As we approach the postseason, the 2024 NBA draft boards are starting to clear up, but they are continuously changing. There have been significant changes compared to boards prior to the start of the season. This is the nature of the game, of course, as scouts gain a deeper understanding of candidates’ strengths and weaknesses.
For certain prospects, however, things have been going well since the beginning of the season. Let’s take a look at the top 2024 NBA draft risers up to this time.
Reed Shepherd
Reed Sheppard was the underappreciated potential in Kentucky’s loaded freshmen class. Three of the top six overall players in the 2023 class have signed with Kentucky. These three players were also ranked higher than Rob Dillingham, who will be next on this list. All, including Dillingham, were ranked higher than Sheppard, who was ranked 23rd by ESPN. Sheppard rose swiftly in the draft rankings after distinguishing himself as Kentucky’s finest statistical player. He’s only six feet three and lacks elite athleticism, but he’s shown to be a deadly shooter and high-IQ passer. Sheppard has also demonstrated exceptional team defense, averaging 2.4 thefts per game. Most mock drafts presently forecast him as the top Kentucky draft pick, with Dillingham close behind him.
Rob Dillingham
Dillingham was a blue-chip recruit entering Kentucky this season, but he was one of the few to outperform expectations. Dillingham’s major NBA concern heading into the season was determining what role he could play at the next level. Was he a standout microwave scorer? Can he play pure point guard? Dillingham answered these questions by demonstrating his ability to excel in whatever function was required. He’s now solidly in the starting rotation at Kentucky and has succeeded in virtually any lineup. Dillingham has the ability to give out assists, perform point guard duties, and even become an explosive scorer when needed. This play cemented his status as one of the most significant NBA draft risers, putting him in line for the lottery.
Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht transferred to Tennessee this year after spending two seasons at Northern Colorado. With little excitement around his name, it’s understandable that he wouldn’t be on draft boards before the season began. Knecht’s first major breakout performance came against North Carolina, when he scored 37 points. He’s a six-foot-six sharpshooting wing who has demonstrated highlight dunks when given the opportunity. He has six games with more than 25 points this season, averaging 20.1.
Kevin McCullar
Kevin McCullar is in his forth year at Kansas. With the NBA’s preference for youth in the draft, McCullar wasn’t high on the boards. He’s been mentioned as one of the NBA draft’s rising stars due to his steady progress. He’s always been an excellent defender, but with increasing usage this season, he’s improved his shooting and taken on an offensive initiator role for Kansas. As an upperclassman who can contribute early, he has an advantage in the weaker 2024 class, which is riddled with questions. McCullar hopes to emulate Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s achievements. Jaquez was an older UCLA recruit who is enjoying a great debut season for the Miami Heat.
Tidjane Salaun
Tidjane Salaun, our sole international prospect on the list, received some attention before to the season. Most people assumed early on that he was a project choice whose upside would not match his production. He swiftly proved this wrong by answering many of the questions scouts had before the season began. He’s a solid three-point shooter and has impressive quickness in space. Salaun is a lanky six-foot-nine wing who most people compare to Michael Porter Jr. He may rise much higher on draft boards if he continues to shoot the three-ball at the high percentages he has previously demonstrated. He makes the list of NBA draft risers because he’s begun to receive top-10 consideration.
Yves Missi
Yves Missi is an excellent illustration of what one may achieve by mastering a specific role or skill set. Missi, the 53rd-ranked talent in the 2023 class, was not expected to be a one-time recruit. He’s an almost seven-foot-tall big guy who moves fluidly and provides immediate defensive impact. He hopes to fill the desired center role in today’s game by blocking shots and finishing pick-and-roll plays. Missi’s great efficiency and clear role have propelled him into mid- to first-round consideration.
Cody Williams
Cody Williams isn’t your usual sleeper prospect, so many may be asking why he’s on a list of NBA draft risers. Before the season began, Williams was ranked among the top ten players in the 2023 class and was solidly in the first round conversation. Many predicted he’d be excellent, but he’s been outstanding for Colorado this season. He is now being considered for the number one overall pick, thus he deserves to be on this list. He’s a six-foot-eight, thin wing and the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder starting guard Jalen Williams. Williams is a smooth and fluid athlete who appears to have a fairly polished all-around game given his age. Young wings with productivity and upside, such as Williams, are typically drafted first overall.
