These 6 NBA rookies could outperform their draft slot in first season

Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht could be the steal of the draft. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

Although the 2024 NBA draft class is widely considered to be a weaker class by many, there are always players who completely outperform their initial draft slot and prove to be steals for different franchises.

Bub Carrington, the one-and-done player out of Pittsburgh, has shown early signs of being an immediate impact guard for the rebuilding Washington Wizards. While the Wizards also selected Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick, Carrington (the No. 14 pick) was the superior prospect during Summer League.

Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht fell all the way to the Los Angeles Lakers with the 17th pick and already looks like the steal of the draft as a catch-and-shoot threat who can score from all over the court.

With the 2024-25 season right around the corner, Yahoo Sports takes a look at six rookies who could provide an added spark to their teams despite not being a top draft pick.

Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards

Draft slot: No. 14

The Wizards will likely be in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes in next year’s draft. They are a very young team and lack star talent in a competitive Eastern Conference. That means Carrington, 19, should get all the reps he needs as a rookie, playing on a team with little pressure to win right away and compete for a playoff spot.

Carrington exuded confidence in his first real NBA test over the summer, nearly netting a triple-double in his first Summer League outing. He finished the tournament averaging 15.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard and San Antonio guard Stephon Castle might be early favorites for Rookie of the Year, but Carrington could be a dark horse contender to watch with how much playing time he’ll get this season.

Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat

Draft slot: No. 15

The Heat do a great job of identifying players that will fit a specific role on the team, and it looks like they found their version of Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II in this year’s draft. Ware was a dream in the pick-and-roll during Summer League, and the NBA spacing allows him the…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-09-26 15:42:34

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