As of this writing, there is no rookie averaging 10 points per game. Or even nine if we want to be really tough. This could be seen as confirmation that the 2024 draft class was disappointing.

But let’s hold on for a moment.

First, there is the obvious counterargument: the sample size is ridiculously small. We have four games in the season. Things can change, and quite quickly.

But even if we’re 70 games into the season, it’s important to remember that this class has always been billed as a role player draft. There was never much expectation that a large group of players would suddenly emerge and challenge the class of 1984 in terms of quality.

If this rookie class is to be judged, it must be done in the right light.

The vast majority of players selected in June were either long-term prospects or guys who had been in the NCAA for so long. The Scouts knew who they were and knew exactly why they were still there.

Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr will play better as the season progresses, but both will still be half a decade away from reaching their respective bests. Many players find themselves in similar situations.

It’s also worth noting that using draft slots as some sort of justification for criticism is extremely problematic, as the overall quality of the class has always been in the bottom half of the rankings throughout NBA history.

Simply put, it seems… pointless to be disappointed with a draft class that was never planned to load. What’s also largely overlooked is the value of finding players who can continue to help teams get better. Can we really sit here and argue that Dalton Knecht isn’t going to improve the Lakers in the long run?

In recent years, we’ve seen the value of high-end role players, particularly in the postseason, who provide consistent production despite not being stars.

So far, there appears to be at least plenty of players of this caliber in the 2024 class. And really, when two handfuls of people have ten-year careers, which certainly seems doable, it’s hard to find anything to be disappointed with, at least given initial expectations.

Unless otherwise stated, all statistics above NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the glass or Basketball reference. All salary information about Spotrac. All chances Courtesy of FanDuel Sports Betting.

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