In an NBA Draft class led by phenom Victor Wembanyama, there was — for quite some time, if we’re being honest — very little debate about who would go No. 1 in the 2023 NBA Draft. But that doesn’t appear to be the case as we peek ahead to the 2024 NBA Draft class.
As you might expect, there are consistently a few names that stand out as early contenders to be the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft — among them Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland. Still, even in a class that has had plenty of eyes on it over the years, there is far from a consensus about who the top names — at least in terms of order in which they’ll be drafted and who could be the top selection — will be exactly when the draft rolls around this time next year.
That makes the never-too-early race for No. 1 all the more appealing. Realistically there are a half-dozen prospects, give or take, who could play their way into pole position to become the No. 1 prospect in next year’s draft class. So with the 2023 draft behind us and a long runway between now and next year’s draft, below we’ve handicapped the early race with a look at a few names in contention and some dark horses who could join them.
The contenders
Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Buzelis isn’t the consensus No. 1 — again, this class is pretty wide open — but he’s No. 1 for me right now. He’s a touch on the older side and will turn 20 as a rookie, but his 6-foot-10 frame and big wing profile fits the archetype of a promising prospect who could be a force playing the league’s most important position.
Ron Holland, G League Ignite
Holland, like the aforementioned Buzelis, will spend next season with G League Ignite sharpening his skills and challenging for the No. 1 pick. The former five-star recruit finished as the top player in the 247Sports Class of 2023 recruiting rankings and brings a combo of power and athleticism with his 6-8 frame to boot.
Justin Edwards,…
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