Our confidence level in forecasting the top of next year's class is at an all-time low, mostly because of how flawed this group looks on paper early on. Bronny James is one of the most-known high school basketball juniors in the country. With Cade Cunningham lost for the season, the Pistons focus moves to Killian Hayes and Jaden Iveys on-ball developmentand Wembanyama. 10 James is rated as a 4-star prospect and the No. All rights reserved (About Us). March 3, 2023. But he also doesnt turn 19 until next summer, and at 67 and 220 pounds with downhill athleticism, strong shot-making skill off the dribble and the ability to separate into jumpers fairly easily, his enticing scoring and defensive potential remain intact. 0. Durant, a four-time scoring champion, now sets his sights on Hakeem Olajuwon in 12th place. Teams currently projected to have multiple first-rounders include: Oklahoma City will have as many as four first-rounders: Houston's (top-four protected), the Clippers' (unprotected), Utah's (top-10 protected) and its own. 9 overall pick, with James is projected to go to the Orlando Magic with the No. Teams intrigued by the idea of adding another half-court scoring threat could detect value in Jackson-Davis post game, pick-and-roll finishing and passing. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed. You can follow him onTwitter. That process will continue during the high school all-star game circuit -- McDonald's All-American, Nike Hoop Summit and Geico Nationals -- in March and April. We have 14 high school seniors currently projected as one-and-done prospects in 2024, which would be a far cry from the 2022 NBA draft (22 one-and-done freshmen selected), as well as 2021 (21). An excellent shooter and smart passer who impacts games by pressuring the ball and forcing turnovers, hes going to look like a fit with valued role-playing strengths for every team in the late-lottery range. Executives have faith that James can majorly impact a team's success. 2 in our very first forecast more than a year ago. Teams contending for Wembanyama We charge advertisers instead of our readers. All in the family: how three generations of Jaquezes have ruled West Coast basketball. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers), Judah Mintz | Syracuse | PG/SG | Age: 19.6, Babacar Sane | G League Ignite | SF/PF | Age: 19.4, Brandin Podziemski | Santa Clara | SG/SF | Age: 19.9, Juan Nunez | Ratiopharm Ulm | PG | Age: 18.7, Aaron Bradshaw | Kentucky | C | Age: 18.7, Reece Beekman | Virginia | PG/SG | Age: 21.3, Robert Dillingham | Kentucky | PG | Age: 18.1. Coming off a 36-point outburst with six threes against Gonzaga, Millers shot-making continues to impress and appears less fluky by the week. Support us by whitelisting our site. 47. Philadelphia 76ers (via New York Knicks), Trevon Brazile | Arkansas | PF | Age: 20.1, 54. Clark is starting to build an NBA role-player case around versatility, defense and palpable impact (leads NCAA inbox plus-minus). It definitely helps that his father is NBA legend LeBron James. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves):GG Jackson II (South Carolina, PF, Freshman). In fact, in his latest 2024 NBA mock draft, ESPNs Jonathan Givony had him going 10th overall while saying some glowing things about the 6-foot-2 guards development. Bronny James hasnt graduated from high school, but his status hasnt stopped the speculation of his prospects for the NBA draft. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers), Bronny James | Uncommitted | PG/SG | Age: 18.3, Bronny James is now a projected top-10 pick thanks to the significant jump he's made at Sierra Canyon, developing into arguably the best perimeter defender in his class while making strides with his shooting and playmaking . Boston Celtics (via Rockets):Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF, Junior). 28. 10 spot to be picked by the Orlando Magic. 30. San Antonio could have as many as three first-rounders; its own, Charlotte's (if it lands in the 15 to 30 range) and Toronto's (if it falls from 7 to 30). A torn ACL ruined a breakout season for Brazile, but some team figures to see a buy-low opportunity on elite leaping ability and improving three-point shooting. James looked impressive when we scouted him in person last year. Phoenix Suns:Adam Flagler (Baylor, PG/SG, Senior). We've seen dozens of underclassmen projected to go in the second round or undrafted enter the draft the past few years despite being advised against it by the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee, but with the NIL market absolutely overflowing with cash, it's possible more players decide to stay and instead make a run at next year's draft. Youll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. Sign up for the Ducks Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Introducing the APAC, an intriguing new conference idea, Assessing Christian Gonzalez's performance at the 2023 NFL Combine, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Bronny James' stock continues to rise more than a year out from when he'll be eligible to make the jump to the NBA. Here is a look at ten schools the Pac-12 could consider for conference expansion, ranked in order of men's basketball success. Howard figures to be a popular late-lottery target. 18) are other examples, as they were all completely unheralded prior to the season with the exception of Williams. ESPN has Bronny James going No. Questions about Whiteheads finishing, shooting consistency and shot selection have started pop up. (B/R) New developments in the 2023 NBA draft discussion include more breakout freshmen, injuries and a few struggling prospects who are losing scouts support. Los Angeles Lakers (via Bulls):Nikola urii (Mega, SF, 2004). LINK: https://t.co/yP8pWtEOjW pic.twitter.com/jGMBWzJlYv. San Antonio Spurs (via Chicago Bulls), Donovan Clingan | Connecticut | C | Age: 18.9, Baba Miller | Florida State | SF/PF | Age: 19.0, 37. 