UConn 2024 NBA Draft Projections: Predicting landing spots for Huskies in the NBA
The 2024 NBA Draft is drawing closer as things are officially set to begin on Wednesday, June 26. This year will mark the first time in league history that the draft will take place across two separate days as the second round will be held the following evening.
The UConn Huskies are coming off back-to-back national championships and project to have four players selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, two of whom will likely land in the lottery portion of the draft.
Here's a look at where Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton could hear their names called next week.
UConn Huskies 2024 NBA Draft projections
#1: Stephon Castle
Projection: Round 1, sixth overall, Charlotte Hornets
Stephon Castle had a strong freshman season with the UConn Huskies as he averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks in 27.0 minutes per game while shooting 47.2% from the field, 26.7% from three-point range and 75.5% from the free-throw line.
While he has plenty of work to do in terms of perimeter shooting, Castle's defensive ability and size would provide a big boost to the Charlotte Hornets. His versatility would allow him to play alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges - provided the latter remains in Charlotte.
Castle would immediately elevate a defense that ranked just 22nd in the league in opponents points per game.
#2: Donovan Clingan
Projection: Round 1, seventh overall, Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan had a strong sophomore season, averaging 13.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.5 spg and 2.5 bpg in just 22.5 mpg while shooting 63.9% from the field. As a freshman the previous season, he averaged 9.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.5 spg and 2.1 bpg in 17.6 mpg while shooting 64.5% from the field.
While there are questions about how many minutes he will play at the next level, Clingan's rim protecting ability make him a very valuable player in the 2024 NBA Draft. There have been rumors he could go as high as first overall. However, the projection here is that he slides while remaining the first center off the board.
#3: Cam Spencer
Projection: Round 2, 52nd overall, Golden State Warriors
Cam Spencer averaged 14.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.5 spg and 0.3 bpg in 33.0 mpg while shooting 48.4% from the field, 44.0% from three-point range and 91.1% from the free-throw line.
In a five-year collegiate career, which also saw him suit up for the Loyola (MD) Greyhounds and Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Spencer averaged 14.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.6 spg and 0.2 bpg in 32.3 mpg while shooting 46.8% from the field, 41.7% from three-point range and 87.8% from the free-throw line.
While his age, 24, will make some teams wary of drafting him, Spencer would fit well with a team in win-now mode such as the Golden State Warriors. Additionally, his shot-making skill and ability to play off the ball would make him a perfect fit for Steve Kerr's system.
#4: Tristen Newton
Projection: Round 2, 58th overall, Dallas Mavericks
Tristen Newton is coming off a strong fifth season of college basketball. He averaged 15.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 6.2 apg, 0.9 spg and 0.3 bpg in 33.2 mpg while shooting 41.5% from the field, 32.1% from three-point range and 80.8% from the free-throw line.
Newton finished his career, which began with the East Carolina Pirates, averaging 12.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.2 spg and 0.3 bpg in 31.6 mpg while shooting 40.2% from the field, 32.7% from three-point range and 83.1% from the free-throw line. While his age, 23, and struggles shooting from long range will limit his draft stock, he has plenty of upside as a defender, rebounder and facilitator.
While their defense was better in the postseason, Dallas ranked just 20th in opponents points per game. They also ranked 21st in rebounding and 19th in assists. Newton would provide them with an option to help fill all three holes as he could play alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and lead the bench unit when they are off the floor.