously ranked: 22 

Klintman's season in Australia has been over for more than a month now, allowing him to start the pre-draft process early, training in Lithuania and Los Angeles. He'll be a popular target for teams to study closely in workouts and has a chance to help his standing with his intriguing combination of size, length, frame, explosiveness and perimeter shooting, which are hard to come by from a 6-10 prospect that can play either forward spot. -- Givony

24. Kyshawn George | SG/SF | Miami

6-9 | Age: 20.3 | Previously ranked: 26 

George's year-end numbers weren't spectacular (13.2 points, 5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per-40), but he flashed enough ability to put himself in the first-round conversation. His size, ballhandling, playmaking and shooting (40.8% from 3 on four attempts per game) make him an interesting long-term development bet, but his lack of high-level experience was evident in his inconsistent play. There are real questions about his ability to get into the paint and handle physicality, but his mix of skills is inherently valuable if he puts it together. George will be a popular pre-draft workout target as teams look to determine his ultimate place on their boards. He could be a real riser in the spring, but he could also be better off developing in college another year. -- Woo

25. Carlton Carrington | PG | Pitt

6-5 | Age: 18.7 | Previously ranked: 28 

Carrington was one of the youngest players in college basketball this season, but was able to carve out a significant role on a Pitt team that was one win away from making the NCAA tournament. He was up and down in ACC play, but had some outstanding performances down the stretch, showing his talent as a plus-sized ball-handling guard who can shoot off the bounce, pass off a live dribble and bring intensity defensively despite his lack of strength and high-end explosiveness. Carrington will need time to be ready to play meaningful NBA minutes, but his youth, versatility and feel for the game give him a high ceiling in a draft lacking in that department. -- Givony

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams. 

Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect evaluation and the draft. He was previously a staff writer and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.