Steals of the 2024 NBA Draft

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While the NBA Draft is infamous for being headlined by big names such as LeBron James, Zion Williamson, and Victor Wembanyama, it is not uncommon for franchises to find valuable assets deep in the first round, even venturing into the second. Fourteen teams passed up on two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, NBA champion, and eight-time NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2013 NBA Draft. Three-time MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and six-time NBA All-Star Nikola Jokić was taken off the draft board at pick 41 by the Denver Nuggets in 2014. Each year, there is at least one player taken late off the board who puts together an excellent NBA career, but who could it be this year?

Jared McCain, pick 16, Philadelphia 76ers

With the Sixers needing more solid perimeter defending and floor spacing, McCain was a steal at 16. The one-and-done out of Duke averaged 14.3 points and 5 rebounds a game in his freshman season with the Blue Devils. McCain is a true competitor, giving his all on both ends of the floor, which led to his 2024 ACC All-Rookie Team selection. The key aspect of his game is his shooting, as he shot over 40% from three last season. He utilizes his quickness by setting his feet swiftly and releasing the ball high, which should translate seamlessly into the league. He shot a lights-out 19-for-25 at the Combine’s spot-up shooting drill, reinforcing the “best shooter in the draft” allegations. While McCain proved to be a committed and tough on-ball defender and solid off the ball, it’s questionable if he will be effective against lengthier guards.

Dalton Knecht, pick 17, Los Angeles Lakers

Mock drafts had Knecht to be taken as high as eight, and it is no question that he was the best available at 17. Not only was Knecht the best overall available player for Los Angeles, but he fits their need for a solid perimeter shooter. Knecht is a true scoring machine, averaging over 21 points and nearly 5 rebounds this previous season with Tennessee. Knecht’s incredible 2023-24 season ended with him being a consensus 2024 First-Team All-American, the unanimous SEC Player of the Year, and the 2024 Julius Erving Award winner, along with leading his Volunteers to the Elite Eight. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony stated on draft night that Knecht fell far down the board due to GMs not being happy with his age (23). There are defensive concerns with him as well, but although he has a long way to go, he has all the tools with his length and strong frame.

Ja’Kobe Walter, pick 19, Toronto Raptors

Walter is a young and dynamic shooter who will find an effective role in Toronto. The Baylor freshman averaged over 14.5 points and 4.4 rebounds, earning him the 2024 Big 12 Freshman of the Year. He’s a competitive defender and can switch and guard one through three. Walter’s ridiculous athleticism allows him to be a versatile scorer and can be described as the ultimate “Swiss Army Knife.” He has a true NBA body, ranking second in the standing reach, third in wingspan, and fourth in the three-quarter sprint among guard draftees.

Terrence Shannon Jr., pick 27, Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota’s first-round drafting could be one of the most hyped in the past few years. While they secured Rob Dillingham from the Spurs at pick eight, they went out and acquired Terrence Shannon Jr. late at pick 27. The Timberwolves caught fire this previous season and just fell short of the NBA Finals to the Dallas Mavericks, and it was made clear that they needed a solid facilitator and more perimeter shooters. Shannon averaged a ridiculous 23 points and 4 rebounds in his fifth year with the Illini and acquired Big Ten Tournament MVP. Shannon is an explosive athlete and a solid on- and off-ball defender, which teams look for. While Shannon is still a streaky shooter, he’s proven that he can score in bunches, such as in his 40-point performance against Nebraska, where he shot 5-for-9 from three. Shannon is the perfect guy who can come off the bench and make significant impacts on both ends of the floor for Minnesota.

Tyler Kolek, pick 34, New York Knicks

Marquette’s Kolek was selected at 34 by the Trail Blazers but was reportedly traded to the Knicks. The Knicks have lacked a true facilitating point guard behind Jalen Brunson, and Kolek could easily change that. Kolek broke out as a junior with the Golden Eagles, where he received Big East Player of the Year, unanimous All-Big East First Team, and led Marquette to a Big East Tournament Championship. As a senior, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and a whopping 7.7 assists, which was the best in the nation. Kolek can play at any speed, and as an undersized guard, he’s a crafty finisher at the rim. While Kolek’s facilitating and passing headlines his play style, he also knows how to score the ball at a high clip, shooting nearly 40% from three last season. While previously listed at 6’3", Kolek was measured at 6’1" with a mere 6’3" wingspan at the Combine, which surely didn’t help his draft stock. Although undersized, Kolek has the ability to become a solid NBA point guard, and his return to Madison Square Garden is highly anticipated.