Former player labels 2024 NBA draft “dookie” despite being interested in where Bronny James, Cody Williams, and more get drafted
Former Ohio State and No. 2 overall pick Evan Turner labeled the 2024 NBA Draft dookie or crap due to the lack of future superstars in this year's roster of applicants.
In the latest episode of the Point Forward podcast with Arizona alumnus and former NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala, Turner believes the current NBA Draft roster lacks the alpha player who could carry a team to the next level.
"That's a sign warning this draft is gonna be 'dookie' (laughs)," said Turner, who worked as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics in 2020-21.
Still, he notices some of the draft applicants becoming role players in the future.
"Sometimes you might not find a star but you might find a really great role player that would set you over the hump," he added.
Turner, a first-team All-American and the John R. Wooden National Player of the Year awardee while playing for the Buckeyes in 2010, also expressed interest in where will USC's Bronny James, Colorado's Cody Williams and Kentucky's Rob Dillingham end up in the draft.
Evan Turner's friend compares NBA Draft prospect Donovan Clingan to Boston role player Luke Kornet
Proving that the NBA Draft roster isn't star-studded, Evan Turner mentioned how his friend, French league and Euroleague veteran David Lighty, compared UConn center and possible Top 5 pick Donovan Clingan to Boston Celtics backup center Luke Kornet.
"That's what my buddy David Lighty had said: 'You know I've seen a couple of guys from the French League they're supposed to be like one of the top picks," Turner said.
"And he's like (disappointed). So I'm like what's wrong? He said: 'I grew up like watching top picks I know what they look like. Like bro.. shout-out to Donovan Clingan. I just want you to know this a real league now. Luke Kornet don't play,'" he added.
Turner expressed how crazy the mock drafts have been this year and noted that there have never been such toss-ups in the previous years.
The 2024 NBA Draft is held on June 26-27 at the Barclays Center in New York and the ESPN Seaport District Studios. It is the 78th edition of the annual event and is the first time being held for two days.
Who among the 2024 NBA Draft applicants will stand out once the new season starts in October? Let us know your views in the comments section.