由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
作者：Andre Snellings, ESPN
日期：2024年6月27日，下午1:00 ET
NBA 选秀大会是联盟未来与现在的交汇点，而那些最先被选中的球员并不总是能够立即产生最大的影响。
上个赛季，每个人都知道来自法国的维克多·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)将被圣安东尼奥马刺队以状元签选中。他是自勒布朗·詹姆斯以来最受期待的选秀新星，并且在赛季开始时就背负着巨大的期望。
今年的选秀有所不同。没有公认的最佳球员，但有很多球员有可能成为2024届的佼佼者。最终，亚特兰大老鹰队用状元签选中了侧翼扎卡里·里萨谢(Zaccharie Risacher)，一位法国球员再次成为了状元。事实上，首轮共有四名法国球员被选中，包括榜眼秀亚历克斯·萨尔(Alex Sarr)和6号秀蒂贾尼·萨劳恩(Tidjane Salaun)。
除了法国球员的出色表现外，周三选秀大会上还有很多值得关注的故事，很多球员都有可能在新秀赛季就获得重要的出场时间。以下是那些有可能为梦幻篮球阵容做出贡献并角逐年度最佳新秀的球员：
值得关注的乐透秀
扎卡里·里萨谢(Zaccharie Risacher)，小前锋，亚特兰大老鹰队
里萨谢是一位身材修长、技术全面的侧翼球员，身高6英尺10英寸，臂展达到惊人的8英尺10英寸。上赛季在法国联赛中，他主要担任3D侧翼的角色，所在的球队是欧洲杯防守效率排名第一的球队。他经常被委以防守场上任何位置的重任。里萨谢在进攻端的转换进攻中也表现出色。上赛季他完成了47次扣篮，三分球命中率接近40%。他需要提高持球进攻能力和力量（他只有196磅），才能充分发挥自己的潜力，但他有可能从第一天起就成为老鹰队的首发前锋。
梦幻篮球分析： 虽然作为状元秀，里萨谢潜力巨大，但从他的过往经历来看，他不太可能在新秀赛季就打出亮眼的梦幻篮球数据。我会考虑在后期，大约100顺位或之后再选择他，主要是作为一名潜力股。
亚历克斯·萨尔(Alex Sarr)，大前锋/中锋，华盛顿奇才队
萨尔可能是这届新秀中潜力最大的球员。他身高7英尺，是一位运动能力出色的内线球员，臂展达到惊人的9英尺2英寸。他拥有与其身高不相符的灵活性和爆发力，有望成为一名顶级的篮筐保护者和换防型防守者。他被认为是一位“独角兽”型内线球员，在攻防两端都能里突外投。萨尔的进攻模板是克里斯塔普斯·波尔津吉斯，防守模板是尼古拉斯·克拉克斯顿。除了能够在篮筐附近完成高难度进攻外，萨尔上赛季还投进了22个三分球，并且是一名出色的挡拆后传球手，这让他拥有了相当大的潜力。萨尔将成为奇才队重建的核心，虽然他的比赛还需要打磨和提升，但他有可能成为奇才队新赛季的首发中锋。
梦幻篮球分析： 在奇才队，萨尔可以获得尽可能多的出场时间，他有可能打出稳定的两双数据，并拥有较高的投篮命中率、出色的防守数据，甚至还能贡献一些三分球。但他也可能因为成长中的阵痛而无法达到预期。综合考虑，我认为他是一名排名前75位的梦幻篮球新秀，在深度的联盟中，他值得在第六轮被选中。
里德·谢泼德(Reed Sheppard)，得分后卫，休斯顿火箭队
谢泼德是这届新秀中公认的最佳射手，他在肯塔基大学野猫队的最后一个赛季三分球命中率高达52%。他拥有惊人的运动能力，在NBA联合试训中与他人并列获得了最高的垂直弹跳成绩（42英寸）。他在进攻端的三级得分能力都很强，同时也是一名出色的传球手。然而，由于火箭队的外线球员阵容深度雄厚，他可能很难在新秀赛季就获得重要的出场时间。
梦幻篮球分析： 有些人认为谢泼德将成为这届新秀中最好的球员。虽然我确实相信他拥有这样的长期潜力，但火箭队阵容的深度不利于谢泼德在本赛季的梦幻篮球选秀中取得好成绩。除非夏季联赛和季前赛的表现表明他有可能获得接近首发的出场时间，否则我会认为谢泼德要么是最后一轮的潜力股，要么是不值得被选中但值得关注的球员。
斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle)，控球后卫/得分后卫，圣安东尼奥马刺队
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莱格勒盛赞斯蒂芬·卡斯尔与文班和马刺队的适配性
蒂姆·莱格勒解释了为什么他对马刺队用4号签选中康涅狄格大学的斯蒂芬·卡斯尔感到兴奋。
卡斯尔将是本赛季最值得关注的新秀之一，因为他拥有出色的技术和加入了一支合适的球队。这位大东区联盟的年度最佳新秀在场均得分、篮板和助攻方面都领先于联盟中的所有一年级球员。但他最接近 NBA 水平的技术是他的防守。ESPN 的杰伊·比拉斯将身高6英尺6英寸的卡斯尔比作“橄榄球场上的封锁角卫”，并称他为“体型更大的朱·霍勒迪”。卡斯尔将与文班亚马一起成为马刺队重建的基石，他在攻防两端都拥有巨大的潜力。他需要提高自己的投篮能力才能充分发挥自己的潜力，但马刺队迫切需要一名控球后卫，即使他的比赛仍在成熟，他也可能成为球队的首发球员。
梦幻篮球分析： 卡斯尔拥有技术、冠军 pedigree 和防守意识，非常适合格雷格·波波维奇的体系，而马刺队也迫切需要一名现在和未来都能胜任的控球后卫。作为一名新秀，他可以成为一名多项数据都高于平均水平的球员，并且拥有出色的防守数据。我预计他的顺位会在75到100之间。
罗恩·霍兰德二世(Ron Holland II)，小前锋，底特律活塞队
活塞队的球迷可能会对这个选择感到似曾相识。去年，底特律用5号签选中了奥萨尔·汤普森(Ausar Thompson)，他身高6英尺7英寸，运动能力超强，预计将成为一名攻防兼备的球员，在进攻端是一名出色的突破手，在防守端是一名出色的防守者。霍兰德与汤普森非常相似，他也是一名空中作业者，拥有出色的运动能力和身材，并且具备成为一名出色防守者的潜质。霍兰德在高中时期是 ESPN 排名第二的高中生，之后他选择在上赛季加入 G 联赛。在1月份拇指受伤之前，他场均得到接近20分、7个篮板、3次助攻和接近2.2次抢断。尽管年龄尚轻（18岁），但霍兰德的防守和得分潜力可能会让他在新秀赛季就获得首发位置。霍兰德和汤普森甚至有可能搭档首发锋线，组成一对强大的侧翼防守组合，为凯德·坎宁安和杰登·艾维的进攻保驾护航。
梦幻篮球分析： 选秀之夜，霍兰德的新秀预测与汤普森上赛季的预测惊人地相似。按照这个预测，他的顺位将排在梦幻篮球新秀榜前100名之外，值得在选秀末段一试。
蒂贾尼·萨劳恩(Tidjane Salaun)，前锋，夏洛特黄蜂队
对于黄蜂队来说，选择萨劳恩是一次赌注于潜力的选择。他是这届新秀中最年轻的球员之一，身高6英尺10英寸，臂展7英尺2英寸，站立摸高达到了9英尺2英寸。他拥有出色的身材、全面的技术和充沛的防守 energía，并且拼劲十足。上赛季，作为一名3D前锋，他在法国联赛的一支季后赛球队中扮演了重要的角色，但他需要提高自己的控球能力和进攻创造力。在一支年轻、正在重建的夏洛特球队中，萨劳恩有可能成长为未来的基石球员。
梦幻篮球分析： 选择萨劳恩更多的是因为他长期的潜力，而不是对他立即做出贡献的期望。另一方面，黄蜂队是一支年轻的球队，正在重建，所以他有可能在早期就获得出场时间。我期待着在夏季联赛中看到他的现场表现，以便更新我对他的评估，但目前我认为他是一名不值得被选中但值得关注的梦幻篮球新秀。
多诺万·克林根(Donovan Clingan)，中锋，波特兰开拓者队
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多诺万·克林根的精彩集锦让开拓者队在 NBA 选秀大会上选中了他
来看看多诺万·克林根的一些精彩集锦，这些集锦让波特兰开拓者队在 NBA 选秀大会上用7号签选中了他。
