Having one of the top draft picks this year is not likely to alter the destiny of your dynasty team but there are a handful of impactful players to be had near the top of the draft and some intriguing long-term prospects throughout the top 20.
As with all draft classes, there will be some surprises; players that develop faster and better than we expect and go on to become stars. So, although this is widely considered a weak draft class there will end up being some really good NBA players (and fantasy players) that come from this class.
Here are my initial top 20 dynasty rookies from the 2024 Draft Class. UPDATED 10/20
- Reed Sheppard – PG/SG – Rockets – I’ve gone back and forth about having Reed in the top spot but at the end of the day his elite 3pt shooting skills, heady passing and all around production give him the edge. He landed in a great spot in Houston and should get plenty of minutes and contribute early. He might not have the most upside of the players on this list but he’s got such elite shooting ability that he’s got a solid floor and his ceiling is high too.
- Zaccharie Risacher – SF – Hawks – The no.1 overall pick isn’t going to change your fantasy team around, just like he’s not going to change the Hawks franchise around but he’s a nice overall talent who should provide good offensive production, including plenty of 3’s.
- Donovan Clingan – C – Trailblazers – Clingan has a chance to be an impactful player from day one and could end up as one of the fantasy monsters from this draft class. If the minutes are there he’ll be a rebounding and shot blocking machine who should also give you great percentages on the offensive end. There’s even a chance that his 3p shot is for real, which would take his value to a whole new level. He’s not the most exciting pick but his ability to contribute in so many categories gives him a lot of fantasy value.
- Alexandre Sarr – PF/C – Wizards – Sarr has a ton of upside but he looks to be pretty far away from being NBA ready. If you want to swing for upside and are willing to wait for him to develop this would be a fine pick. But there’s definitely some bust potential here.
- Stephen Castle – PG/SG – Spurs – His offense might take some time to come around but Castle should have every opportunity to get minutes early and will contribute in many categories. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders to come out in years and should rack up steals and blocks. His ability to play the point guard position will be a key to his success in the league and as a fantasy option.
- Rob Dillingham – PG – Timberwolves – Dillingham should have a clear cut role early in his career as a microwave scorer/energizer who promises to have some big scoring outbursts, mixed in with some duds. If he can maintain the efficiency he showed at Kentucky and continue to show his willingness as a passer he could be a fantasy stud.
- Zach Edey – C – Grizzlies – Who knows how this will play out but it’s going to be fascinating to watch. Edey’s role could be as a depth big early in his career but the Grizzlies didn’t take him in the top 10 to have him ride the pine. How he adjusts to the league will be one of the big story-lines early in the season. If it all goes well he could be a fantasy monster, but there’s downside here as well.
- Carlton Carrington – PG – Wizards – Carrington looked really good in summer league and has a clear path to minutes with the rebuilding Wizards, so he should be drafted in the top 10 of dynasty rookie drafts. He’s a crafty scorer who might not blow you away with athleticism but knows how to put the ball in the basket.
- Tidjane Salaun – PF – Hornets – If you’re looking to swing for upside this is the pick to make. Salaun might not do much in his rookie year but he has rare tools, emerging skills and the upside to blossom into one of the best players from this draft class.
- Kel’el Ware – C – Heat – The arrow is pointing up for Ware who finds himself in a great situation in Miami and could be an impact player from day 1. He can fill up the stat sheet, doing a bit of everything on offense and providing good defensive stats.
- Ron Holland – SF – Pistons – Holland’s high motor and athleticism give him a decent fantasy floor and his developing/emerging offensive game give him a high ceiling. I’d feel great about drafting him in the 6-10 range in rookie drafts but he could go earlier than that in some leagues.
- Dalton Knecht – SF – Lakers – He’ll be an off-ball player who should benefit from the gravity and passing abilities of LeBron. He’s an older rookie and looks very NBA ready but it remains to be seen if the minutes will be there his first year. Over the longer term I think he’ll blossom into on of the better 3pt shooter/perimeter scorers from this class.
- Jared McCain – SG – 76ers – He might be a 3pt specialist to start his career but he’s developing enough of an all round game to give him a lot of fantasy upside. He’s got some lead guard abilities and could end up contributing good assist numbers at some point in the not-to-distant future.
- Devin Carter – SG – Kings – While he’s not the sexiest pick Carter has a chance to be a great all around fantasy player who will contribute in all categories. He’s a strong defender, rebounder, transition scorer and passer. He also made big strides with his outside shot and if that improvement continues he’ll outplay this draft position.
- Nikola Topic – PG – Thunder – Topic will miss the season with an injury but is a solid stash pick for the future. He’s a talented passer who could eventually be a very productive fantasy option for those willing to be patient. If it wasn’t for the injuries he likely would have been a top 6 pick in the draft.
- Terrence Shannon Jr. – SF – Timberwolves – TSJ has looked really good this summer and could be an early contributor for the Wolves. He’s a lethal transition finisher and is a great at playing off of ball-dominant players.
- Cody Williams – SF – Jazz – It’s easy to imagine Williams struggling early in his career. I believe in his upside and think he’ll end up being really good but it could take some time. It’s hard for me to have him this low in the rankings but I think other players on this list will have bigger impacts early in their careers and Cody might see limited time in year one and two.
- Matas Buzelis – SF – Bulls – Buzelis has an all-around skillset that bodes well for his fantasy production but his ceiling will be determined by his ability to prove himself as a 3pt. shooter.
- Tristan Da Silva – PF – Magic – Not the most flashy but highly productive, Da Silva could be a sneaky good fantasy player.
- Kyle Filipowski – PF/C – Jazz – Flip is a talented offensive player who should benefit from NBA spacing. He’ll need to shoot the ball with better consistency but I think he’ll get there. When we look back in a few years I think we’ll wonder why he fell as far as he did on draft night.