Things To Grow For The 2024 NBA Draft Class

By Deeper Lens

With the 2024 NBA Draft cycle beginning to start, I just want to look over some of the top prospects, give a nice a peek, and look into what they need to improve this season.

Matas Buezlis

Starting off as the number 1 pick to start the preseason, many scouts have voiced concern over recent showings in the G league ignite games vs the Perth Wildcats.

However, I think his qualities are still too enticing to ignore. He’s shown an ability to adapt into space as a finisher, shooting potential, solid defensive decision making, and quality driving angles makes him a useful add. It will be interesting to see how much his handle improves over the course of the season, along with how well he’ll be able to embrace contact.

Alex Sarr

He’s been gaining a lot of buzz recently, due to his insane athletic tools. His mobility, especially when recovering is incredible. His 7ft5 wingspan allows him to have arguably the best radius in the draft. Offensively he’s shown poise as a roller, slipping into space comfortably, and flashing shooting potential. however, there’s still some concerns.

His defensive feel is raw, often putting himself in situations to foul. His man defense technique is decent, but his lack of technique holds him back from truly being a high switch big. Offensively, his inconsistency when the balls on the floor limits his overall ability as a PNR threat, along with limiting his self creation. Still, these are all holes he can fix, and with proper progressions, can be the #1 pick in todays NBA draft.

Ron Holland

After a dazzling performance in his G League Ignite debut, all eyes have been on his game. His dribbling is still limited , but tight, allowing him to get separator on jumpers. His burst gives him leeway as an off the catch threat, and he still shown solid ability as a 3pt shooter. What makes this even more enticing is his defensive potential. His man defense on wings, and incredible weak side plays, only give more hope to potential NBA teams. The biggest key to look in throughout the season is: how good can his defense become, and how consistent can his self creation be?

AJ Johnson

AJ Johnson is someone whos’ fallen a lot recently in the eyes of draft media. starting off as a big combo guard, he rose to boards due to his handle and finishing diversity. however, after more developments within the class, and AJ’s own mistakes, he’s fallen closer to a late first round pick. While I feel this is more of an overcorrection, it is rooted in some truth. AJ’s lack of strength is concerning, and when paired with the fact his dribble has shown clear holes in the NBL…it can be a worrying quality. Not only that, his lack of feel as an initiator makes it hard to envision him as a true playmaker at the 1. However, I trust in his development as a on/off scoring guard. It will be key to see growth from both his handle and spatial awareness moving forward.

Elliot Cadeau

I’ve been enamored with the performances Cadeau puts on. His constant pressure in semi transition is deadly, and paired with his burst in open space, he’s able to consistently seal Bigs in the half court. its a quality that most guards don’t have at this age, and being this comfortable to embrace contact finishes shows promise. His feel for advantages is clearly there, just the execution can be…concerning at times. He has a limited dribble, which makes it harder for him to control POA defenders in the pick and roll. His passing range is solid, but he should learn to aim for safer pockets. His shooting shows his comfort as a spacer, something that helps both in ball screens, but as a spot up shooter. Overall, I mainly want to see Elliot improve his pace and control his dribble, instead of picking it up early vs pressure.

Bronny James

Lebron James Jr, has been a prospect constantly showered with noise. Earlier on in his career, I’d say that noise was nothing more than a distraction. But after recent developments in his senior year, he looks poised to bring NBA value after this following season. I do think that shouts of a lottery pick are inflated, but he can still bring a lot of value as a post lottery selection. His shooting indicators are solid, pairing well with his PNR feel. His passing vision is quality as well, so he has a path to be a combo guard initiator. However, despite having a strong athletic profile, he’s unable to translate it to finishing in the halfcourt. However, can ramp it up in transition. Defensively, he’s very good at POA, with decent decision making as an off ball defender. Overall I’m looking to see growth in his self creation, as it was his biggest hole at Sierra Canyon this year.

These are some of the prospect have been catching my eye, and I feel have a lot of clamor around them. it will be interesting to see how each one of them pans out this season. Thank you for reading.