Three Top Role Players in the 2024 NBA Draft
Photo Credit: HoopsHype
With the NBA 23-24 season wrapped up, we look forward to the next season as there is an entire offseason of work for all 30 teams, including the reigning champion Boston Celtics. That being said, we are in draft season, and less than 30 days remain until the NBA offseason begins. This will be the first NBA season where we see the draft spread out over two days, which will shine more of a spotlight on 2nd-round rookies drafted.
The 2nd round of the NBA draft is usually overlooked because it is always on the same date as the first round, and most people usually turn off their TV after the 30th overall pick. But something to keep in mind this year is that these prospects aren’t as hyped up as previous seasons. There are no big names like Victor Wembanyama or Chet Holmgren, but this draft does include some key pieces that will help teams elevate from average to above average and possibly take that next step. My prediction for this draft is that the second round will be filled with more team-playing athletes that have similarities to already established role players. Role players like Jrue Holiday, Alex Caruso, and even Derrick White are hidden in this draft and will fall to a team that will get blessed and lucky with a steal.
For starters, DJ Burns Jr. out of NC State was a national sensation for about three weeks of March Madness. Despite his game doing the talking, his swagger and admiration among many college and NBA fans have increased his image for the draft. Sources also say that he dropped 45 pounds during the combine, which makes him easily a better and faster athlete than before. Previously, he was projected to be drafted in the late second round, and even some sources say he will be undrafted. Regardless, though, he will play for an NBA team come this fall and shine. With copycat similarities to players like Zach Randolph, Burns can easily be coached into an elite forward. His instincts as a big man resemble point guard-like tendencies. Big men who have those guard tendencies tend to thrive better in the league, like Nikola Jokic.
Next is a very hot topic that has been debated amongst all basketball fans, and that is Bronny James getting drafted. Although he is not the embodiment of his father, James is still a smart and developed basketball player that can easily star in close, important games. Listed at 6’2”, 210 pounds, he is severely undersized for the guard position, but James is backed by his elite defensive presence that has some mirroring of his pops. He isn’t an electric offensive power guard, but he does have smart awareness for a guard his height. With similarities to Jrue Holiday and Davion Mitchell, James will get drafted into the NBA in the second round. His overall skills have been questioned by most, but I predict he will go 40th overall. The only thing holding him back besides his size and quality as a guard is his experience in college. James only played one season at USC and didn’t have the ideal productive season critics and scouts hoped for. But with the talent he provides and the last name he brings, Bronny will be the second James to be drafted into the NBA.
Lastly, a prospect that has gotten no attention and deserves all of it is Emanuel Miller. Coming out of TCU, Miller is an all-around certified forward that every GM should drool for. Listed at 6’7” and 215 pounds, he is a bit undersized for his position, but Miller has everything a forward should have. Elite on-ball presence and willingness to take on bigger players in the paint while also having the discipline to guard quick guards is his biggest strength. His shot from beyond the perimeter is also a good strength he has on him, establishing him as a 3&D player. Averaging double figures in all his season starts in college, Miller has the upside that brings him close to the 1st round. Not being the flashiest player on the court, he goes severely unnoticed, but he brings the same to the table as most players on this list. While most big boards don’t, I predict Miller gets drafted in the late second round by a team like the Pacers or the Kings. His IQ and ball knowledge as a player is too good to pass up on for a close contending team that wants to win.