2024 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 10 position rankings after combine

The 2024 NBA Draft Combine has now come and gone, providing scouts a closer look at all the draftable players in workouts and scrimmages. The perception of several prospects has now shifted as the Big Board gets a fresh look.

The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 26 and 27, spread across two days for the first time this year. Before that, there are several key dates to watch. The deadline to enter came and went on April 27, with the deadline for college players to withdraw on May 29, and June 16 for international prospects.

Over the next two weeks, many players will announce their intention to stay in the draft or return to school, bringing the full collection of prospects clear. Teams will also begin the process of working out potential picks in private workouts.

Here is how the Top 10 prospects at each position stack up in the 2024 NBA Draft after the NBA Combine.

Top 10 Point Guards

1. Nikola Topic, Serbia
Nikola Topic started the year strong as a balanced playmaker who showed upside as a shooter based on his 87.1% from the free throw line. However, an injury derailed his season as he reached a higher level of competition.
The 6-foot-6 guard fits the mold of a playmaker with size which has become coveted around the NBA. He must take the next step as a scorer to reach his potential, but could immediately help initiate offense.

2. Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Reed Sheppard is likely the best shooter in the NBA Draft this year, knocking down 52.1% on 4.4 attempts per game. The ability to also contribute as a playmaker and rebounder gives him one of the highest floors.
In addition to the 6-foot-3 guard’s established offensive impact, he is an intriguing defensive prospect. He boasts great numbers while often gambling for steals. This approach could look drastically different based on the defenders he plays with in the NBA.

3. Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Rob Dillingham is an electric scorer and probably the most NBA-ready offensive weapon in the draft class. However, he is also among the least prepared for the nightly challenge of guarding professional guards.
The 6-foot-2 guard came off the bench for Kentucky, shooting 44.4% from 3 and 47.5% overall. Whether he remains in a 6th-man role or emerges into a starting lineup, he looks primed to become the next Wildcat in this mold to star as a professional.

4. Devin Carter, Providence
Devin Carter took over full responsibility for Providence this season when his teammate went down with injury. The emerged into the Big East Player of the Year and boosted his draft stock more than any other prospect.
The 6-foot-3 guard contributed 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, making an all-around impact which extended to the defensive end as well. All this, paired with historic athleticism at the NBA Combine and the fact he comes from an NBA family — son of Anthony Carter — will make him a front office favorite.

5. Isaiah Collier, USC
Isaiah Collier struggled early in the college basketball season, but quietly turned things around and finished well after an injury. He dropped down draft boards and has not been able to fully recover, perhaps influenced by the disappointment surrounding his team.
The 6-foot-5 guard is capable of initiating the offense, and could continue building on his improved efficiency numbers. The No. 1 player in the On3 Industry rankings has plenty left to unlock.

6. Jared McCain, Duke
Jared McCain emerged in the Duke backcourt this season among several players looking to build their NBA Draft stock. His balance of offensive production and defensive stability helped an NCAA Tournament run.
The 6-foot-3 guard shot 41.4% from 3 and 88.5% on free throws, all while demonstrating his ability to play both spots. His five rebounds per game also boost his stock as an all-around player.

7. Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh
Carlton ‘Bub’ Carrington is a lead guard with good size who produced well in his freshman season at Pitt, raising his stock as a potential NBA Draft pick.
The 6-foot-4 guard showcased growth throughout the season and into the offseason, putting it on full display during NBA Combine drills. This and his testing numbers allowed his to shoot up the board this week.

8. Juan Nunez, Spain
Juan Nunez is an intriguing guard from Spain who performed well during the European season after playing with his national team in 2023.
He scored in double digits with 5.8 assists and 1.9 steals, also shooting 36.1 percent from the 3-point line.

9. Tyler Kolek, Marquette
Tyler Kolek is one of the best offensive playmakers in college basketball, setting up the offense in an efficient way. Adding more as a shooter should help him stick in an NBA rotation.
The 6-foot-3 point guard averaged 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.7 assists, shooting 38.8 percent from 3. He also upped his PER to 24.3 this season.

10. Jamal Shead, Houston
Jamal Shead became one of Houston’s most important players over the past four seasons, providing major production on both ends of the court. However, a lack of shooting limits his ceiling.
The 6-foot-1 guard was named Big 12 DPOY after averaging 2.2 steals. He also averaged 6.3 assists as an initiator on offense, and performed well in that role at the NBA Combine.

Top 10 Shooting Guards

1. Stephon Castle, UConn
Stephon Castle showed off the mentality NBA teams will covet, coming in to help UConn defend its championship as a complementary piece. Within that role, he demonstrated an ability to play either guard spot.
The biggest question surrounding the 6-foot-6 playmaker is how well his shooting will translate to the next level. He shot just 26.7% from 3, but showed flashes during NBA Combine workouts.

2. Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
Ja’Kobe Walter demonstrated a different mentality in the NCAA Tournament, despite ultimately falling in the Second Round. His ability to use athleticism on the wing helps him make plays offensively and defensively.
However, the 6-foot-5 wing struggled for most of the season to find efficiency. He shot just 37.6% from the field, although playing within an offense where he is not the go-to scorer could help.

3. Terrence Shannon, Illinois
Terrence Shannon proved to be one of the best offensive players in college basketball, improving his efficiency numbers across the board from his career totals. The ability to create for others also elevated the Illinois offense.
For the 6-foot-6 guard, questions about his game will be background to the off-court issue. He was suspended in late December 2023 by Illinois after a warrant was issued for his arrest for an alleged rape that took place in Kansas, later getting a restraining order against the school.

4. Jaylon Tyson, California
Jaylon Tyson raised his stock by transferring to California from Texas Tech this season. He has nearly doubled his production in every college season, showcasing constant growth.
In a league which is always looking for more production on the wing, the 6-foot-7 player will have a chance to become more consistent in a role.

5. AJ Johnson, USA
AJ Johnson opted to play professionally in Australia rather than make a college commitment, taking him out of the public eye for many fans. He played limited minutes and was not able to fully showcase his ability on either end of the floor.
At 6-foot-5, he performed well at the NBA Combine, showing his talent level on both ends in an environment with piers rather than veterans blocking his play time.

6. Cam Christie, Minnesota
In a quietly good season for Minnesota, Cam Christie stood out as a freshman able to impact the game without dominating the ball. He shot 39.1% from 3 and averaged 11.3 points while fitting into the offense and showing growth throughout the season.
The 6-foot-6 guard is also in the NCAA Transfer Portal, giving him the option to take in information from teams before making the decision on where he is best served improving his game next season.

7. Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
After disappointing in his first two seasons at Gonzaga, unable to work his way onto the floor, Hunter Sallis had a breakout season with Wake Forest while serving as the primary offensive initiator.
However, the question for the 6-foot-5 guard who shot 40.5% from 3 remains his ability to make the most of his role without being a focal point of the offense. Something he will need to stick in the NBA.

8. Antonio Reeves, Kentucky
Antonio Reeves returned to Kentucky last season and asserted himself as one of the top offensive options on a team which boasts two potential Top 10 picks at guard. His offensive game appears ready to produce close to an NBA level at least shooting 44.7% from 3.
The 6-foot-4 guard impressed at the NBA Combine and saw his stock rise a bit while leaving the questions on defense the biggest conversation about his ceiling as a Second Round pick.

9. Tristen Newton, UConn
A two-time national championship winner at UConn, Tristen Newton’s game has continued to grow over recent seasons. The option to play at both guard spots will make him an intriguing fit in the NBA or G-League if a team buys into the translation.
The 6-foot-5 guard did not participate in scrimmages at the NBA Combine, leaving less data points to evaluate than others in this range. However, he will have opportunities to work out in front of teams.

10. Michael Ajayi, Pepperdine/Gonzaga
Michael Ajayi entered the transfer portal after shooting 47% from 3 at Pepperdine last season and committed to Gonzaga early. After choosing to enter the NBA Draft process and receiving a combine invite he made the most of the chance.
The 6-foot-7 guard shot well in the scrimmages after performing in drills. The standout numbers will leave questions about his decision as the May 27 deadline approaches.

Top 10 Small Forwards

1. Zaccharie Risacher, France
Zaccharie Risacher gained momentum when he went on a tear behind the 3-point line. The number has since come down — to a still impressive 42.6% — while still showcasing what NBA teams want to see from a 3-and-D prospect.
The 6-foot-8 forward has great length and promises to fill out his frame. He works off screens and cuts to the basket well, which should provide him an immediate role as the shooting percentage evens out.

2. Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Dalton Knecht left no doubt that he can score the basketball at any level. Upping his production while moving from Northern Colorado to Tennessee makes him one of the highest floor players on offense.
The 6-foot-6 wing will now go head-to-head with athletic defenders more often in the NBA, giving him another area to grow. He improved defensively, but still has questions to answer on that end as well.

3. Ron Holland, G-League
Ron Holland was also part of the disastrous G-League Ignite season which saw every player’s stock fall. Poor efficiency numbers on both ends of the floor hurt Holland, who was on the floor as much as any of the young prospects involved.
The 6-foot-8 forward held an offensive rating of just 93, and a defensive rating of 115. The opportunity to workout in a solo environment and remind teams of his raw tools should help him move back into the mix.

4. Cody Williams, Colorado
Cody Williams, brother of Oklahoma City Thunder standout Jalen Williams, came into the season as the No. 1 ranked freshman in the On3 recruiting rankings. Injuries slowed down his season, which lacked the consistency many hoped to see.
The 6-foot-8 wing shot 55.2% from the field and 41.5% from 3, but ended the season coming off the bench for Colorado as veterans took on the bulk of the important minutes.

