Reviewing and Reranking the 2024 NBA Fantasy Basketball Draft Class

Apr 29, 2025

Reviewing and Reranking the 2024 NBA Draft Class:

After their initial season, I wanted to make this article to re-evaluate and rank the top rookies based on how they have fared through their short, developing careers. I tried to factor in overall talent and future opportunity as the main deciding ranking components. For the rookies with more volume and an ability to showcase sustainable fantasy point production, I emphasized their value for the points rankings. For players with more all around appeal and overall efficiency, I prioritized their value for the CAT rankings. Overall, a player’s situation can change in a pinch with various roster changes and injuries occurring frequently in the NBA, so a rookie ranked lower on this list can dramatically rise if the chips fall correctly for them.

Zaccharie Risacher (ATL F) - Pick 1

Zaccharie Risacher wasn’t the flashiest first overall pick, but he proved his worth due to his reliable all around play. Risacher has been one of the better offensive options in this draft despite limited volume at times. When given the opportunity, he’s displayed high level scoring as he’s put up multiple 30 point outputs when given the volume. Risacher’s size and improving offensive abilities give him long term 3 and D value.

Alex Sarr (WAS F/C) - Pick 2

Alex Sarr struggled with his efficiency at times this season, but ultimately proved to be the most versatile player in this draft. Alex’s all around play was showcased by finishing top 10 in PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, and BPG amongst all rookies. Sarr continued to develop as the season went on as he progressed as a scorer and defender. If he can improve his shooting efficiency, Alex will have a surplus of fantasy upside moving forwar,d as he’s already a proven multi-faceted big man.

Reed Sheppard (HOU G) - Pick 3

While Reed Sheppard never got to fully prove himself this season, he was still able to show out in his extended opportunities. Games vs. OKC (3/3) and HOU (4/9) allowed Sheppard to display his all around abilities as he was able to put up 20+ PTS, 4+ AST, 3+ 3PM, and 2+ STL in each of those games. It’s a small sample size, but Reed has the skills to be an elite two-way guard once he sees a larger workload.

Stephon Castle (SAS G/F) - Pick 4

Stephon Castle has been the most complete player so far in this draft class as he’s flashed two-way lead guard potential on multiple occasions this season. While his path to fantasy greatness might not be the clearest after the De’Aaron Fox trade, Castle still has a ton of upside due to his defensive capabilities and athleticism. I’m not sure if it'll ever happen, but if Stephon gets to play as the primary ball-handler for the Spurs, he’ll have a plethora of fantasy appeal.

Ron Holland (DET F) - Pick 5

Ron Holland is one of the most athletic players in this class, which is why I was super high on him prior to the draft. His draft landing spot wasn’t the best, as he had to instantly compete with some already established wings, which led to him having an inconsistent workload. Like many other players in this draft class, Holland’s shot is a work in progress, but he has enough vigor to overcome that glaring weakness in his offensive skill set.

Donovan Clingan (POR) - Pick 7

Donovan Clingan didn’t get a chance to play consistent minutes until the injuries to DeAndre Ayton and Robert Williams. Clingan was able to capitalize on the increased playing time as he seized the starting center role for Portland. While Donovan isn’t the most involved offensive option, he still makes the most of his minutes by being an elite shot blocker (1st in BPG among rookies) and rebounder (3rd in RPG among rookies). If Clingan can become a more consistent lob threat for Portland, he’ll be a fantastic two-way center.

Rob Dillingham (MIN G) - Pick 8

Rob Dillingham didn’t have many chances to play during his rookie campaign as he failed to make enough of an impact to crack the Timberwolves’ rotation. Rob is still a dynamic ball hander who showed passing upside, so he’ll eventually get his moment to play more meaningful minutes in the future. Being on a win-now squad hasn’t given Dillingham a ton of opportunities to develop, but he still has a solid path to being Minnesota’s future PG as Conley isn’t getting any younger.

Zach Edey (MEM C) - Pick 9

Zach Edey was one of the most polarizing players entering the draft due to his draft age and how scouts thought he would fit into today’s NBA given he is a more traditional big man. Edey is currently the NBA’s tallest player at 7’4” which allows him to provide a size advantage for Memphis whenever he’s on the floor. Getting drafted by Memphis might’ve been the best thing to happen for Zach’s career path, as he was able to start immediately for the undersized Grizzlies. Edey’s shot blocking, rebounding, and shooting are exceptional but in order to take that next step forward in fantasy, he’ll need to work on staying out of foul trouble and his touch around the rim.

Matas Buzelis (CHI F) - Pick 11

After Zach LaVine was dealt to Sacramento, Matas Buzelis stepped up as he was one of the top performing rookies post all star break. Matas had played limited minutes prior to the trade, as he had been averaging under 15 MPG prior to the all star break. The biggest question mark heading into the 2024-25 season was whether Buzelis could improve as a shooter. Matas answered this question resoundingly as he was able to shoot 36% from deep this season. Buzelis flashed signs of fantasy upside in the back half of the season as he improved his offensive output while providing underrated shot blocking for a wing. With the Bulls finally committing to rebuild, Matas has a chance to be one of the most improved players heading into next season as the athletic, bouncy wing looks to build off of a strong rookie campaign.

