2024 NBA Draft: Overlooked prospects with breakout potential
As the 2024 NBA Draft continues to move closer, certain prospects have become the focal point of discussions. Others, meanwhile, have flown under the radar but have all the tools necessary to have a long professional career if things break right.
Not all these players will be selected in the first round, even in what is considered a weak class, but have as good a chance as anyone to establish themselves based on their most valuable traits.
To see where these players and more rank in On3’s 2024 NBA Draft Big Board, click here. For a look at On3’s latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft, click here.
Ryan Dunn
Ryan Dunn brings one high-level skill to the NBA immediately, but projects to struggle as much or more than he did in college in other areas which are important. This contrast of ‘what can he do?’ and ‘what can’t he do?’ has turned him into a bit of an overlooked prospect.
On defense, Ryan Dunn is the best prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft class, averaging 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals with a 89.3 defensive dating last season at Virginia. His ability to switch onto any player from the opposing team at 6-foot-8 makes him a potential All-Defense selection for years to come.
However, the setback in Dunn’s game comes on offense. He struggles to make an impact, shooting just 20 percent from 3, and struggling to handle the ball in scoring situations. Given the emphasis placed on floor-spacing, he has plenty of questions left to answer before meeting his potential.
Dillon Jones
The question marks surrounding Dillon Jones are the same ones which came up last season, when he opted to return for another season at Weber State rather than enter the 2023 NBA Draft. While his production is unquestioned, the level of competition and number of translatable skills remains in the air.
Jones averaged 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists last season at 6-foot-6, making an impact all over the floor. However, he did so in the Big Sky as a primary facilitator, which will certainly not be his NBA role.
On defense, Jones possesses a 6-foot-11 wingspan which helps him compete above his height and showcase his competitive nature with 2 steals per game. The success of players with similar builds and roles like Josh Hart and Bruce Brown should draw more discussion.
Harrison Ingram
Harrison Ingram is another versatile wing who has shown a willingness to do the dirty work wherever his team needs. His stock has fallen since entering college as a Top 25 player, but that talent paired with a high motor has proven to be helpful many times in the NBA.
Ingram found his role this season at North Carolina, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 38.5 percent from 3. While there is still room for growth, he looked much more comfortable than his time at Stanford.
On the other end of the floor, Ingram promises to use the intensity to compete on every possession, and chip in as a rebounder when needed. He remains an unfinished product but fits a valuable role every team values.
Enrique Freeman
Enrique Freeman has been a late riser in the NBA Draft process, going from an off the radar MAC player to a star of the draft combine. The standout performance led to a deeper dive into his skillset and launched him up the board.
On offense, Freeman averaged 18.6 points and 12.9 rebounds at 6-foot-7, earning conference player of the year honors while shooting 37 percent from 3 and 58.4 percent from the field.
Freeman is also a four-time all-conference defender, averaging 1.7 blocks last season with a 91.1 defensive rating. His ability to translate that defense against stretch fours and bigger centers will determine his success.
Jonathan Mogbo
Jonathan Mogbo is another NBA Draft Combine standout who has continued to raise his stock by showcasing a unique skillset which has very few comparisons across the league. That obviously drives up value, but also makes him an interesting fit who must find the right team.
On offense, Mogbo is rare as a 6-foot-8 center or forward, contributing as much as a facilitator with 3.6 assists as a scorer with 14.2 points. He has worked his way up the ranks of college basketball and boasted a 132.3 offensive rating while averaging 10.1 rebounds.
That was paired with a 91.1 defensive rating which gave him an eye-popping 41.2 NET rating for the season to highlight his 0.8 blocks and 1.6 steals. Also possessing a 31.2 PER, Mogbo is sure to get his shot at replicating such unique success.
Jaylon Tyson, Jalen Bridges, Adem Bona, N’Faly Dante, Quinten Post
Plenty of players not listed in the Top Five of this category will play a role on their NBA team for years to come after being drafted lower than those who drive the conversation.
Jaylon Tyson is a player on the fringe of the first round discussion, working out with NBA teams in hopes of proving his value as a shooter on the wing. After improving every year of college, he has looks to continue that trajectory.
Jalen Bridges showed his value on the wing, spacing the floor for Baylor and providing a solid team defender. Those traits translate well on any roster, especially toward the bottom of the rotation.
Adem Bona is a high-intensity big who won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award this season while averaging 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals to highlight his 96.2 defensive rating.
N’Faly Dante was denied an additional year of college eligibility, stemming from his long injury history. Despite all the health concerns, when on the court he has proven to be a dominant force with Top 30 pedigree.
Quinten Post is not the athlete or rim protector that other center prospects promise to be, but at 7-foot, he possesses the ability to spread the floor and shoot from 3.