The Top 5 Power Forwards In the 2024 Class
1- ALEXANDRE SARR
Position: PF
Age: 19
Height: 7’1”
Weight: 217
From: Perth Wildcats (NBL)
19.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 3.1 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: Deandre Ayton
Sarr seems to be the best player available in the draft. His ability to stay on the perimeter with wing guys is quite useful. He played exceptionally well at the Ignite Invitational, showcasing his long-range shooting. Another topic rarely discussed is his passing in transition. His eyes were up as soon as he touched the ball, looking to pass down court to the man who was open, and he exuded confidence in his passing. After his performance in the FIBA, I didn’t think he was that great, but he didn’t appear to stand out from the crowd the way he does now. Very likely to go No. 1, but needs to maintain consistency.
2- TYLER SMITH
Position: PF/SF
Age: 19
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 224 lbs
From: G-League Ignite
22.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.5 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: Cedi Osman
At 6-foot-10, as projectable shooter with a modern wing toolkit and solid defensive end, Smith is a lock to go in the 2024 first round. He has the potential to play a significant 3-and-D role in the NBA, and his growth as a shooter/shooter and ball handler will increase his ceiling and make him a 3-and-D plus prospect.
3- JAEDON LEDEE
Position: PF
Age: 24
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 240 lbs
From: San Diego State University
24.0 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.6 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: David West
LeDee is one of the highest-scoring players in college basketball. He’s also faced significant opposition from high majors such as BYU, Cal, Washington, and the perennially challenging mid-major Saint Mary’s. These stats are not inflated. It’s difficult to discuss LeDee and how he works without first mentioning his body. Simply put, Jaedon LeDee looks and moves like an NBA player. He’s described as 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds. He’s built like he was carved out of granite, with a strong physique and broad shoulders. Most importantly, he is willing to use these tools to gain an advantage.
LeDee’s greatest strength is his ability to guard the ball. Few guys may give him headaches. Because he’s built like a linebacker, even collegiate big guys can’t make him move inside. When wings and guards attempt to attack him, they frequently regret it. His defensive position and posture are textbook. He glides his feet nicely and easily elevates from his slide. Though he isn’t the fastest or most agile, these changes have given him a commanding presence. LeDee also has excellent hand-eye coordination and is adept at intercepting his man’s dribble. While I’d prefer LeDee to cover the opposition four-man at the next level, he would be fine with switching throughout.
4- BOBI KLINTMAN
Position: PF
Age: 20
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 225 lbs
From: Cairns Taipans (NBL)
16.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: Kyle Kuzma
Klintman stands at 6’10” and has good size and athleticism. He is a floor spacer who shoots around 37% from behind the arc. He has good hands, good rebounding and shot-blocking skills. However, Klintman needs to work on his strength and finish inside. He also lacks toughness and struggles against physical competition. Despite his rough exterior, Klintman’s size, shooting and versatility make him an interesting player with some untapped potential.
5- IZAN ALMANSA
Position: PF
Age: 19
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 216 lbs
From: G-League Ignite
14.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.2 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: Alperen Sengun
He’s a great finisher at the rim, can post-up, and can handle the ball a bit. He’s okay at rebounding and has a good motor but he’s more of a below-the-rim finisher which is worrying for a big, especially at his size. Average length at best (7’1 wingspan) for a big man. Non-shooter at this point but he has shown solid touch from the free-throw line. He’s pretty agile but not someone who can be called switchable at the moment. Doesn’t offer much rim protection either. I need to see more playmaking reps before I fully judge that part of his game, but he projects to be the next iteration of playmaking bigs from Europe (think Jokic, Sengun, Giannis).