克林根是连续两届 NCAA 冠军康涅狄格大学爱斯基摩犬队的核心球员。他身高7英尺2英寸，臂展7英尺6英寸，可以说是这届新秀中最好的防守型内线球员。上赛季，他场均得到13分（投篮命中率64%）、7.4个篮板和2.5次盖帽。虽然防守预计将成为他在职业赛场上的招牌，但目前还不清楚开拓者队计划在本赛季如何使用他，因为德安德烈·艾顿目前是球队的首发中锋。克林根是一名成熟的新秀，所以如果开拓者队确实找到了让他获得出场时间的方法，他可以立即为球队做出统计贡献。
梦幻篮球分析： 以克林根现在的能力，如果他能获得首发级别的出场时间，他完全可以成为一名篮板和盖帽数据都高于平均水平的球员，同时还能保持较高的投篮命中率，并贡献两位数的得分。但如果艾顿还在球队，这似乎不太可能。所以，在夏季联赛结束后，在我们知道开拓者队的阵容会是什么样之前，我将克林根列为一名不值得被选中但值得关注的梦幻篮球新秀。
罗布·迪林厄姆(Rob Dillingham)，控球后卫，明尼苏达森林狼队
迪林厄姆被认为是上赛季大学篮球界最好的单打球员。他身高只有6英尺1英寸，臂展6英尺3英寸，但他非常灵活，控球出色，传球视野开阔，而且是一位出色的射手。在上赛季为肯塔基大学效力的比赛中，迪林厄姆场均出场23分钟，得到15.2分。在选秀前，他被拿来与克利夫兰骑士队的后卫达柳斯·加兰德进行比较，并且已经展现出了快速得分的能力。森林狼队为了得到他，用手中的选秀权交易得到了8号签，让他与安东尼·爱德华兹搭档后场。迪林厄姆可以弥补森林狼队在控球后卫位置上的巨大空缺，并成为上赛季森林狼队极度缺乏的第二得分点。迈克·康利是球队的现任首发控球后卫，但他年纪越来越大，迪林厄姆最终可能会取代他。与此同时，迪林厄姆已经在大学联赛中证明了，他可以成为一名效率极高的第六人。
梦幻篮球分析： 迪林厄姆一进入联盟就拥有了成为第六人得分手的潜力，在这个角色中，他有可能成为新秀中得分和三分球命中率最高的球员之一。森林狼队非常需要他的技术特点，无论是在第二阵容还是在关键时刻的阵容中。我把他排在梦幻篮球新秀榜前100名之外，值得在选秀末段作为潜力股一试。
扎克·埃迪(Zach Edey)，中锋，孟菲斯灰熊队
埃迪是两届 NCAA 年度最佳球员，同时也是今年选秀大会上最高的球员。他身高7英尺3.75英寸，臂展7英尺10英寸，体重299磅，与其说他是一个人，不如说他是一座山。但他在大学的每个赛季都取得了巨大的进步，现在有望成为灰熊队的首发中锋。上赛季，埃迪场均得到25.2分（投篮命中率62%）、12.2个篮板和2.2次盖帽。对于篮球来说，他还相对较新，只打了6年的篮球，但他既可以成为防守端的顶级篮筐保护者，也可以成为进攻端篮筐附近的终结者。随着埃迪在职业赛场上继续提升自己的比赛，他的上限只会越来越高。
梦幻篮球分析： 如果埃迪能首发，他将有潜力成为一名场均两双的球员，并且拥有出色的投篮命中率和盖帽数据。就目前而言，我会把他排在梦幻篮球新秀榜的第100位左右，并且有可能在选秀中段被选中。
科迪·威廉姆斯(Cody Williams)，侧翼，犹他爵士队
威廉姆斯是俄克拉荷马雷霆队前锋杰伦·威廉姆斯的弟弟。他将追随哥哥的脚步，争取在新秀赛季就入选最佳新秀阵容。威廉姆斯身高6英尺6英寸，对于一名侧翼球员来说，他的身材非常出色。他接球投篮的能力很强，得分效率很高，视野开阔，并且利用自己的身材进行强硬的防守。威廉姆斯不是一个出色的篮板手，他需要变得更加强壮，还需要提高自己的持球进攻能力。从好的方面来看，他只有19岁，还有很大的提升空间。威廉姆斯是一位天赋异禀的得分手，控球能力出色，第一步很快。他需要努力争取进入爵士队的轮换阵容，但他们是一支年轻的球队，仍在重建中。预计威廉姆斯会在本赛季的某个时候竞争首发位置。
梦幻篮球分析： 威廉姆斯在选秀之夜的预测与他的哥哥杰伦相似，杰伦在新秀赛季就进入梦幻篮球排名前75位，并最终获得了年度最佳新秀的第二名。对于一个10号秀来说，这些期望值可能过高，所以我认为他的顺位应该在100-125位之间，值得在选秀末段一试。
马塔斯·布泽利斯(Matas Buzelis)，侧翼，芝加哥公牛队
布泽利斯是一位身高6英尺9英寸的前锋，但他的臂展只有6英尺10英寸，对于他的身高来说相对较短。他是两届佳得乐年度最佳高中生球员，也是 ESPN 百强高中生中排名第5的球员。上赛季，布泽利斯效力于 G 联赛点燃队，场均得到14.1分、6.6个篮板和1.9次盖帽。他是一位运动能力出色的球员，虽然上赛季他的三分球命中率只有27%，但他在高四赛季的三分球命中率高达43%。布泽利斯被自己的家乡球队选中，并且有可能在一支德玛尔·德罗赞上赛季曾客串过大前锋的公牛队中获得首发位置。
梦幻篮球分析： 布泽利斯有着辉煌的履历，在各个级别的比赛中都有过出色的表现，而且他的比赛风格已经做好了迎接 NBA 的准备。公牛队需要有身材的前锋，而他有机会赢得一个首发位置。我期待着在夏季联赛中看到他的表现，但目前我认为他可以排进梦幻篮球新秀榜的前100位，值得在选秀中段被选中。
其他引起我注意的球员
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莱格勒：湖人队不可能找到比道尔顿·克内希特更合适的球员了
蒂姆·莱格勒、鲍比·马克斯和 CJ·麦科勒姆讨论了湖人队选择道尔顿·克内希特的决定，以及他如何融入达尔文·哈姆的体系。
道尔顿·克内希特(Dalton Knecht)，侧翼，洛杉矶湖人队： 克内希特是美联社全美最佳阵容一阵球员和东南联盟的年度最佳球员，上赛季他场均得到21.7分（投篮命中率46%，三分球命中率40%）和4.9个篮板。在选秀前，他被认为是一名乐透秀，但据报道，由于年龄的原因（23岁），他最终在第17顺位被选中。然而，对于一支希望赢得现在并且急需更多投篮的湖人队来说，他的年龄是一个积极因素。克内希特是这届新秀中最好的得分手之一，他可以在三个区域得分。作为湖人队轮换阵容中的一员，即使是作为一名新秀，他也可能获得大量的出场时间。
特伦斯·香农二世(Terrence Shannon Jr.)，侧翼，明尼苏达森林狼队
香农是一位身高6英尺6英寸的侧翼球员，同样也是23岁，拥有 NBA 级别的身体素质和强硬的比赛风格。这位运动能力出色的左撇子球员是一名可靠的防守者，但他最出名的是他的进攻。上赛季，他场均得到23.0分（投篮命中率48%）、4.0个篮板和2.3次助攻。他擅长转换进攻，被认为是一名乐透秀，但由于场外问题，他被禁赛了一段时间。回到球场上后，他希望为上赛季打进西部决赛的森林狼队提供侧翼深度。
以赛亚·科利尔(Isaiah Collier)，后卫，犹他爵士队
科利尔是2023年 ESPN 百强高中生中排名第一的球员，但由于伤病缠身，他在南加州大学特洛伊人队的表现不佳。他是一位视野开阔、进攻侵略性强的双能卫，能够突破到内线完成强硬的终结。虽然他的决策能力和有限的投篮能力存在疑问，但在南加州大学的新生赛季，他场均仍然可以得到16.4分（投篮命中率49%）和4.3次助攻。曾经有一段时间，一些人认为他可能会成为今年的状元秀，但最终他在第29顺位被选中。爵士队是一支年轻的球队，科利尔有潜力在本赛季就挑战球队的首发控球后卫位置。
点击查看原文：Which first-round NBA draft picks can be impact rookies?
Which first-round NBA draft picks can be impact rookies?
Andre Snellings, ESPNJun 27, 2024, 01:00 PM ET
The NBA draft is where the future becomes the present in the league, and it’s not always the players at the top of the draft that make the most immediate impact.
