Jay Bilas – 10 Players Who Might Change Your Mind About This NBA Draft

If you talk to analysts, pundits, observers and NBA staff about the 2024 draft, you’ll get a clear impression that it’s a “weak draft” or a “bad draft.”

Granted, there isn’t a “no-brainer” selection at the very top and no guaranteed All-Stars in the lottery, as we’ve seen in past drafts, but there’s still talent and value. Look at it this way: If Jalen Brunson (Villanova) and Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State) had come out of college instead a few years ago, people would still be calling this a poor draft.

The draft, which will take place Wednesday and Thursday (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+), isn’t as sexy or powerful at the top as last year’s Victor Wembanyama draft or next year’s Cooper Flagg draft. But there’s a lot to like about those in the green room and beyond this year. Remember, the draft is a two-day event for the first time this year, with the first round on Wednesday and the second round on Thursday, giving teams more time to make selections and make trades.

This year marks my 22nd straight NBA draft sitting at the main desk.

My first NBA draft for ESPN was in 2003, when LeBron James was the No. 1 selection — and I had my hair cut before we went on the air. In that time, there have been great drafts and less-than-great drafts, but every year has yielded quality talent.

While I can’t persuasively argue with those who say this isn’t a red-carpet, marquee-name draft, here are 10 prospects I really like and why: