5 best steals of 2024 NBA Draft Round 1
The 2024 NBA Draft wasn't the most loaded in terms of top-end talent, but every year, savvy front offices find diamonds in the rough. These picks could turn into franchise cornerstones and have scouts who passed on them streets ahead.
Here are five players who could have slipped between the cracks but could have a major impact on the NBA:
Five best steals of 2024 NBA Draft Round One
While the flashes of Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr grabbed headlines, these under-the-radar picks have the potential to become franchise cornerstones.
#1 Devin Carter (PG, Providence) - Sacramento Kings (Pick 13)
One player who has been lost in the pre-draft hype, Devin Carter might be one of the biggest steals. He's a lights-out shooter from Providence, with a really nice-looking mid-range game, while his skillset reminds scouts of an older version of Khris Middleton.
However, there's a fair chance that the Kings have just found their scoring. Expect Carter to be on your nightly top-10 plays reels with a highlight reel finish and scoring silly work.
#2 Matas Buzelis (SF, G League Ignite) to Chicago Bulls (Pick 11)
The international scene can be a gamble, but Buzelis' combination of size athleticism and shockingly smooth shot enticed scouts.
The Bulls, in need of wing depth, swung on the Lithuanian forward. He might be able to defend difference-making wings and eventually find a role with Chicago soon as they look to return into Eastern Conference relevance.
#3 Tidjane Salaun (PF, France) to Charlotte Hornets (Pick 6)
The Hornets needed to add some frontcourt pieces alongside LaMelo Ball, and Salaun could do that with his motor and developing offensive game.
The biggest questions about his role in the NBA come on defense - he projects as a so-so interior defender, at best. But Salaun's tenacity and energy match well with an up-and-down team like Charlotte.
It would not be a stretch to suggest that he could prove at least in the argument of being most popular with fans.
#4 Baylor Scheierman (SF, Creighton) to Boston Celtics (Pick 30)
The reigning champions Celtics might have gotten the steal of the draft with Scheierman.
After a stellar college career, including a scorching senior year at Creighton, many expected Scheierman to go higher. The Celtics, known for their player development, landed a sharpshooter with a well-rounded skillset.
#5 Donovan Clingan (C, UConn) to Portland Trailblazers (Pick 6)
This is the best-case scenario for Portland. It was real talk that he could go No. 1 Teams were looking to trade up for him. The Blazers always liked him, and he fell to them at 7.
Offensive potential gets undervalued when discussing Donovan, considering what he brings on the other end as a monster defender (size/ rebounding/ shot-blocking), slip passes and nimbleness handling. Shooting may be imminent too.
The NBA Draft is a gamble, but these five players have the potential to defy expectations. Keep an eye on them throughout the upcoming season, as they might just steal the show.