Last season, everyone knew that Victor Wembanyama of France was going to be selected No. 1 overall to the San Antonio Spurs. He was the most anticipated draft prospect since LeBron James and entered the season with astronomical expectations.
This year’s draft was different. There was no consensus top player, but instead a plethora of players that could emerge as the top of the 2024 class. A French player did go No. 1 overall as the Atlanta Hawks drafted wing Zaccharie Risacher with the top pick. In fact, four French players went in the first round, including No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr and No. 6 overall pick Tidjane Salaun.
Outside of the French connection, there are storylines galore from those drafted on Wednesday and any number of players that could play impact minutes as rookies. Here’s who can contribute to fantasy basketball rosters and slot into the Rookie of the Year race this season:
Impact lottery picks
Zaccharie Risacher, SF, Atlanta Hawks
Risacher is a long, versatile wing measuring out at 6-foot-10 with an 8-foot-10 standing reach. He played primarily as a 3-and-D wing in the French League last season on the No. 1-ranked defense in the EuroCup. He was frequently tasked with guarding any position on the court. Risacher also thrives in transition on offense. He had 47 dunks last season and shot just under 40% from 3-point range. He needs to work on shot creation and strength (he only weighs 196 pounds) to reach his full potential, but he could slot in as the Hawks’ starting forward from Day 1.
Fantasy spin: While Risacher has upside as the top pick in the draft, his history doesn’t suggest that huge fantasy numbers are likely as a rookie. I would consider drafting him in the later rounds, around pick 100 or later, primarily as an upside flier.