3. Time will tell. Teams will look past Walkers pedestrian per-game numbers. 10 in its latest 2024 NBA mock draft Robert Marvi February 22, 2023 8:00 pm ET It is never too early to prepare for an NBA When is Bronny James NBA Draft eligible? Multiple first-round draft picks have already changed hands for 2024, with more likely to change hands over the next year. Fit and versatility are selling points to Hawkins, who isnt too threatening of a scorer. One of the nations most productive off-screen scorers, Murrell should have a chance at the next level with his movement and spot-up shooting. Hypebeast is a registered trademark of Hypebeast Hong Kong Ltd. Gain access to exclusive interviews with industry creatives, think pieces, trend forecasts, guides and more. NBA team representatives say they've been disappointed with what they've seen thus far from the elite prospects in this year's high school senior class, a group that historically makes up the backbone of the 2024 draft lottery. I don't know if ya can see it but he moves and plays like a futuristic version of Isaiah Thomas (2 Time Champ) which is dope as hell. James has earned his spot in lottery conversations with the significant jump he has made at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, California, this season, developing into arguably the best perimeter defender in his high school class while making strides in his perimeter shooting and playmaking ability. The Magic would draft Whitmore to impact games with his explosiveness and power while his half-court skills develop. Atlanta Hawks:Terquavion Smith (North Carolina State, PG/SG, Sophomore). Honoring the memory of those who have passed on, while finding comfort in the belief that they continue to watch over us. Full ESPN 2024 mock draft: https://t.co/Cw5AcgxiKy pic.twitter.com/HgECP5Aed5, Bronny James is now a projected top-10 pick thanks to the significant jump he's made at Sierra Canyon, developing into arguably the best perimeter defender in his class while making strides with his shooting and playmaking . Philadelphia will forfeit a second-round pick. New Orleans can swap picks with Milwaukee if it chooses and also can elect to either take the Lakers' 2024 first-rounder (unprotected) or defer to 2025 if it does not like the makeup of the class or where the pick lands. 21. Meanwhile Florida State freshman forward Baba Miller is off the top 60 list after struggling to make much of an impact so far. Sacramento Kings (via Dallas Mavericks), Teafale Lenard | Middle Tennessee | SF/PF | Age: 20.5, Trey Alexander | Creighton | PG/SG | Age: 19.8, Olivier-Maxence Prosper | Marquette | PF | Age: 20.6, Tucker DeVries | Drake | SG/SF | Age: 21.2, 52. James has not said if he will be a one-and-done player in college. 11 overall player in the nation. A 6-foot-3 combo guard, James ranks 33rd in 247Sports' 2023 composite rankings and is the highest-rated recruit still undecided on his future. ESPN's Jonathan Givony projected him as the No. Utah Jazz (via Nets):Taylor Hendricks (UCF, SF/PF, Freshman). 20. So far, hes a bit behind in those areas, starting 6-of-22 from three with two assists in four games. Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. This would allow high school players to be drafted again. 14. We're still learning more regarding just how dynamic and explosive a ball handler and playmaker Williams is and what position and role best suits him long-term, something we'll ascertain more about at Colorado next season, which is not a traditional hot spot for one-and-done prospects. The film releases in theaters later this year. Could that be a pair of Ducks in the top 10 of the draft? Which non-quarterback group will define each top-25 team's season? With that said, Bronny still has room for improvement as a ballhandler and pull-up jumper to become a more efficient shot-creator. Givony credits Bronnys jump into the lottery to his development at Sierra Canyon where he has improved in all aspects of his game. 48. 10. While his game is predicated on mismatch positional tools and instincts for passing and blowing up plays on defense, hes also surprised with how well hes shot the three early. With the leagues second-worst record, the Hornets should be focused on talent over fit in the draft. 4. Chicago Bulls (via Nuggets):Forfeited, 57. More: https://t.co/Cw5AcgxiKy pic.twitter.com/jyL5umO5c1. Kalumas inconsistency has created some hesitation from scouts, but teams should still be willing to spend a second-round pick on an athletic, 67, 225-wing with three-point range and flashes of shot-making versatility. We also have Nick Smith back in action and starting to regain traction as a top 5 pick. Though Strawther hasnt developed into a more threatening creator, his shooting mechanics/rhythm and touch shots are going to make teams see an off-ball scoring fit. Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire. Emailed daily. Editors Note: For More of Jonathan Wassermans coverage of the 2023 draft onBleacher Reportor to read this article on BleacherReport.com,click here. You'll now receive the top LeBron Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. James is rated as a 4-star prospect and the No. 13. While some talent evaluators believe he may still be a few years away from playing in the NBA, his latest draft projection is fairly favorable (via ESPN): Some might be surprised to see James, ranked anywhere from 28 to 43 by the major recruiting services, as a potential top-10 pick.