With the 2024 NBA Draft on the horizon, anticipation is growing for the potential of upcoming basketball talents. Although one-and-done players typically receive the most attention, there are numerous upperclassmen who have the potential to immediately excel in the league. This year’s draft is characterized by unpredictability, creating an opportunity for NBA teams to rely on seasoned players who can make an immediate impact.
The roster
Below are eight older students who have the ability to have a substantial influence in the upcoming 2024 NBA season:
Dalton Knecht plays as a guard/forward for Tennessee.
Knecht, at the age of 23, is among the elder statesmen in this year’s group of draft prospects. He played three seasons at Northern Colorado before moving to Tennessee, where he achieved first-team All-American status. Knecht possesses the size and ability to excel as a shooting guard or small forward due to his shooting skills. He is a top-tier player who excels at creating scoring opportunities through a variety of moves, with the potential to average a minimum of 14 points per game during his first year in the league.
Devin Carter, a guard from Providence.
Carter is a rugged defender who can quickly join an NBA team and make a big impact right away. His overall performance increased during his last year in college, and he achieved a new high shooting percentage of 37.7% from three-point range. Carter’s impressive showing at the NBA Draft Combine may position him as a candidate for a top-10 pick.
Story: Our aggregate 2024 NBA mock draft is updated. UConn’s Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle, Purdue’s Zach Edey, Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham, Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht and others are rising up draft boards. Intel from executives and scouts on @hoopshype. https://t.co/lBNuFCNLXa
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 6, 2024
DaRon Holmes II, forward/center from Dayton.
Holmes embodies the typical modern NBA center, possessing skills to shoot from long range and defend the basket. Although he may be small for a center position, he is a reliable choice as a power forward or small-ball center. Holmes’ undeniable potential relies on maintaining consistency on defense.
- Zach Edey, C, Purdue Edey is one of the most dominant college basketball players of the 21st century, but back-to-the-basket centers have struggled in the NBA’s modern era. Edey may struggle in drop coverage or against ball screens, but he could excel in certain situations. His versatility makes him worth considering for teams looking for a big man.
- Tristian da Silva, F, Colorado Da Silva is the complete package: size, shooting ability, experience, and basketball IQ. He would thrive on a team that allows him to cut to the basket and exploit mismatches. The Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers could be prime candidates to land da Silva at No. 15 or No. 16.
- Baylor Scheierman, G/F, Creighton Scheierman’s shooting ability compares favorably with Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard and Duke’s Jared McCain at the top of this class. He can knock down deep 3-pointers from different angles and post up against smaller defenders when given a mismatch. His size allows him to slot into lineups as either a shooting guard or small forward.
- Dillon Jones, F, Weber State Jones is one of only four players since 1992-93 to post at least 1,500 points, 1,000 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals in their college career. He could be a steal at the end of the first round or early second round due to his unique combination of skills.
- Jamal Shead, G, Houston Shead is a defensive specialist who was one of the top on-ball defenders in college basketball this past season. He will be a defensive pest for opponents in the Summer League and potentially find a role in the NBA thanks to his skills.
These eight upperclassmen offer varying levels of upside and potential impact for NBA teams looking to add experienced talent to their rosters. With so much uncertainty surrounding this year’s draft class, it’s an exciting time for teams to turn to players who can contribute right away.