Matas Buzelis has heard the criticism and is aware of the situation.
The idea is that the 2024 NBA Draft will be one of the weakest in years due to a lack of franchise-altering prospects.
The projected top 10 pick, who played for the G League Ignite this year, is responding to the negative feedback he’s received from scouts, commentators and analysts.
“How do they know? How do they know what we’re going to be? That’s the question,” the Lithuanian-American forward said Tuesday at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel in Manhattan, where draft hopefuls met with reporters on the eve of the first round. “They can say what they want, but how do they know what we’re going to be in the end?”
Buzelis was one of the few players to speak out against the doubters and question those who questioned the prospect.
Kentucky State guard Reed Shepard, the Rockets’ potential No. 3 overall pick, has been a vocal defender of the group.
He’s played with a lot of guys over the years and knows the potential in this class.
“At the end of the day, people are going to say what they’re going to say and I’m not going to be bothered by what they say,” Sheppard said. “I know how good the guys in this draft class are. I grew up with them and I’ve played against them. I think this whole draft class is really good. Everybody’s excited to prove themselves.” [the detractors wrong]”… This draft class is really good and everyone here is really good at basketball. There’s going to be a lot of surprises.”
This draft is considered the worst since 2020, when there was no clear No. 1 pick, just like this year.
Frenchmen Alex Sarr and Zachary Lisacher are the two most likely to be called up first by the Hawks.
Four years ago, the discussion centered around two one-year stars in Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman, and looking back, that draft was pretty solid.
Edwards has emerged as one of the best guards in the league.
Although Wiseman was a flop, the draft produced stars like Tyrese Haliburton (12th) and Tyrese Maxey (21st), as well as quality players like LaMelo Ball (3rd), Devin Vassell (11th) and Desmond Bane (30th).
One NBA scout said this draft won’t have big stars like Victor Wembanyama or Zion Williamson, but otherwise it will likely feature quality players throughout the first round, just like the 2020 draft.
Scouts also said there are similarities to the 2013 class led by No. 1 overall flop Anthony Bennett.
However, there are still some talented NBA players among the draft picks, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (8th), CJ McCollum (10th) and Steven Adams (12th).
That included two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was selected 15th overall.
After the top few picks are made, it’s just like any other draft.
“They have a deep roster. It’s a tough draft,” said a scout who spoke on condition of anonymity. “They don’t have any top-tier players, but they’re still going to get some good rotation-type players. … People are surprised.” [because there might not be stars]Frankly, people [are] I’ll clean up after myself.”
The real answer won’t be known for years.
It’s all just speculation for now, but the predictions are sure to give some players a boost in realizing a lifelong dream on Wednesday night.
Soon they’ll be able to prove everyone wrong.
“I guess you never know what’s going to happen in the future,” said Rob Dillingham, a lottery candidate from Kentucky. “It does motivate me a little bit, but I don’t care who’s telling me that. Even if they [important]”I haven’t played yet.”
