The 2024 draft class has been regarded as a waste of a pick for years. GMs around the league were talking about it being a gap year between Wembanyama and the guys in 2025 and 2026.

But now, as we close in on the upcoming season, it’s time we take a relook to see what to ACTUALLY expect from the rookies.

The Top 3

First off, let’s talk about the top 3 selections. Rockets got Reed Sheppard at three, Wizards took Alex Sarr at two, and Hawks got Zaccharie Risacher with the number one overall pick.

If Summer League showed us anything between the top picks, it’s that Houston might’ve gotten the best guy in the entire draft at number three.

Reed Sheppard is an elite shooter who radiates connective piece energy. At 6’3”, he won’t be the biggest guy in a backcourt, but he’s shown flashes of effectively getting in passing lines and an endless motor. Sheppard averaged 20 points and eight assists in Las Vegas, shooting 41% from three.

From the Rockets' perspective, this is precisely what they needed: someone who can set the table for scorers like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun while having a quick and accurate trigger from deep next to guys like Sengun, Tari Eason, and Amen Thompson. We’ve seen a ton of smaller guards have long careers with those two abilities; if I’m Houston, I do not see a problem.

Whereas if I’m the Hawks or the Wizards, well, then I might be. The Washington Wizards wanted Alex Sarr, and for some reason, Alex Sarr wanted the Washington Wizards. Sarr is a prospect scouted mostly for his massive defensive upside. At 7’1” with a 7’4” wingspan, the NBA has yet another French big man coming for the Defensive Player of the Year awards.

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