Who said the big man can no longer be a force in the NBA? These 2024 NBA Draft prospects are looking to change that narrative.
10. PJ Hall, Clemson
Hall is one of my top available seniors in the 2024 NBA Draft and one of my top big men. He’s a scorer, a hard worker, and has enough range to keep defenders honest. Obviously, with four years of college under his belt, the upside isn’t as high as others on this list. But don’t be surprised if Hall’s tenacity gets him a very good shot at making an NBA team and becoming a solid bench option.
9. N’Faly Dante, Oregon
Dante was rejected the chance for another year at Oregon, which in my opinion was ridiculous. He battled injuries throughout the start of his college career, only playing in 18 games between 2019-20 and 2020-21. Still, the 6-11 center has been fairly healthy the past three years. He’s a great shot blocker, back-to-the-basket scorer, and tenacious rebounder. In Oregon’s first game of this past season, he went off for 21 boards against Georgia. The problem? He sustained an injury and didn’t play again until mid-January. If he’s on the court, he’s a solid backup big. But that’s a big ‘if.’
8. Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Filipowski will need to fill out to make it in the NBA but when you look at offensive abilities, he certainly has it. I view him as a stretch four in the NBA, but has the length to finish inside. Of course, 34.8% from three is far from knockdown territory, but as a 7-footer, there’s room for him to get stronger and round out his overall offensive game. Defensively, there are concerns, but provides length, which given the right development, could turn the Duke star into a great two-way player.
7. Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco
The LeBron James of the West Coast Conference, Mogbo might be 6-8, but the power forward has guard instincts. He’s a special prospect thanks to his strength to be considered a big man, but skills to play multiple positions. In the era of positionless basketball, consider Mogbo an elite prospect.
6. DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
Holmes is the typical college big man who will need to become a power forward if he wants to make it in the NBA. Fortunately, he showed a lot of potential, knocking down nearly 40% of his threes last season. He’s also a terrific rebounder and passer, which gives him an edge on a lot of big men in this draft. For Holmes, there’s not much he doesn’t do well, which is perfect for any team looking to draft him. Plus, he’s probably a second-rounder, which is great value.
5. Kel’el Ware, Indiana
Ware only played two years of college basketball, so right off the bat, the 2024 NBA Draft prospect has tons of potential. As a Hoosier, he showcased scoring, defense, and rebounding. Ware only attempted 40 threes on the year, but he made 17 of them. That alone makes the 7-footer someone to keep an eye on. If he gets more confident to take multiple threes per game in the NBA, he will be a steal.
4. Zach Edey, Purdue
The critique of Edey will always be, “he’s just tall.” My rebuttal? There are a lot of other 7-footers in college basketball who didn’t come close to putting up numbers like him. While Edey needs to develop some sort of a shot, he has tremendous basketball IQ, and physically, can stand his ground in the NBA. At 7-4, he can shoot over the top of virtually any player in the league, even if his range is primarily in the paint. I say, take a chance, and see where it goes.
3. Yves Missi, Baylor
At 6-10, Missi weighs about 235 pounds, and won’t be moved around easily in the NBA. The Baylor product averaged 1.5 blocks in just 22.9 minutes per game. His defensive capabilities are the reason he’s sought after so highly. Plus, he’s a one-and-done, so his offense can still skyrocket in the Association. Missi is a project, but one a lot of NBA teams will want to take on.
2. Donovan Clingan, UConn
There are rumors of Clingan going first overall to the Atlanta Hawks, and in a weak draft, it makes sense. He’s a (two-time) champion, defensive monster, with loads of potential on the offensive end. Plus, Clingan was overshadowed on a very talented Huskies team. Had he played on an average squad, the 2024 NBA Draft prospect may have had better stats to showcase. He’s the perfect example of why in college basketball, stats aren’t everything. If you’re in the market for a big man and can deal with a year or two of development, his upside his very good.
1. Alex Sarr, France
The international star is an elite shot blocker, who posted a 37-inch vertical at the 2024 NBA Draft combine. For a 7-footer, that’s very impressive. Of course, his game will need to be developed at the next level, but the 19-year-old is your typical international prospect, who could become a star in the best pro league in the world.