For the second consecutive year, a French player is poised to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. Alex Sarr, a standout center from Perth’s NBL Rising Stars program, is expected to be the top choice, fitting perfectly with the Atlanta team holding the first overall pick.
This trend underscores the significant impact international players have had on the NBA, following in the footsteps of legends like Dirk Nowitzki and current stars such as Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
2024 NBA Draft
Beyond Sarr, several other international prospects are making waves and are anticipated to be top picks in the upcoming draft. Here are four under-the-radar international players who could hear their names called in late June.
Pacome Dadiet: The Rising French Wing
Team: Ratiopharm Ulm (Bundesliga/Germany)
Position: Guard/Wing
Projected Draft Range: 18-25
Pacome Dadiet, a promising French wing playing for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s Bundesliga, has caught the attention of scouts with his impressive offensive skills. At 6-foot-8 and 190 pounds, Dadiet combines good size with great instincts, allowing him to attack the basket effectively. His fluid movement and crafty handling make him a formidable offensive threat.
However, his defensive game needs improvement, particularly in off-ball situations and screen navigation due to his slight frame. Despite these challenges, Dadiet’s potential has generated significant buzz, positioning him as a possible first-round pick.
Nikola Djurisic: The Versatile Serbian Guard
Team: KK Mega (Adriatic League/Serbia)
Position: Guard/Wing
Projected Draft Range: 20-30
Nikola Djurisic has made a name for himself with standout performances in the Adriatic League playoffs. As a highly skilled shooting guard, Djurisic averaged 14.4 points and 3.4 assists per game over 26 games for KK Mega this season. His ability to switch between the two and three spots on the floor adds to his versatility.
Djurisic’s offensive game is polished, with a three-level scoring ability and good shooting form, though he needs to improve his shooting percentages. Defensively, he faces challenges due to athletic limitations but compensates with his size and work ethic. His recent surge in performance makes him a potential late first-round pick.
Bobi Klintman: The Intriguing Swedish Forward
Team: Cairns Taipans (NBL/Australia)
Position: Wing/Forward
Projected Draft Range: 30-40
Bobi Klintman, who played college basketball at Wake Forest before joining the NBL’s Rising Stars Program, has shown significant improvement since leaving the NCAA. Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 225 pounds, Klintman has fantastic positional size and versatility, playing both the wing and forward spots.
Klintman’s offensive game has developed, with an average of 9.7 points per game in his rookie NBL season. He shoots about 38% from beyond the arc and has a decent handle, making him a threat in fastbreak situations. However, his rawness and need for further development are evident. Klintman’s potential makes him a valuable prospect for teams willing to invest in his growth.
Melvin Ajinca: The High-Energy French Wing
Team: St. Quentin (LNB Elite/France)
Position: Wing
Projected Draft Range: 30-40
Melvin Ajinca, a versatile wing from LNB Elite in France, brings high energy and defensive prowess to the table. Known for his ability to defend multiple positions and impact the game with his motor, Ajinca is a valuable role player. While his offensive consistency needs work, his defensive adaptability makes him an attractive prospect for NBA teams.
Ajinca’s game is not centered on taking over offensively but rather on contributing significantly within a team’s defensive scheme. His ability to guard different types of players makes him a valuable asset for any team looking for a versatile defender.
Honorable Mentions
Ilias Kamardine
Ilias Kamardine is another player to watch, potentially as a late second-rounder. Known for his pesky defense and crafty ballhandling, Kamardine may spend time in the G League initially but has the potential to carve out a role in the NBA.
