The Detroit Pistons could once again find themselves with a top pick in an uncertain draft, and the international class offers high-profile, high-ceiling opportunities.
The consensus for the next 2024 NBA Draft it is that it is weaker than in previous years, due to the lack of a clear number 1 hope. That may be true at this point, but in every draft there are great players who can change the direction of a franchise; you just have to identify them.
I’ve talked about G-League Ignite and top college players before, but now I wanted to highlight some of the top international prospects that could be in play near the top of the draft. In fact, this group could hold all of the top three draft picks in June, making them a group to watch closely. Detroit Pistons Fans.
International outlook
Future generations like Victor Wembanyama don’t come around often, but even beyond him, an impressive number of NBA talents have emerged from the international stage. The NBL is home to some of the best basketball in the world and has become a hotbed of NBA talent in recent years, producing first-round picks LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, RJ Hampton and Ousmane Dieng. This trend appears to continue in the upcoming draft.
Alexandre Sarr
Originally from France, Alexandre Sarr has been a member of the Overtime Elite program for the past two seasons, earning Second Team All-OTE honors in 2023. Still only 18 years old, he is now a member of the NBL’s Perth Wildcats and has a chance to cementing himself as one of the top prospects in the 2024 NBA draft class. It’s a strong start to the NBL season, averaging 9.67 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in just 17 minutes per game in 18 games. The 7-foot-1 PF/C has shown an impressive offensive skill set and the potential to spread the floor beyond the arc, despite shooting just 29.5 percent on attempts from three points this season, so it’s still somewhat theoretical. Sarr is also a major difference maker who can change shots on the defensive end and has the mobility that NBA teams covet in big men.
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
Topic Nikola
Serbian perspective Topic Nikola is an intriguing name to watch in the EuroLeague who has shot up the draft boards following his breakthrough as a scorer. In 19 games (17 in ABA), the 6-foot-6 point guard is currently averaging 16.37 points and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 49.8 percent from the floor and 87.7 percent. from the free throw line. Topic is currently shooting just 28.2 percent on three attempts on 4.1 per game, but that is likely to improve. In 2022-23, Topic appeared in 37 games, shooting 37% from three on 3.5 attempts per game. This, coupled with his free throw shooting, is a strong indicator that he can improve as a shooter. The potential is there for Topic to become a three-level scorer capable of creating for others at a high level. He needs to cut down on turnovers and continue to improve on the defensive end, but he’s on pace to be a top-5 draft pick.
Bobi Klintman
Bobi Klintman was a notable prospect during last year’s draft cycle, garnering draft consideration in the late 1st and early 2nd rounds. Klintman instead chose to withdraw from the project and leave Waking up forest for the NBL, signing with the Cairns Taipans. A native of Sweden, Klintman is a 6-foot-10 PF who has flashed impressive defensive potential, rebounding and ability to space the floor, knocking down 36.8 percent from three on 2.3 attempts per game as a as a freshman at Wake Forest. He’s off to a good start in the NBL, averaging 9.7 points per game on 44/35.7/79 shooting, with 4.8 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 21.3 minutes per game.
Photo by Aurélien Meunier/Getty Images,
Zacharie Risacher
Zacharie Risacher is a 6-foot-8 forward from JL Bourg-en-Bresse in France’s top professional league who can play either forward position thanks to his combination of defensive versatility, length and skill. ‘Athletics. The 18-year-old demonstrated his ability to disrupt passing lanes during the FIBA U19 World Cup with a five-steal game and several three-steal games during the seven-game tournament. He has proven to be a player who attacks the rim effectively, passes well and can make an impact on the glass. His development as a shooter should cement him as one of the top prospects in the draft. Through 40 games this season, Risacher is averaging 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting an excellent 50.6/44.8/68.6.
Tidjane Salaun
Tidjane Salaun is another very intriguing French prospect who has the chance to shoot up the draft boards if he can continue to build on his strong streak of play for Cholet Basket. In 38 games, the 6-foot-9, 18-year-old forward is averaging 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.16 steals in 21.8 minutes per game on 41.5/35 shooting, 9/78.6. He’s a fluid athlete, a strong defender with an impressive 7-foot-1 wingspan, and a promising jumper with good form. Being one of the top 3&D prospects as well as one of the youngest prospects in the draft makes Salaun a very intriguing developmental option and one of the highest ceiling prospects in the draft.
Juan Núñez
Juan Nuñez is a 19-year-old Spanish PG who currently plays for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s top professional league. The 6-foot-4 guard has excellent court vision and passing ability to go with his high basketball IQ, making him well-suited to lead an offense at the next level. Through 35 games so far this season, Núñez is averaging 10.6 points, 5.3 assists and 1.74 steals in 24.1 minutes per game with shooting times of 49/31.8 /64.3. After a hot start to the season shooting the ball, Núñez returned to his shooting numbers from the previous season, which, combined with his below-average free throw shooting, makes me skeptical that his shot will develop.
Hansen Yang
18 year old Chinese phenomenon Hansen Yang has started to gain momentum for the upcoming NBA draft. During the summer, Yang represented China at the FIBA U19 World Cup. In seven games, the 7-foot-1 center averaged an impressive 12.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 5 blocks per game. He continued his impressive play through 39 games with the CBA, averaging 15.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.3 blocks in 34.3 minutes per game. Yang is a good scorer around the basket and has shown impressive feel as a passer. Showed some willingness to shoot if open, but continuing to develop as a shooter could make him very dangerous on offense. Yang is a good rebounder and showed great instincts in protecting the rim as well as setting screens.
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