2024 NBA Draft: Prospects ready to make immediate impact

The NBA Draft is just around the corner, and different teams will be looking for different things when they come up on the clock. For some teams, especially those looking to make a deep playoff run, that means finding a player ready to play from day one.

A number of factors will determine how quickly players are able to make an impact in the NBA: from the system fit, to teammates playing the same position, and the stage the franchise finds itself in. However, certain players can maximize their chance with unique skillsets.

To see where these players and more rank in On3’s 2024 NBA Draft Big Board, click here. For a look at On3’s latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft, click here.

Donovan Clingan

Connecticut center Donovan Clingan (Robert Deutsch/USA Today Sports)

Donovan Clingan tops this list as the prospect likely to be selected first in the group. He brings a multitude of valuable assets to the table which ties him with multiple win-now teams looking to move up the board on draft night.

It starts on defense, where Clingan is the best rim-protector in the class from day one. He possesses a defensive rating of 86.7 at UConn across two seasons and averaged 2.5 blocks this season. Beyond that, he is a prototype drop-coverage big who has the height, length and size to clog the pain when opposing guards look to come off a screen and attack the basket. Look to Brook Lopez and Rudy Gobert for players at a similar size making an impact on that end.

Offensively, Clingan can finish around the rim and set screens for perimeter ball-handlers immediately in the NBA. While his ability to put up points will likely take time to develop, there is a clear track record of rookie centers finding early success beside high-level point guards regardless of the mold they fit.

Dalton Knecht

Lon Horwedel | USA TODAY Sports

Dalton Knecht possesses a trait every NBA team needs: three-level scoring. After working his way up through the college ranks, it is now time for him to take that skillset to the professional ranks.

3-point shooting is a clear strength for Knecht at 39.7 percent this season, but there is room for that number to go up as he gets more catch-and-shoot opportunities when no longer the focal point on offense and receiving passes from NBA guards. Getting to the rim could present a slightly tougher challenge against more athletic competition and bigger centers, but that was also the case against his success in the SEC.

Defense is a work in progress for Knecht, who showed a commitment to improving just by committing to Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes. He might never be a great defender in space, but fitting into a team concept should keep him off an island with the NBA’s best and avoid exposing the weakness throughout most of the season.

Devin Carter

Devin Carter / © Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Devin Carter has a number of valuable traits which promise to translate immediately in the NBA, perhaps not in a starting role, but within the rotation. No matter the team, he can offer something to the stars in limited minutes and the bench players holding things down. Beyond all the on-court ability, his family tree also builds optimism for long-time NBA player and coach Anthony Carter’s son can adjust quickly to life as a professional.

Defense is the place any role player can set themselves apart, and Carter’s combination of athleticism and work ethic set him up for success. He averaged 1.8 steals in 2023-24 with a 94.5 defensive rating.

On offense, Carter likely will not be able to translate his 19.7 points from last season, but the balance of 37.7 percent shooting from 3 and 8.7 rebounds give him the opportunity to play alongside different types of guards.

Kyle Filipowski

(Jaylynn Nash | USA TODAY Sports)

Kyle Filipowski made the decision to forgo the 2023 NBA Draft for a second chance to make an impression at Duke. The decision helped him work on his game and showcase what he can bring on both ends of the floor in the professional ranks. Now, it is time for him to put that on display.

His balance between a big power forward and a stretch center will likely be resolved when he finds out which team – and teammates – he will be playing for next season. He shot 34.8 percent from the 3-point line and 50.5 percent from the field, grabbing 2.2 offensive rebounds as well.

Filipowski’s defense has become an underrated part of his game. He moves well at 7-foot tall, and averaged 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals this season. Like on offense, his role on defense will often be determined by which position the team views him as the biggest asset on this end of the floor.

Baylor Scheierman

(Brad Penner | USA TODAY Sports)

Baylor Scheierman continues to rise up draft boards with his offensive capabilities without needing the ball in his hands, along with his competitive spirit which has been praised throughout the process.

After transferring to Creighton for the opportunity to compete at a higher level, Scheierman had no trouble becoming one of the best offensive weapons in the Big East, averaging 18.5 points while shooting 38.1 percent from 3.

Scheierman is not going to be the top one-on-one defender in space anytime soon but fit well into the team concept in college while averaging 0.9 steals. That same competitive nature also helps on defense as much as any other area.

Tristan Da Silva, Zach Edey, Tyler Kolek, Jamal Shead, Kevin McCullar

Purdue’s Zach Edey (Matt Krohn/USA Today Sports)

Plenty of players not listed in the Top Five of this category will play a role on their NBA team in the 2024-25 season, whether on a contender in the postseason or a lottery team in the regular season.

Tristan Da Silva and Kevin McCullar are both veteran wings who could land on playoff teams in need of one more piece in the rotation, giving them a big opportunity.

Tyler Kolek and Jamal Shead meanwhile, can play point guard for any team’s reserve unit today, whether drafted in the late first round or early second round.

Finally, there is Zach Edey, who looks to impact the NBA down low after dominating in college for multiple seasons.

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