Bleacher Report: Ranking Top 45 prospects entering Round 2
Duke standout Kyle Filipowski is one of the top names teams will be targeting in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
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Editor’s Note: Find more of Jonathan Wasserman’s coverage of the 2024 Draft on Bleacher Report or to read this article on BleacherReport.com, click here.
(B/R) — We’re officially 30 picks into the 2024 NBA draft, and 45 of our initial Top 75 Big Board prospects remain.
Entering Round 2, names like Duke’s Kyle Filipowski and USC’s Bronny James are the headliners.
Here’s a look at the best available prospects, although it’s worth noting that the difference between certain rankings is minimal enough that players can be interchangeable at different spots, depending on which team I’d be picking for.
No. 45-41
TCU forward Emanuel Miller sports steady defense and a good overall game that could fit in the NBA.
45. Tristan Enaruna (Cleveland State, F, Senior)
Enaruna broke out in his fourth collegiate season, and he got on the draft periphery in his fifth and final season by averaging 19.6 points per game for Cleveland State. The 23-year-old improved his 3-point shooting in his last campaign (32.2%), but it’s still likely not enough to get him drafted.
44. Jaedon LeDee (San Diego State, PF, Senior)
Not many soon-to-be 25-year-olds get drafted. LeDee sounds like a long shot to hear his name called, but he’s a skilled post scorer who made over 40% of his jump shots from short range, mid-range and deep.
43. Armel Traore (ADA Blois Basket, PF, 2003)
Traore has been on the radar with a strong, 6’8″ frame, charged motor and instincts for scoring, rebounding and anticipating defensively. But he took a disappointing step backward this season as a 3-point shooter.
42. Trentyn Flowers (Adelaide, SF, 2005)
Flowers could earn second-round looks for his positional size, 42-inch max vertical and shotmaking. He’s still raw and lacks versatility. A lot will be riding on his 3-point shooting.
41. Emanuel Miller (TCU, SF, Senior)
Though not a flashy creator, Miller deserves second-round looks for an adaptable game and defensive tools. He plays hard and scores efficiently off the ball with a solid 215-pound frame and improving shot.
No. 40-36
40. Mantas Rubstavicius (New Zealand Breakers, SF, 2002)
NBA teams will look at Mantas Rubstavicius’ 3-point shooting in the NBL and volume scoring in previous FIBA settings and see a worthy second-round pick. He’s been ultra-efficient spotting up for the New Zealand Breakers, with adequate wing size, shotmaking, passing IQ and open-floor finishing prowess to project as an NBA fit.
39. Blake Hinson (Pittsburgh, SG/SF, Senior)
Hinson hit 207 threes during his two seasons at Pittsburgh. At 24 years old, he’ll earn looks as a shotmaking specialist, though he has showcased some bonus self-creation for scoring in other ways.
38. David Jones (Memphis, SG/SF, Senior)
Jones took a big step forward with his three-ball and overall scoring, finishing the year at 21.8 points per game off a balanced mix of driving and shotmaking. He averaged more turnovers than assists on high usage, but there could be a role for Jones with a second unit.
37. Boogie Ellis (USC, PG/SG, Senior)
Despite Ellis measuring under 6’1″ in socks, shooting will give him a chance, as will a 6-foot-7 wingspan.
36. Reece Beekman (Virginia, PG, Senior)
Teams will consider Beekman, mostly for his defensive impact with ball pressure and instincts. He’s also developed into a trustworthy decision-maker, capable of running offense and playmaking.
No. 35-31
Will Bronny James get selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft?
35. Bronny James (USC, SG, Freshman)
There aren’t many successful NBA guards James’ size who aren’t plus-advantage creators or big-time shooters. He has the quickness, IQ and effort to be an excellent perimeter defender, and he processes the game well.
His 26.7% 3-point percentage may also be fluky, given James’ late start (due to health issues) and USC’s inability to help him generate confidence or rhythm. But the accuracy on his jump shot must improve dramatically for him to offer an NBA rotation enough offense and value.
34. Tristen Newton (Connecticut, PG/SG, Senior)
Tristen Newton surprised scouts by opting to skip scrimmaging. Teams should ultimately have a confident feel for the 23-year-old’s game, which played a key role during Connecticut’s repeat championships. He should draw second-round interest and two-way offers from teams who see a Swiss Army knife guard who can make plays for teammates, knock down shots and adapt to different roles and situations.
