Isaiah Collier NBA draft projection: 5 landing spots for the USC guard ft. New Orleans Pelicans

Following his freshman season with the Trojans, Isaiah Collier will now be entering the 2024 NBA Draft. The top-ranked overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, Collier will look to move to the NBA as a one-and-done. Collier missed time with a wrist injury but returned to his best to close the season for USC.

In his freshman season, Collier has stuffed the stat sheet for the Trojans. He's pouring in 16.3 points per game while also contributing 2.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals. The young playmaker is shooting efficiently too, converting on 48% of his field goals and 66.9% of his free throws. His range still needs refinement though, as Collier is only connecting on 30.8% of his 3-point attempts.

Collier's immense talent has him projected as a potential lottery selection in the NBA draft. As he continues to develop, here are some potential landing spots for the rising Trojans star.

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Five potential landing spots for Isaiah Coller in the 2024 NBA Draft

#1 New Orleans Pelicans

While the New Orleans Pelicans have a strong young core of players aged 26 and younger, point guard CJ McCollum will be 33 by the time the next season begins.

Although he's still playing at a high level, it's unclear how long that will continue. Collier could be a long-term replacement for McCollum, providing an immediate impact running the offense off the bench.

#2 Miami Heat

The Heat have struggled offensively and have not gotten much production from the point guard position. While the acquisition of Terry Rozier should help in that, they could look to add another scoring option out of the backcourt in the 2024 NBA Draft. Furthermore, Isaiah Collier's defensive upside could fit in with the 'Heat Culture'.

#3 Orlando Magic

The Magic are loaded with young talent, as they have just two players over the age of 26. They have averaged the fourth-fewest assists per game this season and have not gotten much production from the point guard position.

Adding a playmaker like Collier could allow Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner get easier looks on the offensive end.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder are another young team, as they have just three players over the age of 26. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the point guard, he has shown that he can play alongside a playmaking guard, as he has thrived in the backcourt with Josh Giddey.

The latter has not, though, and his numbers and minutes are both down this season. Isaiah Collier is a playmaking guard who's likely a better defender than Giddey.

#5 Chicago Bulls

While the Bulls have gotten strong production from Coby White this season, he has shown the ability to play both on and off the ball.

Furthermore, they could trade key backcourt members Alex Caruso and Zach LaVine by the trade deadline, as both are reportedly on the market. If they move both players, the Bulls could target a backcourt player like Isaiah Collier.