The 2024 NBA Draft's first round has wrapped up, bringing a mix of predictable outcomes and surprising twists. While the second round is set to unfold on Thursday, several teams have already made bold moves that could shape the league's future landscape.
Knicks Make Strategic Moves
The New York Knicks have been active, executing significant trades and re-signings. On Tuesday, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, a versatile wing player known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting. By Wednesday, they had re-signed OG Anunoby, securing a defensive fortress on the perimeter.
In another strategic move, the Knicks traded one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks. This allowed them to avoid the hefty guaranteed money that comes with a first-round selection. The financial flexibility gained from this trade is poised to benefit the team's long-term planning.
Despite trading away a first-rounder, the Knicks still made a notable first-round selection by picking Pacome Dadiet at No. 25. Dadiet's potential as a dynamic player adds a new layer to the Knicks' evolving roster.
Lakers Land Dalton Knecht
The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by selecting Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick. Knecht, who was projected to go inside the top 10, saw his draft stock fall, making him available to the Lakers. Over his first four years, Knecht is expected to earn $18.5 million, a solid investment given his talent and potential. However, had Knecht been picked at No. 6, he would have secured over $34 million.
Dramatic First-Round Picks
The draft's top spot saw the Atlanta Hawks select Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick, who will earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons. Following closely, the No. 2 pick went to Alex Sarr, another promising French talent.
The draft continued to showcase French players' prominence, with Tidjane Salaun being selected No. 6 overall by the Charlotte Hornets. The Memphis Grizzlies, initially eyeing Donovan Clingan, settled for Zach Edey at No. 9. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers secured Clingan at No. 7, a player they had considered for the top overall pick.
Spurs Make Key Trades and Picks
The San Antonio Spurs took an interesting approach by selecting Stephon Castle at No. 4. Known for his physical defensive force, Castle has drawn comparisons to Jrue Holiday from Jay Bilas, adding to the excitement surrounding his entry into the league.
In a notable trade, the Spurs dealt the rights to their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, they obtained an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap. This move reflects a long-term strategy that could pay dividends in the future.
Wolves' Bet on the Future
Sam Quinn of CBS Sports commented on the strategic nature of the Timberwolves' picks: "You might be thinking: How valuable could the Wolves' 2030 and/or 2031 pick(s) be considering how good of a team they have? Well, that's over a half-decade from now." Quinn further elaborated, "It might actually be smarter to bet on good teams right now falling off five or six years from now than bad teams still being bad that far down the road."
Indeed, the long-term bets placed by the Spurs and other teams underscore a broader NBA strategy. "The more you bet on other teams' picks, the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden," Quinn noted, highlighting the calculated risks teams are willing to take in pursuit of future success.
Beyond individual selections and trades, the draft also underscored larger themes within the NBA. Maintaining excellence over a prolonged period remains a challenging endeavor, as teams navigate contractual obligations, player development, and strategic planning. The moves made in the 2024 NBA Draft reflect a balance between immediate impact and long-term vision, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating upcoming season.