3 rapid risers and 3 fast fallers in the 2024 NBA Draft

Draft Faller: Izan Almansa, Big - G-League Ignite
10.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 1.5 APG

Izan Almansa set the bar high for himself preseason, winning the U19 World Cup MVP and showing out in the Ignite vs. Perth Wildcat Invitational. The appeal was clear: a mobile big with a motor that can handle the ball, get downhill, and be ferocious on the boards. So far, for the Ignite this season, Almansa has been a different player.

The Spanish big hasn't looked to be super skilled, with most of his impact coming from his sheer effort and size. While still a consistent rebounder and finisher, Almansa hasn't shown a high ceiling outside of those skills. His shooting is outright horrible, as he shoots 15% from three and 54% from the line with no indication of improvement. He's passive on offense, passing up open looks and plays.

Almansa is also slower than expected, making him easier to guard and there is expected to be a traffic cone on the perimeter. He isn't a jump-out-of-the-gym athlete, making him a poor matchup against hyper-athletic big's on both ends of the floor. A big man who lacks mobility while being a poor passer and shooter usually signifies a poor outcome.