Alex Sarr, PF/C, Washington Wizards
Sarr might have the most upside in this draft. A 7-foot, athletic big man with an impressive 9-foot-2 standing reach, Sarr has great mobility for his size with the quickness and explosive leaping ability to project as an elite rim protector and switch defender. He is characterized as a “unicorn” big man with the versatility to play inside and out on both offense and defense. Sarr has drawn comps to Kristaps Porzingis on offense and Nic Claxton on defense. In addition to his ability to finish athletically around the rim, Sarr also made 22 3-pointers last season and is a solid passer off short rolls, giving him considerable upside. Sarr will be the centerpiece of the Wizards’ rebuilding effort and while his game still needs polishing and development, he could be Washington’s starting center to open the season.
Fantasy spin: Sarr could have legit double-double upside with high field goal percentage, solid defensive numbers and even some 3-pointers as a rookie on a Wizards team that could give him as many minutes as he can stand. He also could miss those marks as he goes through development growing pains. I split the difference to project him as a top-75 FBA draft prospect, worth consideration as high as the sixth round in deep leagues based on upside potential.
Reed Sheppard, SG, Houston Rockets
Sheppard is the consensus best shooter in this draft class, coming off a season where he shot 52% from behind the arc for the Kentucky Wildcats. He is sneakily athletic, tying the highest max-vertical leap at the NBA combine (42 inches), has strong scoring upside at all three levels and is a solid passer as well. However, he could have trouble getting impact minutes as a rookie on a Rockets squad with a deep, talented set of perimeter players already on roster.
Fantasy spin: Some believe Sheppard will be the best player in this draft class. While I do believe he has that long-term upside, the quality depth of the Rockets works against Sheppard’s FBA draft upside this season. Unless the summer and preseason suggest he’s likely to get near starter minutes, I would consider Sheppard either a last-round flier or a don’t-draft-but-keep-an-eye-on FBA draft prospect.
Stephon Castle, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs
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Legler raves about Stephon Castle’s fit with Wemby and the Spurs
Tim Legler explains why he’s excited about the Spurs selecting UConn’s Stephon Castle with the fourth pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
Castle will be an exciting prospect to watch this season because of his skillset and the team that drafted him. The Big East Freshman of the Year led all first-year players in the conference in points, rebounds and assists per game. But his most pro-ready trait is his defense. ESPN’s Jay Bilas compared the 6-foot-6 Castle to “a shutdown corner in football” and called him “a bigger Jrue Holiday”. Castle joins Wembanyama as a primary building block for the Spurs and has great upside on both sides of the court. He needs to improve his shooting to reach his full potential, but the Spurs desperately need a lead guard and he could be their Day 1 starter even while his game matures.
Fantasy spin: Castle has the skills, winning pedigree and defensive mindset to fit right into the lineup for a Gregg Popovich squad that desperately needs a lead guard for both the present and future. He could be a plus multi-category contributor with strong defensive numbers as a rookie, and I would project him in the range between picks 75 and 100.
Ron Holland II, SF, Detroit Pistons
Pistons fans might have déjà vu from this pick. Detroit drafted Ausar Thompson with the No. 5 pick last year, a 6-foot-7, hyper-athletic wing that projected as a strong two-way player as a driver/slasher on offense and a defender on defense. Holland is very similar to Thompson in that he is an above-the-rim finisher, an outstanding athlete with great size and has the tools to be a great defender. Holland was ESPN’s No. 2 ranked recruit in high school before choosing to play in the G-league last season. He averaged nearly 20 PPG, seven boards, just over three assists and almost 2.2 steals before a thumb injury ended his season in January. Holland’s defense and scoring upside could earn him starting minutes out the gate, despite his young age (18 years old). Holland and Thompson might even be able to play together as starters in the frontcourt, forming a formidable defensive duo on the wing to support the offensive prowess of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
Fantasy spin: Hollard’s rookie projections as of draft night look eerily similar to Thompson’s last season. Those projections would land him just outside of the top-100 of FBA prospects, worthy of a late-round flier.
Tidjane Salaun, F, Charlotte Hornets
Salaun is an upside pick at forward for the Hornets. He is one of the youngest players in this draft class, is 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and 9-foot-2 standing reach. He has excellent size, versatility and defensive energy with a high motor and intensity. He played a significant role for a playoff team in France last season as a 3-and-D forward, but needs to work on his ball-handling and ability to create. Salaun could develop into a future cornerstone on a young, rebuilding Charlotte team.
Fantasy spin: Salaun was picked based on his long-term upside more than the expectation of immediate contribution. On the other hand, the Hornets are young and rebuilding so it’s possible he gets minutes early. I look forward to seeing him play live at the Summer League to refine my estimate, but for now I would consider him a don’t-draft-but-keep-an-eye-on FBA draft prospect.
Donovan Clingan, C, Portland Trail Blazers
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The highlights that made the Trail Blazers take Donovan Clingan in the NBA draft
Check out some of the highlights that made the Portland Trail Blazers take Donovan Clingan as the No. 7 pick in the NBA draft.
Clingan was the centerpiece for the back-to-back NCAA champion Connecticut Huskies. He is 7-foot-2 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, and arguably is the best defensive big man in the draft. He averaged 13 PPG on 64% FG, 7.4 RPG and 2.5 BPG last season. While defense is expected to be his calling card in the pros, it isn’t clear how the Trail Blazers plan to deploy him this season with Deandre Ayton currently starting in the frontcourt. Clingan is a mature prospect, so if the Trail Blazers do find a way to get minutes for him, he could contribute statistically right out of the gate.
Fantasy spin: Clingan has the game right now to be a plus rebounder and defender, as well as a low-volume double-digit scorer on great field goal percentage… if he gets starter minutes. But that seems unlikely if Ayton is still on the roster. So, until the summer plays out and we know what the Trail Blazers’ roster will look like, I have Clingan as a don’t-draft-but-keep-an-eye-on FBA draft prospect
Rob Dillingham, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves
Dillingham was considered the best isolation player in college basketball last season. He’s small at only 6-foot-1 with a 6-foot-3 wingspan, but is shifty, an excellent ball-handler, a good passer and a great shot maker. Dillingham averaged 15.2 PPG in only 23 MPG last season at Kentucky. He drew comparisons to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland ahead of the draft and has shown the ability to score in a hurry. The Timberwolves traded up to the No. 8 pick to get him and pair him in the backcourt with Anthony Edwards. Dillingham could fill a huge need for the Timberwolves as a lead guard and be the secondary shot creator Minnesota sorely lacked last season. Mike Conley is the incumbent point guard, but he’s getting older, and Dillingham could eventually replace him. In the meantime, Dillingham has already proved in college that he could be extremely productive as a sixth man off the bench.
Fantasy spin: Dillingham has sixth man microwave scorer upside right off the bat, a role where he could land among the leading scorers and 3-point shooters among rookies. The TImberwolves have a big need for his skillset, both in the second unit and in crunchtime lineups. I’d put Dillingham just outside the top-100 as an FBA draft prospect, worthy of late round upside flier draft status.
Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey is the two-time NCAA Player of the Year, as well as being the tallest player in this year’s draft. Standing at 7-foot-3 ¾ inches with a 7-foot-10 wingspan, weighing 299 pounds, Edey is more mountain than man. But he improved his footwork and mobility dramatically each season in college, and now projects to potentially start at center for the Grizzlies. Edey averaged 25.2 PPG on 62 FG% last season, with 12.2 RPG and 2.2 BPG. He’s still relatively new to basketball, having played the sport for only six years, but he could be both an elite rim protector on defense and a strong finisher around the rim on offense. Edey’s ceiling will only increases as he continues to develop his game in the pros.
Fantasy spin: If Edey starts, he has upside to be a nightly threat for double-doubles with strong percentages and blocked shot numbers. For now, I’d rank him right around 100 in the FBA draft rankings, with upside to sneak into the late-middle rounds of the draft.
Cody Williams, wing, Utah Jazz
Williams is the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams. He will look to follow in his brother’s footsteps to put together an All- Rookie first season. Williams has great size for a wing at just over 6-foot-6. He has got great range off the catch-and-shoot, is an efficient scorer with good court vision and uses his size to play strong defense. Williams isn’t a great rebounder, needs to get stronger and also needs to improve his pull-up game off the dribble. On the plus side, he has a high ceiling with a lot of upside at only 19 years old. Williams is a naturally gifted scorer with a great handle and quick first step. He will have to work his way into the Jazz rotation, but they are a young team that is still rebuilding. Expect Williams challenge for starting minutes at some point this season.
Fantasy spin: Williams’ draft night upside would be similar to his brother Jalen’s, who was a top-75 FBA producer as a rookie on his way to finishing second in the Rookie of the Year race. Those would be lofty expectations for a 10th pick, though, so I’d currently temper it to somewhere in the 100-125 band of FBA projections and worthy of a late-round flier.
Matas Buzelis, wing, Chicago Bulls
Buzelis is a forward with excellent size at 6-foot-9, though he has a relatively short wingspan for his height at only 6-foot-10. He was a two-time Gatorade player of the year in high school and the No. 5 ranked player out of high school. Buzelis averaged 14.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 1.9 BPG for the G League Ignite last season. He is an incredible athlete and though he only hit 27% of his 3-pointers last season he shot 43% from behind the arc as a high school senior. Buzelis was drafted by his home team and could earn starter minutes early on a Bulls squad where DeMar DeRozan spent time at power forward last season.
Fantasy spin: Buzelis has a great pedigree, a history of producing at every level and a game that is already NBA ready. The Bulls need forwards with size, and he has a chance to earn a starting job. I look forward to seeing him play in the Summer League, but for now I might consider him just inside the top-100 of FBA draft boards and worth consideration in the late-middle rounds of the draft.
Other picks that caught my attention
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Legler: The Lakers couldn’t have gotten a better fit than Dalton Knecht
Tim Legler, Bobby Marks and CJ McCollum discuss the Lakers’ pick of Dalton Knecht and how he could fit into JJ Redick’s system.
Dalton Knecht, wing, Los Angeles Lakers: Knecht was a first team AP All American and SEC Player of the Year last season who averaged 21.7 PPG on 46 FG% and 40 3P% along with 4.9 RPG. He was considered a high-lottery prospect ahead of the draft, but reportedly fell to the No. 17 pick because of his age (23 years old). Conversely, his age is a positive for a Lakers squad that is looking to win right now and desperately needs more shooting. Knecht one of the best scorers in this draft class and can get buckets at all three levels. He could earn significant minutes as part of the Lakers rotation, even as a rookie.
Terrence Shannon Jr., wing, Minnesota Timberwolves
Shannon is a 6-foot-6 wing who is also 23 years old with an NBA body and a physical style of play. The athletic lefty is a solid defender but is best known for his offense. He averaged 23.0 PPG on 48 FG%, 4.0 RPG and 2.3 APG last season. He thrives in transition and was considered a lottery talent but dealt with off-court issues that left him suspended for a chunk of last season. Back on the court, he looks to provide strong wing depth to a Timberwolves squad that is in win-now mode after a run to Western Conference Finals last season.
Isaiah Collier, G, Utah Jazz
Collier was the No. 1 ranked player in the 2023 ESPN 100 coming out of high school but had a down season with the USC Trojans because of numerous injuries. He is a combo guard with good court vision and an aggressive playmaker that can get into the paint and finish strong. While there are questions with his decision-making and his limited ability as a shooter, he still averaged 16.4 PPG on 49 FG% with 4.3 APG during his freshman year with the Trojans. There was a time when some thought he could be the top pick in this year’s draft, but instead he slid to the No. 29 pick. The Jazz are a young team, and Collier has the upside to challenge for their starting point guard slot as soon as this season.
via ESPN