The 2024 NBA Draft is just around the corner, and while the spotlight often shines brightest on the top picks, there’s always a handful of players who slip under the radar only to make a big impact later on. These under-the-radar prospects can become the surprise stars of the draft, bringing incredible value to the teams that take a chance on them.
We’ve scoured the latest scouting reports and draft boards to highlight players who could be the steals of the 2024 draft. Whether it’s their unique skills, untapped potential, or just being overlooked, these prospects have what it takes to surprise everyone and make a name for themselves in the NBA.
1. Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht’s journey to the NBA has been anything but ordinary. From his beginnings as a junior college standout to his rise at Northern Colorado and ultimately becoming a star at Tennessee, Knecht has shown tremendous growth and potential. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 204 pounds, Knecht is known for his scoring prowess and versatility on the court.
In the 2023-24 season, Knecht averaged 22.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His shooting percentages were impressive, hitting 46.1% from the field and 40.5% from three-point range. Known for his ability to score at all three levels, Knecht delivered notable performances throughout the season, including a 39-point game against Florida and a 40-point game against Kentucky. His athleticism is highlighted by his leaping ability, which allows him to finish above the rim with ease. His shooting mechanics are crisp, making him a threat both as a spot-up shooter and off the dribble.
He is effective in various shooting situations, including spot-ups, off-movement, and contested shots. As a slasher, Knecht uses changes in speed and direction to navigate through defenses, consistently getting to the free-throw line and averaging 5.7 attempts per game. He has the strength and coordination to finish through contact. Besides his scoring, Knecht is a smart off-ball player, making timely cuts and reading defenses well.
At 23, Knecht is one of the older prospects in the draft, which may limit his perceived upside compared to younger players. However, his maturity and NBA readiness could make him an immediate contributor. Knecht’s skill set makes him an attractive option for teams looking for immediate impact players. His ability to score efficiently and create space on the floor is valuable for any team, particularly those needing perimeter shooting and offensive versatility. While he may not have the highest ceiling, Knecht’s polished game and readiness to contribute right away could make him a steal in the 2024 NBA Draft.
2. Tidjane Salaun
Tidjane Salaun is one of the intriguing international prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft. Hailing from France, Salaun has shown considerable potential with his versatile game and athleticism. Standing at 6-foot-8, Salaun plays as a forward for Cholet Basket in France’s LNB Pro A league, where he has steadily improved his game and caught the attention of NBA scouts.
In the 2023-24 season, Salaun averaged 9.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. His three-point shooting percentage stood at 31.6%, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor. Salaun’s game is characterized by his impressive athleticism and shot-making ability. He has demonstrated the capacity to knock down three-point shots, which adds a valuable dimension to his offensive game.
Salaun’s strengths lie in his versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he is a capable scorer who can contribute from various spots on the court. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc, combined with his slashing ability, makes him a dual threat. Defensively, Salaun uses his length and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses, evidenced by his average of 1.1 steals per game.
Despite his promising skill set, there are areas where Salaun needs to improve to succeed in the NBA. His three-point shooting, while decent, can become more consistent. Additionally, he will need to develop his playmaking abilities to become a more well-rounded offensive player. At just 18 years old, Salaun has significant room for growth, and his youth provides a high ceiling for development.
Tidjane Salaun’s blend of size, athleticism, and shooting potential makes him a compelling prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft. Teams looking for a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor will find Salaun to be an exciting option. His international experience and proven track record in competitive settings suggest that he has the tools to develop into a valuable NBA player. For teams willing to invest in his potential, Salaun could indeed become one of the steals of the 2024 draft.
3. Nikola Djurisic
Nikola Djurisic, a promising prospect from Serbia, has been making waves in European basketball and is now setting his sights on the 2024 NBA Draft. At 6-foot-8 and 214 pounds, Djurisic plays as a guard/wing for KK Mega Basket, a team renowned for developing NBA talent.
In the 2023-24 season, Djurisic averaged 14.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. His performance has been marked by solid scoring off the dribble, effective shooting, and his ability to excel in off-ball motion plays. Djurisic’s shooting stroke is smooth, although he has been somewhat streaky, hitting 33.0% of his three-point attempts.
Djurisic’s strengths include his scoring ability and playmaking skills. He can create space and shoot over defenders thanks to his height and ball-handling skills. His performances in the ABA League and during international competitions have shown his potential as a solid scorer and playmaker.
Despite his strengths, Djurisic has areas for improvement. He can be careless with the ball, leading to turnovers, and his defensive discipline needs work. He’s not an elite rebounder for his size and can be inconsistent with his shooting. Additionally, while he has the athleticism to compete at a high level, he’s not considered an explosive athlete, which could limit his defensive potential and ability to guard quicker players.
Nikola Djurisic’s combination of size, skill, and playmaking ability makes him an intriguing prospect. Teams looking for a versatile guard/wing with scoring potential might find him to be a valuable addition. His potential to develop into a well-rounded NBA player could make him one of the steals in the 2024 NBA Draft.
4. Tristan Da Silva
Tristan Da Silva is a standout forward from Colorado, known for his versatile skill set and solid performance throughout his college career. Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 229 pounds, Da Silva has shown significant growth and development, making him a promising prospect for the 2024 NBA Draft.
In the 2023-24 season, Da Silva averaged 16.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His shooting splits were impressive, hitting 49.3% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc. These statistics highlight his scoring efficiency and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Da Silva’s strengths lie in his offensive versatility and defensive capabilities. Offensively, he is proficient both as a slasher and a shooter, capable of scoring off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. His ability to move without the ball and finish at the rim makes him a valuable asset in any offensive scheme. Defensively, Da Silva is known for his ability to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes, making him a reliable defender on the perimeter.
Despite his strengths, Da Silva has areas that need improvement, particularly in ball handling and decision-making under pressure. He has a tendency to commit turnovers, which could be problematic at the professional level. Additionally, while he is athletic, he is not considered an elite athlete, which may affect his ability to guard quicker, more agile players in the NBA.
Overall, Tristan Da Silva’s combination of size, skill, and versatility makes him a potential steal in the 2024 NBA Draft. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor and his proven track record in college basketball suggest that he could develop into a valuable player in the NBA.
5. Zach Edey
Zach Edey, the towering 7-foot-4 center from Purdue, has established himself as one of the most dominant players in college basketball over the past few years. In the 2023-24 season, Edey averaged an impressive 25.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. His incredible size and skill have made him a force on both ends of the court, contributing significantly to Purdue’s success.
Edey’s scoring efficiency is notable, with a field goal percentage of 61.9% and a free throw percentage of 71.6%. His ability to use his size and strength in the post makes him a consistent scoring threat, particularly with his signature drop step and hook shot. This season, he has also shown improvements in his passing and overall court vision.
Defensively, Edey’s presence is equally impactful. Averaging over two blocks per game, he excels at protecting the rim and altering opponents’ shots. Despite his massive frame, Edey has worked on his mobility, which allows him to guard in space more effectively than many would expect from a player of his size.
Zach Edey’s dominant college career, highlighted by back-to-back Naismith Player of the Year awards, sets him up as a potentially valuable pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability, along with his improved passing, makes him a versatile and impactful player who could be a significant asset for any NBA team looking to add a strong interior presence.
