Analyzing the Fantasy Value of the Top 10 NBA Draft Picks 2024

With the 2024 NBA Draft over and free agency settling down, some lottery picks could be valuable in fantasy basketball in the upcoming 2024-25 season. Although many consider this class to be weaker, each rookie has the potential to make an impact in real life and fantasy.

Analyzing the Fantasy Value of the Top 10 NBA Draft Picks 2024

#1 Zaccharie Risacher

2023-24 Stats with JL Bourg: 10.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.2 3PM, 1.3 TOV, 44/35/74

Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick, is another highly touted French prospect. The 19-year-old is expected to land the starting small forward position with the Atlanta Hawks, but even if not, he will play a major role in the rotation. He’s a threat at 3-and-D, can shoot from almost anywhere, and is versatile enough to defend multiple positions. However, his poor AST/TO ratio, low stock, and difficulty creating shots hurt his ADP. The Dejounte Murray trade suggests Trae Young and Jalen Johnson will lead the team, but the star’s transfer left a big hole for Risacher to fill. Having one of the league’s best playmakers in Young also gives the rookie the opportunity to contribute more as a scorer. While it’s hard to imagine Risacher having significant fantasy value, the 6-foot-1 forward could be a late-round pick.

#2 Alex Sarr

2023-24 Stats with Perth: 9.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 0.6 3PM, 1.1 TOV, 52/30/71

Alex Sarr, a 7-foot-4 French player who is joining the Washington Wizards and one of the big names in the 2024 draft, reportedly wants to play power forward, which fits the team’s roster after the signing of Jonas Valanciunas. His best attributes are on defense, where his athleticism and length allow him to block shots and pull down rebounds. The 19-year-old is still very inexperienced on offense, with limited long-range shooting and playmaking ability. But he can finish near the basket and may develop a jump shot in time. Sarr probably has the most fantasy potential of the rookies, as he appears to be the cornerstone for the Wizards as they rebuild. Washington will invest a lot of playing time in him, which is a positive sign for his fantasy value. Managers should have no concerns drafting Sarr at around 100 points.

#3 Reed Sheppard

2023-24 Stats with Kentucky: 12.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.3 3PM, 2.0 TOV, 54/52/83

Despite his numbers being better than the top two picks, Reed Sheppard fell to third place and landed with the Houston Rockets. The rookie was known at Kentucky for his versatility in filling the stat sheet and his athleticism. He shines as a highly efficient three-point shooter, but can score at all three levels. The 20-year-old is also known for his playmaking and defensive disruption to force turnovers. Reed’s downside, however, is his inconsistent shooting percentage and smaller frame, which limits his shot creation. He also joins a Rockets team with a lot of young players to compete with for minutes. Given the team’s depth, Sheppard will likely be a backup guard if there are injuries on the team.

#4 Stephon Castle

2023-24 Stats with UConn: 11.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 0.6 3PM, 1.5 TOV, 47/27/76

The San Antonio Spurs picked up another high-profile pick this year in Stephon Castle. The rookie is a combo guard known for his defense and will fit perfectly into Gregg Popovich’s defensive-minded team. The 19-year-old is compared to Jrue Holiday and is a source of stocks and rebounds. Castle’s strength and athleticism make him a tantalizing defender for a team that ranks in the bottom 10 of the league in defensive rating. With his ability to finish around the basket and his passing skills, he can also make an impact on offense. His biggest area for improvement is shooting, as he struggles to land shots beyond the basket, especially from distance. The rookie will likely be the starting shooting guard, especially after the signing of Chris Paul. Castle’s ability to contribute in defensive categories while also providing some value in others makes him a late-round fantasy pick.

#5 Ron Holland II

2023-24 Stats with G-League Ignite: 18.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 0.7 3PM, 3.5 TOV, 47/24/68

Ron Holland II is one of the youngest rookies in the 2024 class, but he’s ready to make an impact for the Detroit Pistons. The 18-year-old defensive specialist uses his long wingspan, versatility and athleticism to shut down opponents by disrupting plays and shots. Holland is considered one of the best defenders in his class, and his diligence in that regard allows him to rack up stocks and rebounds. He also has a solid understanding of the game and can take a lot of hits. His weaknesses, however, are shooting and turnovers. On offense, he’s still inexperienced, struggles with consistency and decision-making, but has potential to develop his technique. Additionally, Holland’s fit in the Pistons’ scheme is uncertain, especially with Ausar Thompson and Simone Fontecchio already playing small forward. Given his age and potential, he should be able to carve out a role for himself. Holland can be a speculative last-round pick or a streamer.