33. Nae’Qwan Tomlin (Memphis, PF/C, Senior)
Tomlin only played 21 games this year, but he also hit 21 threes, efficiently finished cuts, rolls and putbacks. He’ll turn 24 years old in December, but if the shooting improvement is real, there could be a spot for a 6’10” stretch forward and play-finisher.
32. Trey Alexander (Creighton, SG, Senior)
The success rate of undersized scoring 2-guards isn’t high, and Alexander lacks any playmaking acumen and athleticism. But he is a highly versatile shotmaker who can knock down jumpers off self-creation from three levels.
31. N’Faly Dante (Oregon, C, Senior)
Dante is worth a look for his 7-foot-6 wingspan and ability to use it for finishing and shot-blocking.
No. 30-26
30. Cam Spencer (Connecticut, SG, Senior)
Whether Spencer gets drafted or not, he’ll have numerous offers from teams drawn to his shooting, shotmaking versatility and intensity. He’s the type of competitor worth betting on to overcome physical and certain skill limitations.
29. Oso Ighodaro (Marquette, PF/C, Junior)
The draw to Ighodaro stems from his ball-handling, passing and touch shots for a big. He just lacks typical rim-protector tools and shot-blocking production, and his offensive fit will require specific surrounding pieces.
28. Antonio Reeves (Kentucky, SG, Senior)
The combination of elite catch-and-shooting and floater touch could help Reeves provide off-ball scoring at the next level. He just won’t offer much else.
27. Juan Nunez (Ratiopharm Ulm, PG, 2004)
Nunez may be advanced enough in pick-and-roll situations for NBA teams to see a serviceable ball-screen playmaker. He’s improved his shot, but shooting, defense and athleticism are still weaknesses that are tough to ignore.
26. Melvin Ajinca (Saint-Quentin, SF, 2004)
Ajinca has NBA wing size and significant shotmaking production for an international teenager. The rest of his skill and athletic abilities remain limited.
No. 25-21
Washington State’s Jaylen Wells (left) and Isaac Jones (13) are potential second-round picks in 2024.
25. Ulrich Chomche (NBA Academy Africa, C, 2004)
Chomche was higher on my board until the Nike Hoop Summit and NBA combine. There is still something here, specifically with his finishing, shot-blocking and passing. He just looks too far away right now, so he’d require a team willing to invest years of development before expecting results.
24. Jalen Bridges (Baylor, SF, Senior)
Age and creation limitations will keep Jalen Bridges from going first-round or maybe even drafted. But his three-and-D case feels quietly strong right now after he shot 41.2% from deep with 6’9″ size and wing agility to guard positions 2-4.
23. Isaac Jones (Washington State, PF, Senior)
Jones grew five inches since starting his junior college career, and guard skill he once had showed on some face-up dribble moves throughout the season. Regardless, his NBA case is built around the idea that he can serve as a big-wing defender and frontcourt energizer who can potentially make open spot-up threes.
22. Nikola Djurisic (Mega MIS, SG/SF, 2004)
Djurisic scored comfortably at the NBA combine before winning MVP at Eurocamp. The positional size and scoring versatility remain intriguing, and clear passing IQ may give him an extra edge with questions about his shooting consistency and decision-making.
21. Jaylen Wells (Washington State, SF, Senior)
NBA wing size, shotmaking production and easy range should help Wells earn second-round looks. His game is fairly one-dimensional, but teams looking for shooting should have Wells highlighted in the 40s or 50s.
No. 20-16
20. PJ Hall (Clemson, PF, Senior)
PJ Hall will need his shooting to be more reliable at the next level, but he looks close enough (on his 1.4 threes per game) for a chiseled, 6’10” big who has excellent post-up and box-out technique. He should be able to continue scoring around the key with various moves, strength and shotmaking. He’ll obviously fit much easier offensively if he turns into a regular spot-up threat from behind the arc, where he hit a career-best 52 threes this past season. His rise in 3-point attempts (165 in 2023-24) and consistency from the free-throw line are promising indicators.
