The 2024 NBA Draft is certainly one of the most unpredictable in recent memory – and that’s before taking into consideration the future of LeBron James’ son, Bronny.
But projected first-round picks Ron Holland and Isaiah Collier don’t want people to confuse unpredictability with weakness.
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The class of 2024 doesn’t have a clear-cut No. 1 overall pick.
Just like in the case of Victor Wembanyama last year, it appears that a Frenchman will be the first name off the board, with the Atlanta Hawks widely expected to select forward Zaccharie Risacher.
But Risacher, 19, hasn’t generated nearly the same buzz that Wembanyama did when he arrived in the NBA with the label of a franchise-changing generational talent 12 months ago.
Furthermore, former JL Bourg has become the preferred choice recently, with his compatriot Alex Sarr, 19, and Holland, 18, taking up the mantle at some point in recent months as well.
But while this year’s draft isn’t very top-heavy, it still appears to be rich in talent that could contribute immediately — and some prospects share the sentiment.
“To be honest, I feel like this is a great class,” Collier, 19, told reporters Tuesday.
“Everyone says he’s weak or something…
“I think everything is open because there are a lot of good players and no one really knows who is at the top.
“I don’t feel like anyone in particular is at the top. It’s just a fire situation right now.”
Holland echoed the former University of Southern California guard’s words.
“I think it’s just… a lot of players don’t really know where they’re going,” the G League Ignite alum said.
“This is one of the most unpredictable drafts there has ever been.
“And I think that’s a really good thing because it shows how good this NBA draft class is.
“One thing about us is we’ve all been at the levels we’ve been at. And at some point, we all started to dominate.”
2024 NBA Draft Request – Lottery Picks
- Atlanta Falcons
- Wizards of Washington
- Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
- St. Anthony’s incentive
- Detroit pistons
- Charlotte Hornets
- Portland Trail Blazers
- San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Utah Jazz
- Chicago buffaloes
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston)
- Kings of Sacramento
- Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
Holland had no doubt his draft class would do well in the NBA.
“Wherever everybody goes, I think everybody’s going to be playing,” the 6-foot-1 wing said.
Asked by The US Sun what emotions the “weak” statements evoked, Collier said he and his colleagues didn’t lose any sleep over them.
“I don’t think anyone cares,” said the 6-foot-10 playmaker.
“I mean, we’re getting called up tomorrow. So this is a blessing in disguise, for sure.”
The New York Knicks’ blockbuster trade for Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges on Tuesday only added to the uncertainty surrounding the draft.
The Knicks sent Bojan Bogdanovic along with a massive draft package, including five first-rounders, to Brooklyn in exchange for Bridges.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
