The questions about who’s going at the top half of the 2024 NBA Draft continue to swirl. Is there really a top player in this class that’s emerging as 2024 begins?
In our latest mock NBA draft from Bryan Kalbrosky, he had the Pistons taking Ja’Kobe Walter out of Baylor, followed by Nikola Topic and Isaiah Collier. In the latest from Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, it’s Alexandre Sarr No. 1 to the Pistons, Nikola Topic to the Spurs (although Topic just suffered an injury), and France’s Zaccharie Risacher to the Wizards at No. 3. That’s three international players going at the top.
Here’s what Wasserman wrote about Sarr:
Without an obvious answer for best prospect in the draft, fit and needs could play a larger role than normal at No. 1. Aside from Alexandre Sarr looking capable of plugging into the 4 position between Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, his size, athleticism and translatable defensive versatility create a level of certainty that other prospects aren’t offering.
Even if his development stalls early, there is still safety tied to 7’1″ height and quick, light feet for surefire finishing, shot-blocking and switching. But flashes of open-floor ball-handling and shotmaking also create a path to more offensive upside.
The most eye-opening number so far shows that he’s 10-of-22 on pull-up jumpers. He has also made 15 threes and had success putting the ball down and attacking closeouts. When paired with his rim protection and defensive movement, the face-up flashes that produce those perimeter scoring stats have some scouts seeing No. 1 overall potential.
There you have it! Don’t forget to check out our latest NBA Mock Draft from Kalbrosky!