The Top 5 Small Forwards In the 2024 Class
1- MATAS BUZELIS
Position: SF
Age: 19
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 195 lbs
From: G-League Ignite
16.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.3 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: Franz Wagner
Even while he won’t be a Franz Wagner-caliber player or a superstar, he should at least be a 6’10” shooter, which has significant worth on its own. If he could improve any of his handle, playmaking, finishing, etc., he could be a very good player, as he excels in other crucial areas. Because his floor is so much higher than the rest of his class, he may have the best chance of finishing first. That’s not to minimize his potential, though, as he has a good chance of becoming an All-Star with the right circumstances.
2- CODY WILLIAMS
Position: SF
Age: 19
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 195 lbs
From: Colorado
15.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: Jabari Smith Jr
He looks like a legitimate lottery choice. He may be on the slender side, but he can gradually gain muscle, and his height makes him a threat on both ends of the floor. Seems to have a good three-point range and isn’t a volume shooter from that distance, so he has a good shot selection.
3- TIDJANE SALAUN
Position: SF
Age: 18
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 203 lbs
From: Cholet Basket (France)
15.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: Obi Toppin
Tidjane Salaun possesses all of the necessary skills to be a highly successful NBA player. His athletic abilities are his most appealing feature, and they provide him with enormous potential. He is incredibly quick and fast. He’s 6’9″, but he has great speed. He can go from stop to full speed in such a short period of time, making him an excellent transition player.
Salaun has a great vertical leap and can get off the ground rapidly. He also has an impressive wingspan. He stands 6’9 and has a wingspan of 7’0, which could be even longer. His wingspan, paired with his vertical jump, offers him excellent skills for being a successful shot blocker in the NBA.
On top of that, he’s also a very fluid mover, moving gracefully and light on his feet. He has all the athletic tools you would want of someone his height— perhaps outside of more strength.
4- RON HOLLAND
Position: SF/PF
Age: 19
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 200 lbs
From: G-League Ignite
22.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.6 SPG, 1.3 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: Jonathan Kuminga
The jumpshot — when he has time — looks pretty solid compared to other project wings from the past drafts. In addition to Kuminga, another good comparison for Holland is last year’s top-five selection, Ausar Thompson, minus the physical tools of course.
Like Ausar, he’s going to put counting stats on the board. The amount of ‘stocks’ that each can get jump out at you from the box score, and you can’t undersell Holland’s defense. Despite this, he’s definitely going to be rough around the edges at points.
It’s hard to gauge Holland’s real impact largely due to how poorly G-League Ignite performed this season. Pair that with the fact that the Ignite is a new expansion that quickly folded, and it’s almost impossible what to think of Holland as a prospect.
5- RYAN DUNN
Position: SF
Age: 21
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 216 lbs
From: Virginia
11.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 3.1 SPG, 3.1 BPG (Per 36)
Pro Comparison: Trey Murphy III
While his perimeter shooting is excellent, his defensive skills and IQ may be the most intriguing. Dunn has the agility, length and intelligence to make a difference on that end, and he can guard a variety of positions. He can play off or on the ball, and has the skills to close out and disrupt. He is also a good shot blocker in his own right, as evidenced by his 5.3 block per 100 possessions last season in a small sample.