2024 NBA Draft best available players for Round 2: Kyle Filipowski, Bronny James and more
The NBA draft in 2024 was split into two days for the first time in league history. With 30 prospects picked by the end of the first round on Wednesday, 28 spots remain to be selected on Thursday at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in Manhattan.
The first round featured French players chosen as the top two picks: Zaccharie Risacher went first overall with the Atlanta Hawks while Alex Sarr went second to the Washington Wizards.
Moreover, a few players projected to be picked in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft went unpicked. They look to be selected in the second round on Thursday along with many other prospects who hope to make it into the NBA this year.
NBA draft best available players for Round 2
1) Kyle Filipowski
Duke's Kyle Filipowski (20) is a talented and versatile 7-foot center with a good work ethic and smart playing ability. He averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals for Duke in the 2023-24 season with an efficient shooting of 50.5% from the field.
Filipowski was anticipated to be picked in the first round and may be regarded as one of the best offensive players in this class. It is likely that he gets picked 32nd overall by the Utah Jazz.
2) Tyler Kolek
Tyler Kolek (23) is a smart player and also had the best assist ratio of any guard in the draft. He led all college players, averaging 7.7 assists per game in addition to scoring 15.3 points per game.
Kolek can head right in and contribute with his passing prowess and his crafty ability in the lane. He is expected to be picked 31st overall by the Toronto Raptors in the NBA draft's second round.
3) Johnny Furphy
Johnny Furphy (19) is a 6-foot-7 guard who can shoot well coupled with his added size on the perimeter. Furphy averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds for Kansas in the Jayhawks' previous season while shooting 46.6% from the field, including 35.2% from beyond the 3-point line.
He boasts a high release and quick twitch jumper and can contribute with his size and shooting prowess.
4) Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith (19) has come a long way during his season with the G-League's Ignite. The 6-foot-11 forward has good size with an inside-out game that may translate well into the NBA.
Smith averaged 13.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench during the last season. He also shoots well, having made 48.1% of his shots from the field, including 36.4% from beyond the arc.
5) Bronny James
Though he may not be one of the best players available, Bronny James (19) did well as a prospect at the draft combine to prove that he belonged with this year's draft class.
James showed potential as a scorer in the lane with his floater and also shot the ball well. It is likely that Bron will be picked 55th overall by the LA Lakers in the upcoming second round of the 2024 NBA draft.