Collegiate Returnees Could be Key to 2024 NBA Draft Depth

Some key collegiate returnees could be key to the 2024 NBA Draft’s depth as a traditionally weaker class near the top.

The 2024 NBA Draft class has a long ways to go in making up for its reportedly weaker tendencies. But some key collegiate returnees should be helpful in doing just that.

Despite not having an outright No. 1 talent just yet — with a few different players vying for those honors soon enough — the class does have some decent depth throughout the mid to late first round.

Some players helping to bolster that are Duke returnees Tyrese Proctor and Kyle Filipowski, UConn center Donovan Clingan, Syracuse guard Judah Mintz and more.

The Duke pair is set to help elevate the Blue Devils immensely next season. Both could’ve likely entered the name into the 2023 pool and been fringe first round talents, but instead opted to go back to school and hone the few skills needed to make them potential lottery picks.

With some revved up production with the Huskies, Clingan is sure to hear his name called in the first round. At 7-foot-2 with impeccable defensive instincts and sneaky mobility, he could very well make a push for the top 10 by the time it’s all said and done.

A Syracuse guard, Mintz was another who likely could’ve opted to go the 2023 route, as he averaged 16.3 points, 4.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game for the Orange last season. Now, he’ll likely look to make a lottery push as the outright focal point collegiately.

And there’s plenty more returners who should be set to make waves for their respective teams. UT Arlington's Chendall Weaver, Vanderbilt's Colin Smith, Arizona's Kylan Boswell, UCLA's Adem Bona and Dayton's DaRon Holmes II, just to name a few.

A solid returning class, mixed with a moderately deep class of newcomers, should help the 2024 NBA Draft to be just fine.

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