NBA Draft 2024: ranking of the best shooters, including Kentucky star Reed Sheppard

Yahoo Sports breaks down the top players in the 2024 NBA Draft by position this week. On Monday we ranked the best point guards in this class, Tuesday we analyzed the best centers, Wednesday we looked at the best power forwards and today we rank the best shooters available.

As the NBA becomes more positionless and designated spots on the court become more blurred, the top shooters in this draft should be more versatile in the backcourt and play with and without the ball. No one had more success in this role during the college basketball season than Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard, who came off the bench with the second unit and was usually on the court at the end matches in critical moments. Meanwhile, Tennessee fifth-year senior Dalton Knecht was the leading scorer in college hoops and found different ways to make his shots despite often being double- and triple-teamed.

With the NBA Draft just two weeks away, June 26-27 in New York, here's a look at the top five shooters to watch, plus others to watch late in the first round or early in the second round.

1. Reed Sheppard

Ht./Weight: 6-2, 182 pounds | Age: 19

Sheppard, who turns 20 two days before the first night of the draft, will likely be the first shooter off the board, going from pick 3 to 7. He tied for first in maximum vertical jump at the combine (42 inches) , surprising a handful of scouts with his added athleticism at just 6-foot-2. Sheppard also shot an incredible 52.1% from 3-point range (on 3.5 attempts per game) in his lone year at Kentucky and scored from the perimeter in a variety of ways, from deep transitions to 3, off-screen or catch-and-filming situations.

His two-way potential is what will get him on the field early thanks to the way he can anticipate passes on defense, keep players in front and deflect the ball towards the post. Sheppard finished his freshman year averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

2. Dalton Knecht

Ht./Weight: 6-5, 204 pounds | Age: 23

Knecht's path to the NBA has been different than any other player in this draft class. He went from an anonymous high school recruit who played two years at a JUCO east of Denver before transferring to Northern Colorado, where he played two seasons and was a top player of the Big Sky Conference. Knecht then transferred to Tennessee for his final season, choosing the Vols over Kansas and North Carolina to improve his defense – credit to head coach Rick Barnes and his staff for helping him improve his lateral movement on the perimeter.

Knecht is the top scorer at three levels in the draft. He can shoot from anywhere on the court, finish through contact and come off ball screens with intent. He led the SEC in scoring with 21.7 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from 3. His draft range is 6-10, and he could immediately contribute offensively in the NBA .

3. Kyshawn George

Ht./Weight: 6-7 years old, 205 pounds | Age: 20

There is always an unexpected player who comes in at the top of the lottery in every draft, chosen based on his potential and not necessarily the outcome of the season. George could be that player this year. After a quiet first season in Miami averaging just 7.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 23 minutes, George shot the ball well and was excellent in practices leading up to the draft.

He went through a growth spurt two years ago and moved from point guard to wing. His passing and quick decision-making are his most underrated trait as a prospect and his shooting form, with a high and quick release, is what earned him early attention from scouts as a threat capture and shoot. George has been slowly climbing the rankings throughout the season, and don't be surprised if he sneaks into the back half of the lottery, with Portland, Sacramento and Oklahoma City all being possible landing spots.

4. Ja'Kobe Walter

Ht./Weight: 6-4 years old, 194 pounds | Age: 19

Walter's pre-draft workouts have remained relatively quiet and there hasn't been much news regarding Baylor's freshman guard. Teams might do this to protect his draft stock and hope he lands on them on the first night of the draft.

Walter's season at Baylor had its ups and downs. There were a lot of older, experienced players along the perimeter, which limited his touches. But he projects well as a catch-and-shoot threat and with his off-ball game. Former Baylor guard Keyonte George went 16 to the Jazz last year and had a very productive year, earning first-team All-Rookie honors and solidifying himself as a cornerstone of the Jazz's rebuild . Walter could follow a similar path. His draft stock ranges from late lottery to mid-first round.

Ht./Weight: 6-8 years old, 202 pounds | Age: 19

The Australian guard opted to stay in this year's draft class and reportedly turned down a lucrative NIL deal to return to Kansas for one more year. Him remaining in this draft projects him as a first-round lock with several teams likely showing interest after game-watching and meeting with him. Furphy is far from a finished product, but established teams selecting in the 20s will have the time and flexibility to develop him as a perimeter player. His shooting instincts are off the charts and his length and size put extra pressure on the defense.

Afterwards

Pacôme Dadiét is one of the youngest players in this draft, not turning 19 until July. The 6-8 French guard is also one of the most intriguing players in this draft with his combination of size and shot creation. Dadiet played for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany last season and is a late bloomer who could well sneak into the first round.

Cal Jaylon Tyson was one of the Pac-12's leading scorers last season and averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He can slide into any position in the backcourt and is a threat both off the dribble and shooting from deep. Tyson's draft range since January has been late first round to early second round.

Baylor Scheierman was one of the best shooters in 5-on-5 scrimmages at the combine and made a statement on the first day of games by showing how productive he can be playing alongside other dominant guards on ball. The Creighton senior averaged nearly 20 and 10 this season, has the size to move anywhere along the perimeter and creates mismatches off screens.