Nikola Topic (OKC G) - Pick 12

Prior to being ruled out for the season, Nikola Topic was one of the most promising prospects in the 2024 draft. Topic is a bigger guard who has do-it-all appeal. While his shot needs some work, he has the tools to be a successful on-ball player long term. Nikola's ACL injury set him back, as well as his draft landing spot. OKC is one of the deeper teams in the league, with a number of players competing for minutes. While his long term fantasy situation isn’t the greatest, Topic is a player who could benefit from an eventual change in scenery.

Devin Carter (SAC G) - Round 1, Pick 13

Devin Carter played sparingly this year as he missed the start of the season due to a shoulder injury. I was pretty high on Devin prior to the draft, given I thought he had the potential, but he unfortunately never had a chance to truly showcase that. He still has to work on his overall offensive efficiency, but with De’Aaron Fox recently traded to San Antonio, Carter has a chance to improve a lot next season as the Kings could opt to use him for his two-way appeal.

Bub Carrington (WAS G) - Pick 14

Bub Carrington was the rookie with the most minutes per game (30 MPG) and games played (82) as he displayed solid all around appeal for a majority of this season. Bub needs to work on his offensive efficiency and counting defensive stats if he is going to make a leap in his future fantasy value. I’m intrigued to see how he does next season, as Washington will have Carrington, George, Coulibaly, and Middleton (assuming he accepts his player option) all competing for wing minutes.

Kel’El Ware (MIA C) - Pick 15

Ke’El Ware was played sparingly to begin the 2024-25 season as he operated as a backup center for Bam Adebayo. Once the Jimmy Butler trade occurred, Ware was able to finally get consistent playing time as Coach Spoelstra opted to play Kel’El at the 5 and slide Adebayo to the 4. Ware took full advantage of the starting opportunities as he solidified himself as a viable lob threat and shot blocker for the Heat. Kel’El shooting is still a work in progress, but if he can continue improving his jumpshot, he’ll have all of the tools to be an elite center for years to come.

Jared McCain (PHI G) - Pick 16

Prior to his season ending injury (torn meniscus), Jared McCain was emerging as this draft class’ best scorer. McCain is a fantastic catch and shoot option, which led to him averaging the most PPG amongst the rest of this year’s rookie class. His scoring can take a jump next season if he can improve his on-ball creation to create more space on drives and stepbacks. Overall, Jared has a lot going for him long term due to his scoring prowess.

Dalton Knecht (LAL G/F) - Pick 17

Dalton Knecht was arguably the most pro-ready prospect taken in this year’s class. He made an instant impact for the Lakers as he slotted in as a microwave scorer off the bench. Dalton’s early season role was a little inconsistent for LA at times, so it wouldn’t have been bad had he been moved. After being “traded” to the Hornets, it looked like Knecht was going to be able to have unlimited offensive volume for the injury riddled Charlotte squad. Unfortunately for Dalton, that trade was vetoed by the Lakers, and he eventually lost minutes in LA’s rotation due to Luka Doncic’s arrival. Overall, Knecht had his ups and downs this season, but ultimately proved he can be a quality offensive option if given the playing time.

Yves Missi (NOP C) - Pick 21

Yves Missi was one of the most consistent fantasy options in this draft class as he was able to start for New Orleans from the jump. Missi was able to have a decent role immediately due to the myriad of injuries the Pelicans were dealing with. Yves is a steady rebounder and above average shot blocker, which makes up for his lack of usage on offense. Missi performed well enough this season to be New Orleans’ starting center of the future.

Kyshawn George (WAS G/F) - Pick 24

Kyshawn George is arguably the best three and D wing from this draft class, as he’s already showcased his 3PT shooting and versatile defense. While his overall field goal percentage could see an improvement, George more than makes up for that with his defensive presence. Overall, Kyshawn has the skill set to start for Washington long term as he is a fluid enough 3PT shooter to be a quality two-way option.

Isaiah Collier (UTA G) - Pick 29

Despite being the second to last pick in the first round, Isaiah Collier proved to be a steal in this year’s draft class as he was able to earn the starting PG role for Utah by the end of this season. Collier is easily the best passer in this draft class, as he was able to average over 6 APG in his initial campaign. Isaiah needs to improve his 3PT shooting for spacing purpose,s but he has a chance to keep his starting role for the Jazz long term.

Kyle Filipowski (UTA F/C) - Pick 32

Kyle Filipowski had a productive season, considering he slid in the 2024 draft and started off the bench for the Jazz. Filipowski performed admirably for this tanking Utah squad as he operated as a stretch forward/center. If Kyle can take a step forward defensively (particularly totaling more steals and blocks), he’ll have the opportunity to be a fantasy mainstay for years to come. Next year could be tough for Filipowski to replicate his strong rookie season, though, as the Jazz have a number of viable front court options that will return from tanking, as well as Taylor Hendricks, who was lost to injury early in the season.

Adem Bona (PHI C) - Pick 41

With Joel Embiid injured and the 76ers tanking, Adem Bona was able to get a true chance to see significant playing time. Bona made the most of his increased usage as he was one of the best performing rookies post all star break. He has solid defensive instincts and good touch around the rim, which should allow him to be a viable replacement option if Embiid misses any more time in the future.