The 2024 NBA Draft may not have grabbed headlines like in previous years, but the real excitement comes from the NBA rookies who were overlooked and are now lighting up the preseason. While Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick, has had his shining moments, this story is all about the underdogs—the hidden gems who are defying expectations and making waves.
These NBA Rookies Are Already Making Front Offices Look Foolish!
Jaylon Tyson, Cleveland Cavaliers
At 22, Tyson might have been skipped over due to his “age” (a ridiculous reason in today’s league). Drafted 20th overall, he’s proving that age is nothing but a number. His stellar performance at California carried into the NBA, averaging 9.5 points on 53.8% shooting, with 6.5 rebounds in just two games. His versatility has him locking down a rotation spot in Cleveland. Tyson’s ability to score, assist, and cut to the basket shows why passing him up could haunt other teams.
Dillon Jones, Oklahoma City Thunder
Built like a linebacker at 6’5″ and 235 pounds, Jones is already proving doubters wrong. Oklahoma City snagged him 26th overall, and he’s been a revelation. Averaging 12.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and shooting 50% from three, he’s showing a skill set that will be hard to ignore, even on OKC’s stacked roster. For a guy who led the Big Sky Conference in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, being passed on by so many teams is an embarrassment.
Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis might have landed one of the biggest draft steals with their 39th pick. Wells, only second to Zaccharie Risacher in preseason points, has been knocking down threes at 45.5% and playing with a confidence that screams “starter material.” At 6’7″, he brings much-needed size and versatility to the Grizzlies’ lineup. How a player with this kind of range and playmaking ability fell to the second round is beyond reason.
Tyler Kolek, New York Knicks
The Knicks might have hit the jackpot, grabbing Kolek at No. 34. This guy was a first-round talent, plain and simple. He’s leading all rookies in assists (5.0 per game) and has been a floor general for the Knicks during preseason. While New York’s depth chart is thinner after some key trades, Kolek’s basketball IQ and playmaking make him a valuable asset, especially as a backup to Jalen Brunson.
Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns
Dunn’s defensive prowess was no secret, but his offensive shortcomings saw him slip to 28th overall. However, in the first four preseason games, he’s already knocked down 12 threes, matching his two-year college total. Phoenix may have stolen the best defender in the draft, and if Dunn continues to hit threes like this, his draft position will be a distant memory.
These rookies embody the “diamond in the rough” phenomenon that makes draft scouting such an unpredictable art. Teams often get caught up in measurements, age, or past performance, missing the forest for the trees. The real winners? The franchises that took a chance on these underappreciated talents.
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