5. Johnny Furphy, Kansas
Johnny Furphy raised his draft stock in his one season at Kansas, coming from Australia to space the floor in college basketball. Fitting the mold of what many NBA teams are looking for, his overachievement could see him reach the professional ranks after one season.
The 6-foot-9 wing shot 35.2% from the 3-point line, also cutting to the basket well around his co-stars on the court. He could choose a return to further develop, or cash in now.

6. Baylor Scheierman, Creighton
Baylor Scheierman proved himself to be one of college basketball’s most productive players over five seasons. He is a well-balanced contributor on both ends who has accepted his role within the team.
He averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 38.9 percent from 3 and 87.6 on free throws this season. In addition, his 118 offensive rating and 100 defensive rating showcase his all-around game.

7. Justin Edwards, Kentucky
Justin Edwards struggled early in the season to make an impact for Kentucky. Despite his high rankings as a recruit, the wing had little offensive impact until turning a corner late.
By the time the season was over, Edwards had raised his shooting percentage to a 48.6, 36.5 split and was able to showcase his defensive ability on the wing.

8. Harrison Ingram, North Carolina
Harrison Ingram’s big season at North Carolina helped showcase more than his talent-level, but also his NBA intangibles. The former five-star recruit made an impact on both ends of the floor and filled a role.
Shooting 38.5 from 3 while grabbing 8.8 rebounds from the wing translates well in any system. He raised his offensive rating by 13 points in the same season his defensive rating dropped 6 points.

9. Dillon Jones, Weber State
After entering the NBA Draft last season before withdrawing and playing one more season at Weber State, Dillon Jones has raised his stock within the class. His hard-nosed playing style and well-rounded production will make him an asset.
The 6-foot-6 wing player has shown great positional rebounding and playmaking, averaging 9.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Questions about his ability to translate without a consistent 3-point shot or the height to matchup with bigger opponents remain.

10. Kyshawn George, Miami
Kyshawn George burst onto the scene in his one year at Miami after coming over from Switzerland. While his game remains raw, the potential places him in the conversation to go inside the first round.
The 6-foot-8 wing averaged just 7.6 points on a team which failed to meet expectations, but his 40.8 percent shooting from 3 and physical tools were on display.

Top 10 Power Forwards

1. Matas Buzelis, G-League
Matas Buzelis entered the season as one of the top prospects, but injuries and a general struggle which plagued the entire G-League Ignite team dropped his stock significantly.
The 6-foot-10 forward has skills which promise to translate well to the NBA, but he is likely not ready to make an immediate impact. Shooting just 22.2% from 3 also leaves question marks he must answer.

2. Tidjane Salaun, France
Tidjane Salaun is among the most difficult prospects to pin down based on his low usage this season. The potential to get an athletic, long forward with shooting touch will draw in many.
Questions remain how large of a role the 6-foot-9 forward can take on offensively, and what he will look likely matched up with NBA-caliber offensive players in space. At the end of the day, someone will bet on upside.

3. Tristan Da Silva, Colorado
Tristan Da Silva is another college veteran with year-over-year improvement. As a forward shooting 39.5 percent from 3, he fits in well with what many teams want from a role players.
Playing in a system which featured multiple NBA prospects last season, the 6-foot-8 German playmaker kept his production steady from the previous year.

4. Izan Almansa, G-League
Izan Almansa came to the G-League Ignite as one of the most decorated teenage European prospects. The down season hurt his stock the same way it did others.
Despite all that, he was able to shoot 52.4 percent from the field with 6.9 rebounds. There is enough in the stats that going back toward previous youth basketball tape can help retain a first-round grade.

5. Tyler Smith, G-League
Tyler Smith might be the one G-League Ignite player who did not see his stock drop significantly over the past year. The 6-foot-11 forward showed off a unique set of skills.
Shooting 35.2 percent from 3 and 74.2 percent on free throws helps project him as an offensive weapon, although his raw game still requires refinement on both ends.

6. Ryan Dunn, Virginia
Ryan Dunn was a late riser who hit a growth spurt to go from a guard to a forward on the court. However, his combination of perimeter and interior defense — displayed with 3.6 stocks per game — makes him the most NBA-ready defender.
However, the 6-foot-8 forward is a work-in-progress on the offensive end of the floor. Shooting just 20% from 3 and 53.8% on free throws leaving plenty of room to grow before he can stick in closing lineups.

7. Alex Karaban, UConn
Alex Karaban is another two-time national champion at UConn who saw his role increase while maintaining his efficiency from the previous year.
As one of the best shooters in the class, the 6-foot-8 forward offers a valuable trait despite his lack of athleticism. His PER also jumped to 20.3 in 2023-24.