19. Jamal Shead (Houston, PG, Senior)
While a lack of size and questionable shooting will limit Jamal Shead’s first-round looks, ferocious defense, capable playmaking and toughness could earn him a role and contract similar to Jevon Carter’s. He looks like a value pick in the second round for a team more interested in adding immediate rotational depth and defense over gambling on a longer-term project with upside.
18. Justin Edwards (Kentucky, SF, Freshman)
Edwards shot much better over the last month of the season, keeping hope alive in shooting potential that will sway teams to stay patient. Without much ball-handling, creation or playmaking, sticking in the NBA will be strictly tied to Edwards ability to make jump shots at an above-average rate.
17. Enrique Freeman (Akron, PF, Senior)
Freeman’s scoring versatility at the combine caught scouts attention, and now he looks like a decent bet to hear his name called in the draft. He’ll hang his hat on defense and rebounding, but he looks like a useful scoring threat in the post, an off-ball finisher and capable spot-up shooter.
16. Bobi Klintman (Cairns Taipans, SF/PF, 2003)
The hesitation with Klintman focuses on the idea that he hasn’t showcased a sure-fire NBA strength or speciality. Everything has mostly come in flashes, from his time at Sunrise Christian Academy, one year at Wake Forest and previous season in the NBL.
But the flashes of transition ball-handling, shooting range, athleticism around the rim and some live-dribble passing were enticing for a 6’8″ combo forward. His positional tools and skill set create a coveted archetype that will sway teams to stay patient. His three-ball may make or break him, unless there is a lot more half-court creation that’s been hidden.
No. 15-11
15. Pelle Larsson (Arizona, SF, Senior)
While it would feel more comforting if Pelle Larsson shot more threes, he shot 42.6% for the year and 39.7% on 340 career attempts. The efficient transition finishing, slashing and secondary playmaking seem translatable, given his physical tools and IQ/decision-making. An interchangeable wing, Larsson has the physical tools, skill set for versatility and mentality of an NBA role player.
14. Kevin McCullar Jr. (Kansas, SG/SF, Senior)
There is still limited information on Kevin McCullar Jr.’s knee injury that kept him out of the NCAA tournament and NBA combine. Ignoring medical reports, his 18.3 points per game were generated mostly in transition and from off the ball. While McCullar struggled creating in ball-screen situations with turnovers and converting layups and pull-ups, he’ll provide offensive value with his transition finishing, cutting and ability to make shots and plays curling around screens.
13. Harrison Ingram (North Carolina, SF, Junior)
Harrison Ingram improved his shooting at North Carolina, as he spent more time off the ball getting rhythm looks next to RJ Davis and Armando Bacot. At Stanford, he was able to show more pick-and-roll ball-handling and playmaking.
Between his time at both schools, he has developed a connector skill set with his spot-up threes and passing. Flashes of shotmaking from the post, pull-ups and defensive activity could be bonuses that help make Ingram a more multidimensional, two-way role player.
12. Cam Christie (Minnesota, SG/SF, Freshman)
The eye test backs up Christie’s 39.1 3-point percentage. He has a smooth jumper with NBA 2-guard/wing size. And he has a good feel for scoring or passing in ball-screen situations. He just doesn’t put pressure on the rim or finish well around it, so his margin for error as a shooter remains small.
11. Keshad Johnson (Arizona, PF, Senior)
There will be a role for Johnson if he can make open threes at the same clip he hit them during his fifth college season. Otherwise, he doesn’t offer enough creation. But his strength, feet and explosion should translate to off-ball finishing, defensive playmaking/versatility.
No. 10-6
Syracuse’s Judah Mintz could provide NBA-level shot-making and distributing skills.
10. Adem Bona (UCLA, C, Sophomore)
The improved scoring production was nice to see, but realistically, NBA teams will call on Bona to play to his physical and athletic strengths. With a 40-inch vertical, 7-foot-4 wingspan and charged motor, he should be able to carve out an energizer role running the floor, finishing plays and protecting the basket.
9. Ajay Mitchell (Santa Barbara, PG, Junior)
Mitchell had a fine showing at the NBA combine, but the tape from his junior year remains the selling point. He ended the season with 35-plus points in two of Santa Barbara’s final three games. A weak strength of schedule, record (seventh in the Big West) and his lack of 3-point volume work against him. But there will be believers in his scoring translating based on how effectively he uses change of speed to get to spots and touch shots/adjustments around the paint.
