The 2024 NBA Draft closed out with some intriguing moves and decisions that could shape the league's future. Among the notable selections was Bronny James, chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers at the 55th spot. Despite only averaging 4.8 points over 25 college games and surviving a sudden cardiac arrest, Bronny's selection is a testament to both his potential and the influence of his father, LeBron James.
"Bronny would go to Australia to play if anyone else took him," noted Rich Paul, highlighting the strong family emphasis on his career path. An unspecified source added, "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." This statement underscores the skepticism that still surrounds Bronny's selection.
Earlier in the draft, the Lakers made a more conventional pick, selecting Dalton Knecht at No. 17. Knecht's achievements, such as being named SEC Player of the Year, make him a promising addition to the team. While the Lakers' decisions attracted significant attention, they weren't the only ones making moves that raised eyebrows.
Knicks’ Active Draft Strategy
The New York Knicks were particularly active this year. In a notable trade, they sent Mikal Bridges to themselves on Tuesday—a curious clerical error that sent tongues wagging—before promptly re-signing OG Anunoby the following day. Additionally, the Knicks traded a first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks, further adding to their roster flexibility.
With the No. 25 pick, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet, and later acquired Tyler Kolek, who was picked at No. 34 following a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers. The multitude of moves showcased the Knicks' strategy of accumulating assets and young talent, positioning themselves for both immediate impact and future growth.
Hawks Secure No. 1 Pick
The Atlanta Hawks successfully secured the No. 1 overall pick, a draft spot that any team would clamor for. With that pick, they chose Zaccharie Risacher. Risacher enters the league with high expectations and is projected to earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons in the NBA. This financial commitment underscores the Hawks' belief in Risacher’s potential to become a cornerstone player.
Following Risacher was Alex Sarr, who was picked at No. 2, adding to the depth of talent in the draft class. The Charlotte Hornets selected Tidjane Salaun at No. 6, while Zach Edey was grabbed by the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 9.
Portland's and San Antonio’s Calculated Moves
The Portland Trail Blazers made a strategic decision by selecting Donovan Clingan, a move that could pay dividends as they look to bolster their frontcourt. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs selected Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick. Castle has been compared to Jrue Holiday by analyst Jay Bilas, indicating the Spurs' high hopes for his defensive capabilities.
The Spurs continued to shuffle their deck by trading the rights to their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, the Spurs received an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap, enhancing their future draft capital. This trade means the Spurs have now secured control over at least one first-round pick from another team in every draft until 2031—except for 2029.
In sum, the 2024 NBA Draft was more than a routine selection of young talent; it was marked by strategic moves and pivotal decisions. Teams like the Lakers, Knicks, Hawks, Blazers, and Spurs leveraged their picks to not only acquire potential stars but also to set themselves up for future success. Whether these picks will fulfill their promise remains to be seen, but the groundwork has certainly been laid for an interesting upcoming NBA season.