Top-10 Prospects in the NBA 2024-25 with John, Danny, and Nate
Dec 18, 2024
auto_awesome
Dive into the latest rankings of the top NBA prospects aged 23 and under, with Victor Wembanyama leading the pack. Discussions highlight the impressive skill sets of Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, and Evan Mobley, as well as the impact of injuries on player potential. Paolo Banchero's nuances in performance are explored alongside his peers like Franz Wagner and Scottie Barnes. The evolving dynamics of team strategies and player development add depth to evaluations, making this a riveting discussion for all basketball enthusiasts.
Victor Wembanyama is unanimously recognized as the top prospect due to his exceptional defensive abilities and offensive potential.
Anthony Edwards is highly regarded for his scoring ability and defensive growth, marking him as a potential offensive leader in the NBA.
Evan Mobley and Chet Holmgren stand out as foundational defensive players, each possessing unique offensive skills that enhance team dynamics.
Jalen Williams' versatility and impactful contributions across multiple roles have positioned him as a promising prospect with significant long-term potential.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Prospect Ranking Discussion
The podcast dives into the criteria and process used to rank the top NBA prospects who are 23 years old or younger. The discussion emphasizes looking beyond immediate performance, focusing instead on long-term potential and overall career trajectory. Key factors include a player's ability to become an All-NBA caliber athlete or MVP candidate, rather than simply evaluating current statistics. The hosts acknowledge the different positional needs and game versatility, debating how well players fit within their teams.
Victor Wembanyama: The Clear Number One
Victor Wembanyama is unanimously ranked as the top prospect, showcasing his immense defensive abilities combined with promising offensive potential. His current defensive impacts are extraordinary, including very low opposing field goal percentages at the rim. Despite concerns surrounding his lanky frame and injury history, his consistent performance and skill set create optimism for a long-lasting career. The hosts agree that if he maintains health, he could be a game-changing player for many years.
Anthony Edwards: A Leading Offensive Player
Anthony Edwards is viewed as a strong candidate for the second spot due to his blend of offensive skill and defensive capability. Despite being less efficient, he has proven his ability to score and perform under pressure in significant playoff moments. His growth as a scorer and defender has been notable, and there is optimism about his long-term potential as an offensive leader. The discussion highlights that his development trajectory makes him a unique prospect compared to others in the same age group.
Evan Mobley and Chet Holmgren: Defensive Foundations
Evan Mobley and Chet Holmgren are both seen as foundational defensive players who possess unique offensive skills. Mobley’s versatility allows him to play multiple positions while demonstrating elite shot-blocking skills. Holmgren, despite concerns related to injuries, has similar potential with his ability to shoot and defend at a high level. Their ability to fit alongside high-end offensive players makes them valuable for teams looking to build around a defensive core.
Jalen Williams: A Stellar Versatile Player
Jalen Williams captures attention for his ability to contribute across various roles on the team, including his scoring and playmaking. His strong performances have reflected a capacity to impact the game positively on both ends, and he possesses a potential ceiling that excites the analysts. His versatility enables him to play multiple positions, making him a coveted asset for a successful team structure. The discussion acknowledges that while expectations may fluctuate, his intrinsic skill set suggests a bright future ahead.
Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero: Offensive and Defensive Dynamics
Franz Wagner is appreciated for his all-around game, contributing significantly to his team’s success while showcasing room for further growth offensively. Despite concerns about sustainability in his shooting, his capability as a playmaker makes him indispensable for the Magic. Conversely, Paolo Banchero's physical playing style presents both a high ceiling and a problematic output amid team dynamics and injuries. The conversation highlights the need for both players to find consistency that can elevate their teams effectively.
Scottie Barnes and Cade Cunningham: Unsure Trajectories
Scottie Barnes and Cade Cunningham find themselves at a crossroads as they show promise but sit below top prospects in terms of current performance. Barnes struggles with shooting consistency and swings between being a high-impact defender and an offensive liability, affecting his overall ranking. Meanwhile, Cunningham's improvement this season raises hopes, but questions remain about him fully realizing his potential as a primary offensive weapon. The hosts highlight that both players must refine their games to secure their places among the elite prospects.
The annual tradition continues, a Dunc’d On and Hollinger & Duncan crossover to rank the top-10 prospects in the NBA 23 and under.
Is Victor Wembanyama an obvious number 1? How can we sort through the injuries this year to find the rest of the top-10 among Paolo Banchero, Scottie Barnes, Franz Wagner, Jalen Williams, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham, LaMelo Ball, and more? Is anybody in the 2024 draft even in the top-15?
Subscribe to Dunc’d On Prime! It’s the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well. DuncdOn.SupportingCast.FM
Subscribe on YouTube to see our hilarious faces and, more importantly, see the key moments from the pod each week.
Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