8. Bobi Klintman, Sweden
The former Wake Forest forward had a disappointing college basketball season before opting to turn pro overseas in preparation for the NBA Draft. The move seems to have paid off as he enters the conversation in the late First Round or early Second Round.
The 6-foot-9 forward is a versatile player with good length and movement, but must continue to show offensive improvement to become a consistent option as a floor-spacer.

9. Jalen Bridges, Baylor
After transferring from West Virginia to Baylor, Jalen Bridges was able to further show off his intangibles as a potential depth wing/forward by making plays between a pair of potential lottery picks.
The 6-foot-7 forward shot 41.2% from the 3-point line, providing solid defense on the wing and showcasing his ability to work as the tertiary option or lower in the order while still producing.

10. Trevon Brazile, Arkansas
Trevon Brazile has the athletic frame at power forward many teams covet in the NBA, and has shown in spurts his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His game remains raw compared to the tools he possesses.
The 6-foot-9 forward saw his raw numbers dip in each of his college basketball seasons, leaving questions about his ability to add to his game at the next level. However, the intangibles leave hope for more.

Top 10 Centers

1. Alex Sarr, France
Alex Sarr has shown himself to be one of the prospects with the highest upside while playing in the NBL. Playing in a league with established professionals, his tools on both ends of the floor suggest he is ready to play in the NBA and could quickly develop into the next versatile big man.
The 7-foot-1 center offers many of the things NBA teams are looking for at this position. He shot 52% from the field and 29.8% from 3, but shows good form on his jumper.

2. Donovan Clingan, UConn
Donovan Clingan saw his stock skyrocket during the NCAA Tournament as he increased his minutes and provided UConn a dominant interior presence. However, the journey to becoming one of the top prospects in this class started well before March.
The 7-foot-2 center has great size and impacts how opponents approach the rim when he is able to camp near the basket. During the national championship run, the biggest improvements were his conditioning and movement.

3. Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Kyle Filipowski returned to Duke last season looking to improve his draft stock as a big man who can space the floor offensively and provide interior support on defense.
The 7-foot big upped his 3-point shooting to 34.8% this season, and nearly doubled his blocks per game as well. While the offense is talked about often, his defense could be an underrated difference maker in the right system.

4. DaRon Holmes, Dayton
DaRon Holmes continued to add elements to his game every season at Dayton, leaving as one of the most balanced center prospects in the class.
The development of a 3-point shot, which he knocked down at 38.6 percent in 2023-24, has paired well with his 3 stocks (steals plus blocks) per game. The result was a 123 offensive rating and 94 career defensive rating.

5. Yves Missi, Baylor
Yves Missi fits the mold of a modern center with his length and athleticism, helping him make an impact of the defensive end beyond rim protection. However, there is still room for him to fill out if he must guards the NBA’s strongest players.
He shot 61.4 percent from the field, averaging better than five rebounds per game in his one season at Baylor. Finding the right pick-and-roll partner could be the biggest key to unlocking him offensively.

6. Zach Edey, Purdue
The back-to-back college player of the year is among the most accomplished amateurs to enter the NBA in years. However, the way Zach Edey translates to the professional ranks remains a question.
The defensive three seconds rule and pace of play make his role on both ends less than a sure thing. However, he had a strong NBA Combine performance which keeps him in the mix.

7. Kel’el Ware, Indiana
Kel’el Ware is a 7-foot center who had a breakout season at Indiana after starting at Oregon as a five-star prospect. A 25 PER ranks him among the best in college basketball.
Averaging 15.9 and 9.9 with Big Ten All-Defense honors will draw plenty interest. He also shot 42.5 percent from the 3-point line, which he will need to repeat in workouts after shooting just 27.3 percent in 2022-23.

8. Oso Ighodaro, Marquette
Oso Ighodaro is another player who translates into the modern game, with several examples of players in his mold being drafted in the first round.
However, his lack of floor-spacing on offense limit the overall potential to star on that end of the court. Despite that, his defensive impact is likely to translate.

9. N’Faly Dante, Oregon
The last time N’Faly Dante was on a basketball court, he made a dominant run through the Pac-12 Tournament and NCAA Tournament while showcasing all his tools as a physically imposing big with good athleticism.
The issue with the 6-foot-11 center’s draft stock is the mountain of injury history which has kept him from dominating at the college level over the course of a full season. If he can get healthy, the 9.2 rebounds and 3.6 stocks per game translate well.

10. Ariel Hukporti, Germany
Ariel Hukporti is an international prospect who has been on the radar for multiple seasons now, but has yet to break through as a draftable player in the NBA. However, a breakout season in Australia gives him the best chance yet.
He upped his production to 8.4 points and 7 rebounds, giving him the right to make a decision on his future within a draft class which does not possess depth at center.

The post 2024 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 10 position rankings after combine appeared first on On3.