The 2024 NBA Draft held on Thursday was eventful, to say the least. With numerous surprises and strategic moves, it offered plenty for fans and analysts to dissect.
Lakers Select Bronny James
The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by picking Bronny James as their No. 55 choice. Standing at 6-foot-1, the young guard brings more than just his basketball skills to the table. Despite averaging a modest 4.8 points over 25 games in college, Bronny's story of resilience is remarkable. Having survived a sudden cardiac arrest, his journey is a testament to his determination and strength.
The Lakers’ decision to pick Bronny at No. 55 was not without controversy. Rich Paul, his agent, made it clear: "Bronny would go to Australia to play if anyone else took him." There were also whispers that LeBron James, despite stating otherwise, had significant influence over this choice. One source remarked, "LeBron can say all he wants that he had nothing to do with this and 'reports' can come out that Anthony Davis was 'really impressed' with Bronny's workout, but let's be honest about this: Bronny would not have been taken by the Lakers, or probably any other team, if he wasn't LeBron's son."
Dalton Knecht and the Lakers’ Earlier Pick
Earlier in the draft, the Lakers had made another notable selection by picking Dalton Knecht at No. 17. Knecht, who was named SEC Player of the Year, brings a robust skill set and competitive edge to the Lakers, adding depth to their roster.
Knicks’ Numerous Moves
The New York Knicks were particularly active in this draft. On Tuesday, they traded Mikal Bridges to themselves in a curious but seemingly strategic move. The following day, they re-signed OG Anunoby, adding stability and star power to their lineup.
The Knicks didn't stop there. They traded one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks. Using these assets, they selected Pacome Dadiet with the No. 25 pick and later acquired Tyler Kolek with the 34th pick after a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Top Picks and Notable Selections
The Atlanta Hawks secured the No. 1 overall pick and decided on Zaccharie Risacher. Expectations are high for Risacher, who is projected to earn approximately $57 million over his first four NBA seasons. With the No. 2 pick, Alex Sarr found his new home, while the Charlotte Hornets picked Tidjane Salaun at No. 6. The Memphis Grizzlies added Zach Edey to their ranks with the No. 9 selection.
The Portland Trail Blazers made a significant move by selecting Donovan Clingan, showing their focus on strengthening their roster for future campaigns.
Spurs’ Strategic Selections and Trades
The San Antonio Spurs were yet another team making waves. They chose Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick, a player whose defensive capabilities led Jay Bilas to compare him to Jrue Holiday. This comparison signals the Spurs' high hopes for Castle as a key defensive asset.
Adding to the excitement, the Spurs traded the rights to their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Timberwolves. In return, the Spurs received an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap. Demonstrating their long-term strategy, the Spurs now have control over at least one first-round pick from another team in every draft until 2031, except for 2029.
The 2024 NBA Draft offered a mix of surprises, strategic decisions, and inspirational stories. As teams continue to shape their rosters for the future, fans will eagerly watch how these young talents develop and make their mark in the NBA.