The 2024 NBA Draft concluded with its second round on Thursday, confirming a mix of expected picks and surprising selections. One of the most closely watched moments came when the Los Angeles Lakers announced Bronny James as their choice at No. 55.
Lakers' Gamble on Bronny James
Bronny James, a 6-foot-1 guard, has had a career with limited college numbers, averaging just 4.8 points over 25 games. However, his journey to the NBA has been anything but typical. Bronny survived a sudden cardiac arrest, adding a layer of resilience to his profile. While second-round picks often don't turn into stars, history provides some hope, with names like Nikola Jokic and Draymond Green once sitting in the same draft position.
Rich Paul, Bronny's agent, hinted at the gravity of the draft by stating, "Bronny would go to Australia to play if anyone else took him." Skepticism about the merit of his selection exists. "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," an unspecified source remarked.
Lakers' Other Key Picks
Beyond Bronny, the Lakers made another pivotal selection earlier in the draft, picking Dalton Knecht at No. 17. Knecht, who was named SEC Player of the Year and projected to go inside the top 10, brings significant potential to the Lakers, potentially balancing their draft strategy between immediate impact and developmental prospects.
New York Knicks' Busy Draft Night
The New York Knicks were amongst the most active teams. The Knicks traded Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks on Tuesday and re-signed OG Anunoby the following day. They also made strategic trades, sending one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder for five second-round picks. The Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet with the No. 25 pick, a decision that comes with future flexibility as Dadiet might stay in France for some time, preserving the Knicks' financial resources.
Further configuring their roster, the Knicks acquired Tyler Kolek with the 34th pick after a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, using a couple of their acquired second-round picks in the process. These moves highlight a forward-thinking strategy, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning.
Top Picks and Rising Stars
The Atlanta Hawks secured the No. 1 overall pick, choosing Zaccharie Risacher. The French talent is set to earn approximately $57 million over his first four NBA seasons. Another French player, Alex Sarr, was picked at No. 2, with Tidjane Salaun joining the Charlotte Hornets at No. 6. Three of the top six picks in the draft hail from France, marking a significant contribution from the country to this year’s draft class.
Zach Edey found a new home with the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 9, while Donovan Clingan, once projected as a potential No. 1 pick, was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers. Edey and Clingan's inclusion within the top ten adds considerable depth to their respective teams.
San Antonio Spurs' Strategic Moves
The San Antonio Spurs continued to build their roster strategically. Known for housing generational talent like Victor Wembanyama, they selected Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick. The comparison of Castle to Jrue Holiday by Jay Bilas indicates the Spurs' high hopes for his defensive capabilities. Additionally, the Spurs made a significant trade involving the rights to their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Timberwolves in exchange for future picks, adding an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap to their extensive war chest of assets.
With control over at least one first-round pick from another team in every draft until 2031, except 2029, the Spurs are well-positioned to maintain their strategic flexibility and continue building a competitive roster for the foreseeable future.
While the 2024 draft class was regarded as relatively weak, the decisions made by the franchises indicate a mix of caution and ambition. From Bronny James' emotional journey to the strategic maneuvers of the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the draft set the stage for an intriguing NBA season ahead.