Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller were easy first-team choices for the All-Rookie team, but other top picks in last year’s draft didn’t fare as well. No. 4 selection Amen Thompson had a strong finish to the season to earn second-team honors, but Scoot Henderson (No. 3) and Ausar Thompson (No. 5) were left off entirely. Also omitted were Anthony Black (No. 6), Bilal Coulibaly (No. 7), Jarace Walker (No. 8) and Taylor Hendricks (No. 9).
Eighteenth pick Jaime Jaquez and 19th selection Brandin Podziemski joined Wembanyama and Miller on the first team, along with Chet Holmgren, the second choice in 2022.
These results provide a reminder that the draft can be unpredictable, even with a highly touted group of prospects at the top. Without a clear hierarchy this year, it’s even harder to figure out who’s going to succeed.
With the draft just four days away, the No. 1 pick is still unsettled, with the Hawks rumored to still be deciding among French big man Alexandre Sarr, French forward Zaccharie Risacher and UConn center Donovan Clingan. The Wizards are believed to be ready to pounce on Sarr if he’s still on the board, but Clingan or Risacher could face a bit of a slide if they don’t go in the top two.
The Rockets, Spurs and Pistons reportedly have interest in Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, UConn guard Stephon Castle and G League Ignite forward Matas Buzelis with the next three picks, but that order is far from set in stone. A late trade or surprise selection could upend the whole process and send teams scrambling to their phones on draft night.
It took a long time for Sarr, Risacher and Clingan to emerge as the top prospects, and it’s still easy to find one or more mock drafts that suggest at least one of them is being vastly overrated. USC point guard Isaiah Collier, G League Ignite guard Ron Holland and Colorado forward Cody Williams were among the names floated as potential top picks over the past 12 months, but they’ve all dropped to varying degrees.
As we’ve seen repeatedly, a lot more than talent goes into determining whether NBA rookies are successful. There’s also playing time, fit, belief from the coaching staff and the chance to be part of a successful team. Jaquez and Podziemski were both rewarded because they played rotation minutes for teams that stayed in the playoff race all season long.
Our mission tonight is to try to identify players expected to be taken outside the top five — or even the top 10 — who have the chance to make an impact right away. Scouts love Devin Carter‘s defense and tenacity, Dalton Knecht‘s shooting touch and Rob Dillingham‘s explosiveness, even if other parts of their game might be lacking. Zach Edey, Ja’Kobe Walter, Jared McCain, Kel’el Ware and Carlton Carrington are a few others who may be able to contribute immediately if they land in the right situation.
We want to get your opinion on this year’s potential draft steals. Which players do you expect to excel even if they slide down the draft board? Head to the comments section to give us your input.
Steal of the Draft: PG Antwaan Cushingberry
Jaime as an older player, in todays world. Did well, seems he was more seasoned. Great pick for Heat. Heat are one of top organizations in finding young talent.
This year watch out for Knecht. Can shoot and score. Also a more seasoned college player. Just got better every yr. He’s top 5 imo.
Jaquez was in the tournament every year and had that high pressure.
Knecht I don’t remember appearing besides this year. I think he still gets picked 1st round lottery, I am just not sure he blooms like Jaquez. He has possibly 1 big contract in his career due to the age.
I love passing [assist] players with 3 point range
this draft
Who is the most similar to John Stockton or Steve Nash?
Potential to have at least 8 assists per game
This draft has the worst NCAA players in the nba history?
Kid from Bama, Mark Sears, could have come out this year and been an assist and 3 pt threat. Could be.. could be… a better shooting slightly less crafty Jalen Brunson.
He isn’t in the draft this year. Returning to Bama.
Sears was nice this past run
Sears might just be the Nowell guy from Kansas St a couple of years ago. He was fun to watch in the tourney, but has not made a roster yet in NBA. He is smaller though but showed great passing.
In history ????? Sillyman ..
This yr has some good PGs.
If the Suns can draft a ready now PG. He can find mins in Phoenix. Most boards have Kolek going to Suns. That would be a solid pick. 6’ 2” and has plenty game.
Suns should go get Tyus Jones who was in Washington this past season
Collier will be the steal of the draft
Terrence Shannon and Baylor Scheierman
What’s going on with shannons court case
He is fully innocent. Some other dude did it but the victim saw a bag opportunity and so she tried to frame Shannon. Video and text message evidence proved he was a mark.
@kpr- To add on to NightSiggy’s comment, he was found not guilty.
Shannon moving back up now. Solid scoring guard with size. I doubt he last till 24.
I can see the Lakers taking him. He’s older and more ready. He would be a good addition.
Lebron Lakers don’t play rookies no matter what.
He’s 23 ….. Bron played major role as Rookie. Lakers desperately need an impact rookie.
Firstly Devin Carter, Rob Dillingham and Jared McCain.
It’s hard to predict where these guys end up I’ve seen Carter as high as 6 but as low as 17. Dillingham has gone from top 5 to being in some mocks outside the 10. Then there’s McCain he’s consistently been about 15th.
In terms of talent and how they go right away I think all three could be in the conversation for Rookie of the Year depending on where they end up and the opportunities they get.
Kel’el Ware mocked sorta 15-25, he looks like a steal. Same for Terrance Shannon Jr who’s been mocked sorta 18-30.
DaRon Holmes is finally getting some attention but I still see him constantly 25-30 ish, he looks like a potential steal.
Then lastly Ajay Mitchell early to mid second round, he looks every part a first round pick.
Ajay Mitchell will be really good indeed. Very good attitude, which is also very important.
I like everyone you listed. I have seen two people say Carter is the best player. Another two say Dalton outside of the normal
Dillingham needs to add weight but can be a scoring machine.
I like Shannon who was in top 5 in scoring in the NCAA.
Holmes would make a great PF if he can keep improving
Ware could be a steal or a bust but could be something.
Then lastly there is Mitchell who has improved in college and I liked for the Spurs to get.
There are more players not even projected to get drafted who could be something
Dillingham had a sprained ankle. So did not workout for many teams. It’s going to hurt him a little
I’m sure it’s not the worst draft in history, but I’m glad I’m not a GM with the top pick. It’s a no win situation because there’s no franchise altering player. But, that has often been the case – there’s just not many Victor’s out there. That’s why they call them generational talents.
tristen newton, pelle larson, antonio reeves
This article is good about explaining the quality of the draft this yr. Have to say I agree. It’s not top heavy like most drafts are. There is talent in first rd. Good talent.
link to nypost.com
Like the article said, it depends on fit and PT.
I think Carter will be given mins if he lands in Utah
I like Walter as a catch and shoot off movement,
if he lands in Memphis next to Morant, but the minutes won’t be there unless they unload a vet.
Filipowski would likely get immediate Mins were he to land in PHX or Milwaukee next to Giannis.
Shooting always translates , the courts are the same, so Knecht fits in any system.
Shannon dominated in college on offense,
He’s older, so he’ll get minutes wherever he lands
But I’m going to go outside the box here and say Tyler Smith (G League) has the highest floor as an NBA player , body type, length, effort, can shoot the three and defend multiple positions.
I think he’ll go higher than projected
and as long as he’s not blocked he will contend for mins right away . Philly might be a good spot.
They have no one like him and an empty roster.
Zach Edey will be a very good backup in 2/3 yrs.