NBA Draft: Breaking Down Projected No. 1 Picks for the Next Three Drafts
The 2023 NBA Draft concluded back in June, with Victor Wembanyama being the No. 1 pick and consensus prospect. Many scouts, media members and NBA personnel have gone on record to say that Wembanyama is the best prospect in basketball history, which speaks volumes to the amount of hype and potential he possesses.
It’s very rare we get Wembanyama-caliber prospects, but in these next three draft classes there are potential superstar caliber players right in front of us.
Let’s dive into the projected number one overall picks for the next three NBA drafts:
2024 NBA Draft | Ron Holland
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The 2024 NBA Draft is a bit interesting, as the talent at the top isn’t as loaded as the previous draft with potential superstars in Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson and Amen Thompson. But there’s still some really talented players that are in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. As of today, Ron Holland has the edge as the top pick in this year’s upcoming draft over guys like Matas Buzelis, Isaiah Collier and Justin Edwards.
Holland will be joining the G League Ignite for the 2023-2024 season before he makes his way to the NBA. What separates Holland from the other prospects is his elite defensive versatility and intensity. The projected No. 1 overall pick is arguably the best defensive prospect in the entire draft next year, as he has the ability to defend up and down a lineup due to his switchability. The G League Ignite prospect is more than just a defender as he makes a significant impact on the offensive end as well.
He’s currently at his best as a slasher but he has made a ton of progress with his shooting and passing ability. With him being in the G League for next season it should give him the best chance at expanding upon his offensive repertoire. Two-way players are so valuable in the NBA and the fact that he’s already making a massive impact on both ends of the floor at just 18-years old is very promising, which is why he’s projected to be the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
2025 NBA Draft | Cooper Flagg
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The moment Wembanyama got drafted, Cooper Flagg became the best prospect in the entire world, regardless of class. Flagg recently reclassified, as he’ll now be graduating high school in 2024 rather than in 2025. The 6-foot-9 prospect currently attends Montverde Academy in Florida.
Flagg is undoubtedly the best defensive prospect in the world. In the U16 in the Nike EYBL he averaged 4.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. The Maine native is a stocks monster and a game changer on the defensive end. He has the ability to defend up and down a lineup due to his great agility, size, high defensive IQ, and motor. You shouldn’t get things twisted though as Flagg is far more than just a defender as his offensive game is rapidly improving day by day.
Flagg, in the Nike EYBL, shot 34.3% from three and 83.6% from the free-throw line, which are very positive percentages for the versatile power forward. It’s currently unknown what the top prospect in the world plans on doing after high school although Duke is the early favorite to land the 6-foot-9 forward.
2026 NBA Draft | Cameron Boozer
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This is looking way into the future, but the early favorite to be the number one overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is Cameron Boozer. That last name may look a bit familiar to NBA fans, as he's the son of former Utah Jazz and Chicago Bull player, Carlos Boozer. Cameron is currently a junior in high school who attends Christopher Columbus High School which is located in Miami, Florida.
Boozer is one of the most polished 16-year-old prospects we have seen in quite some time. The 6-foot-9 forward will draw a lot of comparisons to former number one overall pick and the rookie of the year, Paolo Banchero due to the combination of their size, skill and fluidity. Boozer can do it all on the offensive end as he’s an efficient finisher around the rim with polished footwork inside the paint, he can create his own shot out on the perimeter and is a very comfortable shot-maker from all three levels, and he has the passing ability needed to go along with his scoring package.
Boozer isn’t considered a lockdown defender by any means, but he’s productive and solid on that end for his age group. There’s obviously still ways to go until we can really dive into the 2026 NBA Draft, but the word around is that this class has a chance to be the next great draft class, even with Flagg reclassifying out of it.
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