Jay Bilas: My 10 favorite players in this NBA draft,

• Jay Bilas, College Basketball AnalystJun 25, 2024, 07:05 AM ET

  Close

  • College basketball analyst for ESPN and ESPN Insider
  • Played and coached at Duke
  • Practicing attorney

If you listen to experts, experts, observers and NBA workers discussing the 2024 draft, you will get the distinct impression that this is a “weak draft” or a “bad draft.”

Given, there isn’t a “no-brainer” selection at the really leading and there aren’t any guaranteed All-Stars in the lottery game, as we have seen in previous drafts, but there is still talent and value. Take a look at it in this manner: If Jalen Brunson (Villanova) and Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State) were coming out of college this year instead of a few years earlier, people would still call this a weak draft.The draft,

which will occur Wednesday and Thursday (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+), is not as sexy or powerful at the top as in 2015’s Victor Wembanyama draft or next year’s Cooper Flagg draft. However there is a lot to like about the prospects who will be in the green space and beyond this year. Remember, the draft is a two-day occasion for the very first time this year, with the first round on Wednesday and the 2nd round on Thursday, offering groups more time to choose and to make trades.This year marks my

22nd straight NBA draft sitting at the main desk.My first NBA draft for ESPN remained in 2003,

when LeBron James was the No. 1 selection– and I had hair to comb before we broadcast. Over that time duration, there have actually been excellent drafts and less-than-great drafts, however quality skill has constantly been discovered every year.While I can not argue persuasively with those who say this is not a red-carpet, marquee-name draft, here are 10 prospects I actually like, and why: