The 2024 NBA Draft is still over two months away, but the Final Four has been decided as March Madness moves toward its annual climax.
The final teams remaining in this year's NCAA Division I men's tournament are UW, Purdue, Alabama and North Carolina State. The University Huskies, in particular, have made it this far by taking advantage of having some of the top prospects in this year's NBA Draft class. They have dominated all four opponents so far, but have yet to win by less than 17 points.
They're not the only NBA prospects, and lesser-known players from all four of these teams can increase their draft stock with strong performances in the final games of the tournament.
Here are the latest predictions for where players will land in this year's Final Four.
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Donovan Clingan, C, University of California
Jonathan Gibboney and Jeremy Wu, ESPN: 3rd overall – Charlotte Hornets
“According to ESPN Stats and Information research, Illinois went 3-of-25 (12%) in the 22 minutes Clingan played on the floor and 0-of-19 in direct challenges,” Givony said. writing. Despite lacking top star power in the draft, Clingan appears to be a productive starter and almost a sure bet to be a big-impact player. ”
Kevin O'Connor “The Ringer”: 7th overall – Memphis Grizzlies
O'Connor said, “After trading away Steven Adams, the Grizzlies are woefully lacking at center. Clingan is like a younger version of Adams, a rotational threat for Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. “It may function as a dominant rim protector that strengthens the flanks.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: 5th overall – Portland Trail Blazers
“He can provide value with his finishing, pressure on the glass, and low post game, despite lacking a skillset or path to upside offensively,” Wasserman said. “But he can also provide value as a passer. He has shown significant improvement and looks like a legitimate assist weapon.” Who sees the floor, reads the play and gets the ball over the top at 7 feet 2 inches tall. ”
Sports Illustrated Draft Digest Staff: 7th overall – Memphis Grizzlies
Stephon Castle, University College, Singapore
Jonathan Gibboney and Jeremy Wu, ESPN: 14th overall – Los Angeles Lakers
Gibbony said, “Castle's youth, impressive physical profile, excellent defense, and the consistently strong reports we have received about his intangibles and approach still project him as a top-20 pick. He is an easy player and I hope he will develop into a Cam Reddish type player.” “
Kevin O'Connor “The Ringer”: 8th overall – Houston Rockets
O'Connor said, “Ime Udoka loves to play defense, and Castle is probably the best guard-defender in the draft. His size and versatility, along with his ability to attack downhill on offense, made him a Houston lottery pick last year. He fits the same profile as nominee Armen Thompson.” . ”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: 7th overall – Memphis Grizzlies
Wasserman said, “Very effective in transition, a physical attack in the half court, a playmaking threat on the live dribble, and a defensive stopper, Castle is the glue of the upper floors in the worst-case outcome.'' “Even modest improvements in shooting are possible.” Creating a turnaround in quality starters…”
Sports Illustrated Draft Digest Staff: 9th overall – Utah Jazz
Zach Eadie, C, Purdue
Jonathan Gibboney and Jeremy Wu, ESPN: 13th overall – Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State Warriors)
Giboney said, “Eday has been viewed as a lock-up first-round pick by most NBA teams ESPN has talked to in recent months, but his late-blooming trajectory (he started playing basketball at age 15) , its status has improved considerably.” , competitiveness, and the fact that he's still a young senior at 21 years old. ”
Kevin O'Connor “The Ringer”: 12th overall – Oklahoma City Thunder
O'Connor said, “I'm endlessly fascinated by the possibility of putting Eady next to a rim protector like Chet Holmgren. Eady can provide the beef on the inside, and Holmgren can provide the versatility.” “This combination looks incredible on paper and I would imagine,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said in his dynamic system with a center as big as Eadie. If I could add another layer, I'd do cartwheels. ”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: 25th overall – Milwaukee Bucks
“In a 40-point game against Tennessee, Zach Eady won four tournaments en route to the Final Four and averaged 30.0 points,” Wasserman said. The gender combination simply creates too much of an advantage over Tennessee.” Most college defensemen are like that. ”
Sports Illustrated Draft Digest Staff: 18th overall – Atlanta Hawks
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Alex Karaban, SF/PF, UConn
Jonathan Gibboney and Jeremy Wu, ESPN: 50th overall – Orlando Magic
Kevin O'Connor “The Ringer”: 39th overall – New York Knicks
O'Connor wrote, “Calaban's shooting talent and cutting ability would make him a perfect fit for the Knicks, and there is no coaching staff better suited to help him maximize his defensive potential.” ing.
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: 55th overall – Golden State Warriors (via Milwaukee Bucks)
Wasserman said, “Alex Karaban showed a comfortable level of scoring from off the ball, showing his strengths as a cutter, spot-up, pick-and-pop, and move shooter…behind the arc and at the rim. He plays efficiently and appears to have translatable offensive skills with decent defensive foot speed.”
Sports Illustrated Draft Digest Staff: 56th overall – Los Angeles Lakers (via Los Angeles Clippers)
Tristen Newton (UConn), Cam Spencer (UConn) and Mark Sears (Alabama) are on the rise.
Cam Spencer, University College, Singapore
Jonathan Gibboney and Jeremy Wu, ESPN: 58th overall – Dallas Mavericks (via Boston Celtics)
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: 56th overall – Denver Nuggets (via Minnesota Timberwolves)
Wasserman said, “While 23-year-old Cam Spencer doesn't have overwhelming physical or athletic attributes, he is a draft pick thanks to his consistent off-screen shooting and ball-screen skills such as pull-ups, floaters, and passes. We will be able to obtain the right,” he wrote.
Tristen Newton, PG, UConn
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: 51st Overall – Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland Cavaliers)
Wasserman said, “Even with Tristen Newton's athletic limitations and shooting-related deficiencies, his versatility and winning percentage will earn him a two-way contract offer… will have a chance to buy some glue time with passes, rebounds and defense.”
Mark Sears, PG, Alabama
Jonathan Gibboney and Jeremy Wu, ESPN: Not applicable
“From an efficiency standpoint, Sears' scoring ability puts him among the top guards in this draft class,” Wu said. “He is an excellent shot maker who puts a lot of pressure on defenders in transition and in screen coverage. “I grew up,” he wrote.
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When is the 2024 NBA Draft?
where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
when: June 26-27, 2024
Cable TV: ESPN; ABC
streaming: ESPN+; Fubo TV