#6 Tidjane Salaun

2023-24 Stats with Cholet: 9.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 1.4 3PM, 1.5 TOV, 37/33/77

The third Frenchman on this list, Tidjane Salaun, is another 18-year-old joining the Charlotte Hornets. The forward is a very inexperienced prospect who has only been playing competitive basketball for a couple of years. Still, his athleticism and versatility suggest tremendous potential as a defender. He has the 3-and-D archetype, but also thrives on the boards and in transition thanks to his frame and quickness. However, Salaun likely won’t have a huge immediate impact as he is still a very inexperienced prospect. He needs to improve on both ends of the court and in his decision-making, but the Hornets are a developing team that should provide him with solid playing time. However, due to concerns about his NBA readiness and development needs, Salaun is a fantasy watchlist player with streaming potential.

#7 Donovan Clingan

2023-24 Stats with UConn: 13.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.5 BPG, 0.1 3PM, 0.8 TOV, 64/25/58

The massive Donovan Clingan is a two-time NCAA champion with numerous accolades. The Portland Trail Blazers have signed a 7-foot-11 man with incredible strength, length, and agility. These traits make him a defensive monster that is very difficult to score against. He excels as a basket scorer who intimidates opponents with his excellent blocking. The 20-year-old also uses his size to his advantage on offense, as he is an efficient point scorer in the interior and a threat on putbacks. There are some concerns about Clingan’s health, speed, and leaping ability, but he is among the strongest and best defenders in his class and has an exceptional basketball IQ. However, his fantasy value is clouded by the fact that the Blazers have Deandre Ayton in the starting lineup as a center. If used well, he can score in the defensive categories, rebounding, and some points. Until Clingan’s role is clear, he is a promising player to keep an eye on and can be a valuable streamer if Ayton is out.

#8 Rob Dillingham

2023-24 Stats with Kentucky: 15.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.0 3PM, 2.0 TOV, 48/44/80

Rob Dillingham is a promising prospect for the Minnesota Timberwolves who has plenty of tricks up his sleeve on offense. He’s a microwave three-level scorer who efficiently converts shots. His excellent agility, footwork and ball-handling allow him to create shots and finish in the huddle. Additionally, the crafty guard’s offensive skills go well beyond his scoring. Dillingham is a great passer and can get his teammates involved by setting them up for shots. While his defensive impact is minimal and turnovers and consistency need improvement, the 19-year-old’s versatility on offense means he can still make an impact. Mike Conley runs the point guard show in Minnesota, but Dillingham could get some opportunities at the position. He could also work well as a sixth man and put up numbers in the offensive categories. Dillingham will likely provide late-round/streamer value.

#9 Zach Edney

2023-24 Stats with Purdue: 25.2 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.3 SPG, 2.2 BPG, 0.0 3PM, 2.3 TOV, 62/50/71

Zach Edey has been one of the most promising young players for years and has finally found a home in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Canadian big man’s 7’4″ frame combined with his strength makes it easy for him to block shots and grab rebounds. The tallest rookie in the 2024 draft also uses his body to dominate in the post and finish close to the basket. Although his agility has increased, Edey is not a quick player, which makes him a liability when defending the perimeter, in transition and in pick-and-rolls. He is also not the most efficient free throw shooter and will need to adjust his game to fit the league. Additionally, he was one of the best offensive options at Purdue, but in Memphis he will play a smaller role in scoring. However, he could probably translate his double-double average to the NBA level. There is also a good chance he will start as a center while Jaren Jackson Jr. moves to power forward. For this reason, Edey’s draft stock is just outside the top 100 for a late-round pick.

#10 Cody Williams – Utah Jazz

2023-24 Stats with Colorado: 11.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.7 3PM, 2.0 TOV, 55/42/71

Finally, with the 10th pick, the Utah Jazz selected Cody Williams, a freshman forward whose older brother is Jalen Williams of the Thunder. He is best described as a player with a lot of stats who doesn’t stand out in any one category. On offense, he can get to the basket, especially in transition, and hit spot-up shots. He has the potential to be a three-point threat and a good playmaker. Continuing to develop his scoring skills could make him a great three-point scorer. On the other hand, the 6-foot-4 wing is a versatile defender with good size and active hands, allowing him to grab some sticks. On the other hand, Williams needs to become more consistent and missed quite a bit of time last season due to injuries. Overall, the 19-year-old needs to refine his offensive game to become a productive scorer and fill out his frame to become a true defender. The Jazz, who are in the midst of a rebuild, have several young players they are looking to develop, suggesting the rookie will get opportunities. However, with Williams looking to develop his game, he will likely play off the bench this season, making him a player to keep an eye on and a potential streamer.