Questions about who will be in the top half of the 2024 NBA Draft continue to swirl. Is there really a top player in this class emerging in early 2024?
In our Bryan Kalbrosky’s latest NBA mock draft, he had the Pistons take Ja’Kobe Walter out of Baylor, followed by Nikola Topic and Isaiah Collier. In the last of Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, it’s Alexandre Sarr No. 1 for the Pistons, Nikola Topic for the Spurs (although Topic has just been injured) and Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher for the Wizards at No. 3. That makes three international players at the top.
Here is what Wasserman wrote about Sarr:
Without an obvious answer for the draft’s top prospect, fitness and needs could play a bigger role than usual at No. 1. Aside from the fact that Alexandre Sarr seems capable of plugging in at the 4th position between Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, his size, athleticism and translatable defensive versatility creates a level of certainty that other prospects don’t offer.
Even if his development stops early, the safety is still linked to a height of 7’1″ and quick, light feet for sure-fire finishing, shot blocking and shot changes. But flashes of handling Open court ball and shooting also create a path to more offensive upside.
The most telling number so far shows him being 10 of 22 in pull-ups. He also made 15 threes and was able to put the ball down and attack the fences. When paired with his rim protection and defensive movement, the face-up flashes that produce these perimeter scoring stats allow some scouts to see the No. 1 overall potential.
So! Don’t forget to check our latest NBA Mock Draft from Kalbrosky!
