"We don't have that Wembanyama": Jared Mccain, Donovan Clingan and more counter on 2024 NBA draft being 'weak class' narrative

Some NBA insiders, pundits, observers, analysts and scouts have called the 2024 draft class “weak” or “shallow.” The absence of a clear-cut No. 1 prospect is a big reason why this year’s group got that distinction. In 2023, everybody knew the San Antonio Spurs would be picking Victor Wembanyama first out of the hopefuls.

The players who are expected to be called to join the pro ranks on Wednesday, however, are pushing back. They’re not taking the dig sitting down when asked to comment about the narrative surrounding their group.

Jared McCain had this to say:

“I think they call it a weaker draft [compared to last year] just because we don’t have that Wembanyama in our draft. You never know until we actually step foot in an NBA game.”

Two-time champ Donovan Clingan from UConn asserted just as much:

“The chances of making the NBA are very slim. It’s not a weak class if we all have the opportunity to make it to the NBA.”

Stephon Castle, who is mocked in the top 6 of the draft, had this to say to that narrative:

“I disagree with it, so I mean I really don’t think about it too much but I feel like that kind of brings a chip to everybody here.”

The 2024 class will be tested immediately next season. Basketball fans will see how they stack up against the group that entered the pro league a year ahead of them. McCain, Castle, Clingan and the upcoming rookies will get to either play alongside or go up against members of the 2023 group next season.

The 2022 class also didn’t have a clear No. 1 pick until draft day arrived. Most analysts thought that the Orlando Magic would get Jabari Smith Jr. before they grabbed Paolo Banchero. The Magic made the right choice as Banchero won the Rookie of the Year award.

Smith, Jalen Williams, Benedict Mathurin, Walker Kessler, Keegan Murray, Jeremy Sochan, Jaden Ivey and Shaedon Sharpe were also from that group. That class wasn’t considered strong, but there were quality players among them. This year’s prospects might not be as bad as many are predicting.

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Only time will tell if the 2024 NBA Draft class is as “weak” as many have claimed

In 2016, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith boldly declared that Villanova did not have a “real NBA prospect” on the team. Four of the stars on that roster will be playing with his beloved New York Knicks next season. Smith is still basking in the glory of Mikal Bridges joining forces with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.

Only time will tell if the 2024 draft class is as “weak” as many have claimed. There is no telling how talent will develop once more training and time happen. The upside to some of the names in this year’s draft is compelling. If they fulfill their potential, the narrative about this class being “weak” will not age well.

Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Jared McCain and others have time on their side. They can prove the naysayers wrong or make them look like prophets in the future.