8. Jonathan Mogbo (San Francisco, PF, Junior)
Mogbo didn’t have many chances to play against pro prospects during the season, so it was encouraging to see his effectiveness during NBA combine scrimmages. His finishing, rebounding/defensive motor and outlier passing skills should be able for Mogbo to generate enough plays and advantages in a backup role.
7. Judah Mintz (Syracuse, PG/SG, Sophomore)
Mintz is slipping through the cracks of the draft process after failing to receive an invite to the NBA combine. Blame the lack of adjustments he made this season. Teams wanted more shooting improvement. I share the belief that his 3-point weakness is overblown and that he has some outlier offensive potential with his explosive/shiftiness attacking the basket, tough two-point shotmaking and playmaking.
6. Tyler Kolek (Marquette, PG, Junior)
Kolek has earned first-round interest for the idea that he’s a good bet to provide playmaking, spot-up shooting and toughness. You take the limited defense or on-on-one scoring for a backup who can make plays and raise the intensity level of a second unit.
5. Isaiah Crawford (Louisiana Tech, SF, Senior)
Isaiah Crawford’s Portsmouth Invitational and G League Elite camp play forced me to revisit tape from Louisiana Tech. I clearly overlooked the 22-year-old throughout the year.
The more I watched, the easier it became to picture an NBA wing whose eye test backed up exciting numbers: 41.9% catch-and-shoot, 41.4% shooting off the dribble, 3.7 steal percentage and a 5.8 block percentage.
He may struggle to create for himself at the next level, as the film shows he winds up having to turn his back to the basket often, unable to gain a step. Multiple ACL injuries are also discouraging.
But they didn’t stop him from averaging 16.3 points, cleaning up defensively and registering a 57.9% true shooting percentage this season. He’s a likely second-round pick who I’m willing to bet makes his way into an NBA rotation.
4. KJ Simpson (Colorado, PG, Junior)
While there will always be skeptics in undersized scoring guards, KJ Simpson demonstrated the type of craftiness, high-level shotmaking and competitiveness for teams to bet on a 6’2″ guard overcoming some physical limitations.
A 43.1% catch-and-shoot guard who hit 42.7% of his pull-ups and 43.2% of his mid-range shots, totaled 110 made half-court buckets at the rim and registered a 25.0 assist percentage in three consecutive seasons, he could be a second-round bargain for a team that doesn’t worry about upside.
3. Johnny Furphy (Kansas, SF, Freshman)
Johnny Furphy will draw the most interest from teams willing to wait a few years.
At 189 pounds, he doesn’t look ready physically to score against or defend NBA wings. But there is clear fit for a player his size who shoots off the catch, finishes from off the ball, makes good decisions and hustles.
He seems like the type of player who could go to a playoff team, play in the G League, sit on the bench and then suddenly be a useful reserve in his second or third season.
2. Tyler Smith (G League Ignite, PF, 2004)
Tyler Smith was very productive and useful for Ignite with a simple combination of shotmaking, vertical pop at the rim and motor.
The combination feels translatable to a catch-and-score role for making spot-up and pick-and-pop jumpers, play-finishing pick-and-rolls and dump downs and running the floor for easy baskets.
His value at the next level may be reliant on above-average shooting, and there is some debate over just how advanced he is from outside.
He’s also not the highest-level creator or rim protector, but Smith has the right tools and skill set for a stretch 4.
1. Kyle Filipowski (Duke, PF, Sophomore)
Kyle Filipowski never had the wing-like movement and shooting fluidity of a 7-footer such as Lauri Markkanen. So it was a good thing he improved in other areas that have made him more well-rounded for an NBA role player.
He raised his assist rate to 18.4%, a number that clearly reflects high-IQ passing and processing from the post or off drives. Filipowski went from finishing 60.7% of his cuts to 80.5%. He blocked more shots and turned the ball over less. There were plenty of promising sequences of Filipowski sliding his feet and staying with smaller ball-handlers in space.
I don’t anticipate a team getting a top-two or -three option, but I like Filipowski for a jack-of-all-trades big role that gets capable shooting, smart ball-moving, inside scoring and the occasional face-up play.
Jonathan Wasserman is the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Brothers Discovery.
Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports and Sports Reference.
