NBA Draft 2024 Rumors: Insiders See No. 5 Pick Similar to No. 10-12 in 'Normal' Years
On paper, the 2024 NBA draft class doesn't appear as strong as others, although we won't know the answer for sure until these prospects take the court.
However, the current assessment of the 2024 group is such that "many around the NBA" believe that the No. 5 pick in this year's draft would be "the equivalent to the 10th to 12th pick in a normal draft class," according to The Athletic's James L. Edwards III:
"By all accounts, talking to league executives, scouts and talent evaluators, the top of the 2024 NBA Draft class is one of the least inspiring in recent memory. There are concerns that whomever goes in the top-three spots won't be worth the payday that comes with being the top choice over the duration of their rookie contract. There are also worries that whoever goes in that range could end up being as good as the players slotted to go in the late lottery. And there are thoughts that whoever goes in the top three won't be ready to contribute in a significant way immediately.
"There are many around the NBA that I've talked to who see the No. 5 pick as the equivalent to the 10th to 12th pick in a normal draft class."
Edwards went on to say that French center Alexandre Sarr, formerly of the National Basketball League's Perth Wildcats, "appears to be the clubhouse leader to go No. 1 overall" but that he's seen as "comfortably below the likes of Evan Mobley, Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith as a prospect," all of whom were selected second or third in recent drafts.
In addition to the perceived lack of high-end quality, there's also plenty of uncertainty, too.
"Talking to scouts, nobody seems to have the same order of rankings, including at the top, where there are legitimately between five and 10 candidates who can go No. 1," Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report wrote.
"Looking at this year's draft class is like heading to your favorite steakhouse only to find out they're out of steak," The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor wrote.
"Sure, there are still plenty of other delicious options: your trusted bigs, two-way upside wings, and guards who can cook up their own shots. But there's no Wagyu porterhouse like Victor Wembanyama last year. There isn't even a consensus on which entrées are the best."
Ultimately, it's safe to say many analysts, scouts, executives and coaches alike may be throwing their hands up in the air at this stage. Perhaps we'll look back on the 2024 class and wonder why people were so down on it, but for now, it's clear that this year is dotted with big-time question marks.
