Many view the 2024 draft class to just be a fill in year in prep for a loaded class of '25. Scouts, front offices and fans alike have mentioned the lack of depth and raw talent coming out of college and the overseas markets. Headlined by extremely raw talent or guys that are "old" by NBA standards; there were very few guys that were thought as immediate impact players. We have put together a list of our top 5 rookies to look out for this season and career comps for each player.
1. Alex Sarr
Player Bio:
AGE: 19
HT: 7'0
WT: 224 lbs
Country: France
Alex was all of the big boards #1 overall pick but forced himself to the Wizards by declining a workout with the Hawks. An above-average athlete he is a great addition to pair with Tyus Jones. Jones being a solid playmaker could lead to a decent pick n roll option for the Wizards. The absence of talent at the center position will allow Sarr to get a ton of reps while low team expectations should allow him to develop in controlled pace rather than some other rookies within the class. His build will create some challenges in the beginning against the likes of a Joel Embiid or Bam Adebayo as adding muscle mass will be a priority as it is for most rookies coming into the league so young. He will need to develop a more consistent jumper coming off a season where he only shot it at 28%. Both the muscle mass and jumper will come with time and being on the Wizards could be a blessing allowing him the reps and time to develop.
Player Comp: Evan Mobley
Sarr is a raw athlete with tremendous on the defensive side of the ball. He moves extremely well for a guy his size and his ability to block shots is unparalleled. His offense will come with time but athleticism and instinct is not something you can teach but they are crucial for a defensive stalwart but he has both.
2. Stephon Castle
Player Bio:
Age: 19
HT: 6'6
WT: 210 lbs
Country: USA
Stephon Castle was one of the most intriguing players in college basketball last season. He played a pivotal role in the Huskies National Championship and his game translates better into the NBA then it does in college. The 6'6 guard in an elite playmaker and is one of the best players in the class in the open court. Similar to Sarr is shooting needs a ton of work only shooting it at 27% from deep in 75 attempts. He shows tremendous promise as a playmaker and that could be a huge addition for the Spurs. Pairing him up with Wembanyama could lead to a ton of problems for the opposing teams. San Antonio is a great spot for the 2024 Big East Freshman of the year; coach Pops track record at developing point guards could be key for Castle. Mainly playing the 2 at UCONN I believe he's a better fit at point for now due to his struggles shooting the ball.
Player Comp: Lonzo Ball
Lonzo is a tremendous facilitator who had his struggles shooting the basketball when he first came out of UCLA. Castle is a better defender than Lonzo but I do think their playmaking ability mirrors each other. I think Lonzo is more polished offensively but once Castle begins to knock down the outside shot with more consistency I believe he will be poised for a long NBA career
3.Reed Sheppard
Player Bio:
Age: 20
HT: 6'2
WT: 182 lbs
Country: USA
Many believe Reed is the most NBA ready prospect in this draft. An exceptional shooter with great poise and body control around the rim; he has the best offensive game in the rookie class. Shooting 52% from three at Kentucky any amount of space given he will make a ton of defenders regret. An above average defender he possesses all then intangibles to be an impact defender but he has to add some muscle in order to compete nightly on that side of the ball. Reeds size does come with some questions as he is too small to play the 2 but he does lack consistent playmaking at the next level to be a rounded point guard. Coming into a team with Jalen Green and Fred Vanvleet it will be tough and interesting to see how the Rockets incorporate him into the offense.
Player Comp: Davion Mitchell
Mitchell plays an impactful 3 and D role with the Sacramento Kings and I love that fit for Reed Sheppard. Both are great defenders and good shooters. Reed is a better shooter and I can see him impacting the game more on the defensive in due to his athletic ability and his skill in the passing lanes.
4.Dalton Knecht
Player Bio:
Age: 23
HT: 6'5
WT: 212
Country: USA
The only reason Dalton was not a top-10 pick is because he just turned 23 and in today's standard that is on the higher end of starting a NBA career. Knecht is a true 3-level scorer who is a deadeye shooter and has great finishing ability around the rim. A sneaky athlete with a quick enough first step that forces you to pick your poison when defending him. He is the best offensive player in this class but needs to improve defensively to make a significant impact in the NBA. Joining a squad with the best playmaker of all time, he will get a ton of open looks and could be an elite offensive weapon off the bench for a team that needs additional offensive weapons to align with AD and LBJ.
Player Comp: Desmond Bane
Both Knecht and Bane are elite offensively. Both are also had tons of question marks surrounding their defensive ability coming out of college. Desmond has become a serviceable defensive player as I could see Knecht following the same path. Their offensive games are very similar; both exceptional shooters and can handle contact and finish through it at the rim. Knecht will not have the same leash as Bane did when he was drafted, so adjusting to the speed and physicality on both sides of the ball could take longer but I see DK having similar impact on games after getting some games under his belt.
5. Terrence Shannon JR.
Player Bio:
Age: 24
HT: 6'6
WT: 219
Country: USA
Similar to Dalton Knecht, age player a major role as to why TSJ wasn't pick in the 10-15 range. The best rookie in the open court he is the model for a one-man fastbreak. A more than capable shooter; he is another 3-level scorer but as mentioned he excels in transition. A disruptive defender; if he can gamble less in the passing lanes he can make it very difficult for a 2 or 3 to score. Pairing with ANT in Minnesota this duo can cause a lot of problems in the open court and with him shooting 36% from 3 on high volume teams must respect his shot which will allow him to get mismatches driving the ball.
Player Comp: Kelly Oubre JR.
Kelly Oubre is a great comp for TSJ; both being good shooters and great athletes. TSJ could have the same impact on games and is a better athlete. While Oubre is a typical 3 and D player, Shannon will find more of his success in transition but can shoot the ball just as well and can be disruptive as an on-ball defender.
