What the Future Holds: A 2024 NBA Draft Look Ahead
A Brief Look at the Talents of Tomorrow
Wow. Just like that, we're onto the next. Just starting to write this article has me giddy about the prospects of tomorrow. And, just like the image above says, "the future starts now."
The 2024 Draft will bring unprecedented storylines surrounding the players and the possibility of a move that would shake up the NBA. One of the game's most decorated players, LeBron James, and his son Bronny as they, embark on LeBron's quest to play with his eldest son.
Despite this significant storyline, plenty of top talents are waiting to be selected, and talents we've never heard of that will begin their ascent towards being a known prospect that'll be drafted similarly to Coulibaly this year.
With that being said, here's an early look ahead at the 2024 Draft Class:
Prospects
Cody Williams | Perry (AZ)
6'8" Arizona native Cody Williams is a name you should begin to familiarize yourself with, as he has all the tools to be a force in the league for a long time. Cody has one of the highest upsides for an underwhelming class. Williams' scoring and playmaking make him highly intriguing as a prospect right now, but when you combine that with his physical tools, you're looking at a player with lots of upside. Cody will come into the year with expectations despite being a late bloomer due to his brother, Jalen Williams, of the OKC Thunder. Williams will be playing his college ball on a loaded Colorado team with a lot of expectations, so keep an eye out for Williams and his team.
Matas Buzelis | Sunrise Christian Academy (KS)
Matas Buzelis is arguably the strongest candidate right now to go #1 overall. Buzelis is a 6'10" guard who, like Williams, oozes upside. Buzelis has scouts drooling over what he can become. Currently, Buzelis shows more flashes of brilliance rather than sustained excellence. Still, it'll be interesting to see his development this year alongside another top prospect, Ron Holland, with the NBA G League Ignite. Shooting is the skill that most want to see Buzelis fully tap into; if that were to happen, Buzelis would be a serious problem that'll be extremely hard to contain. It'll be exciting watching Buzelis' development this year, so watch out for him as 2024's #1 pick is up for grabs.
Zaccharie Risacher | LDLC Asvel (France)
The latest prospect in what seems like a never-ending French pipeline at this point is Zaccharie Risacher. Risacher defines fluidity in a wing. The 6'9" wing has excellent shooting ability and a great feel for the game. With the ball in his hands, Risacher is best when creating for himself to get to his lethal step-back jumper, which he's seemingly perfected. He is also a good playmaker, which makes him so coveted when you combine it with all of his other skills and his frame. Definitely one of the more intriguing prospects to track for a potential 2024 lottery bid. Keep your eyes peeled, as Risacher may also be involved in a possible transfer soon for more regular playing time like Wembanyama with Mets 92. Be on the lookout!
Isaiah Collier | Wheeler (GA)
Georgia native Isaiah Collier is a name to know for the next draft cycle, as he seems to be the top lead guard, similar to Scoot this year. The 6'4", 205lbs guard will be attending USC next year alongside Bronny, which will surely put them on to Collier. As for Collier, he is arguably the top High School player in the country who's known for his elite court vision. Collier claimed Co-MVP honors this past March at the McDonald's All-American Game to cap off his illustrious High School career. It'll be interesting to see his game develop over his time at USC and how his shot-making evolves. Collier is definitely a player to keep an eye on!
Ron Holland | Duncanville (TX)
As much as any of the other prospects, Holland has a decent shot at going #1. Holland's coveted body type makes him valued amongst his peers. Standing at 6'8", 195lbs, Holland's defensive versatility is the first thing to stand out before you factor in his offensive upside, and BOOM! You have a potential #1 pick. Holland will be joining Matas Buzelis in Henderson with the Ignite, so seeing how he handles professional-level physicality and how his game will translate will be exciting. Watch out for Ron Holland. Because he has a real shot at being a Top 3 Draft pick.
Wrap-Up
The 2024 NBA Draft promises to be an event filled with intriguing storylines and exciting prospects. While the possibility of LeBron James and his son Bronny playing together creates a captivating narrative, several talented players are eager to make their mark on the league.
Cody Williams, a 6'8" scoring and playmaking talent from Arizona, possesses tremendous upside and will be closely watched as he joins a loaded Colorado team. Matas Buzelis, a 6'10" guard from Sunrise Christian Academy, is a strong contender for the top overall pick with his tantalizing potential and the expectation of further development. Zaccharie Risacher, a fluid and skilled 6'9" wing from France, showcases a lethal step-back jumper and is a prospect to watch, potentially involved in a transfer for increased playing time. Isaiah Collier, a Georgia native attending USC, stands out as a top lead guard known for his elite court vision. Ron Holland, joining Buzelis in the NBA G League Ignite, combines defensive versatility with offensive upside, positioning himself as a potential top pick.
With these promising prospects and many more yet to be discovered, the 2024 NBA Draft is poised to be a defining moment in the careers of these young players and an exciting event for basketball fans worldwide.