Kansas Jayhawks' Star Surprisingly Projected as Top-10 2024 NBA Draft Pick in Latest Mock
By Joe Summers
Kevin McCullar Jr. is enjoying a breakout season for Kansas and one prominent NBA analyst now believes he's got a legitimate chance to be a top 10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Averaging 20 points per game to lead the Jayhawks, McCullar has transformed his offensive arsenal while providing his usual elite defense across multiple positions. He's been Kansas' best player this season, and it looks like NBA circles are noticing.
Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer released his first mock draft this week and has McCullar going seventh to the Memphis Grizzlies, a dramatic rise for a player considered to be a late first-round pick at best entering the season.
Kevin McCullar Jr. Goes No. 7 to Memphis Grizzlies in 2024 NBA Mock Draft
Kev with his 1️⃣1️⃣th 20+ point game this season 🔥
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) January 23, 2024
🔴 20 PTS
🔵 5 REB
🔴 5 AST
🔵 3 STL#LevelUp x @Kevin_McCullar pic.twitter.com/Z33ZBZdfmL
O'Connor noted the leaps McCullar has taken offensively and found him to be a good fit with a stout Grizzlies team enduring a miserable season.
From O'Connor's breakdown, "A disastrous season for Memphis could be a blessing in disguise if it hits a home run with this draft pick...McCullar’s two-way skills and rookie contract could make him one of the league’s best bargains, much like Desmond Bane has been for years in Memphis."
Ja Morant's playmaking ability would allow McCullar to focus on his strengths and ease his transition into the NBA. Adding a dependable defender with scoring chops to the rotation could provide the Grizzlies a big boost in the playoffs, so this would be a win for all parties involved.
At the least, it's a testament to McCullar's surge and work ethic that he's even drawing consideration for this kind of draft stock. Here's hoping he continues his fantastic play for the rest of the season.
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