The 2024 NBA Draft wrapped up with an intriguing mix of strategic picks and high-stakes trades, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the league's future talent landscape.
Lakers Add Bronny James Late in the Second Round
With the No. 55 pick, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James, a 6-foot-1 guard who averaged 4.8 points over 25 games in college. The move adds another layer to the storied franchise, not just for the player’s attributes but also for his storied lineage.
Despite battling a sudden cardiac arrest, James' selection was not solely based on merit, asserts an insider. "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," the source revealed.
Rich Paul, LeBron's agent, anticipated skepticism but maintained James' readiness to go international if necessary, stating, "Bronny would go to Australia to play if anyone else took him."
Lakers' Early Pick: Dalton Knecht
The Lakers also made waves earlier in the draft by picking Dalton Knecht at No. 17, the formidable SEC Player of the Year. Knecht's accolade attests to his potential impact, and he joins a Lakers roster aiming to strengthen its standing in a loaded Western Conference.
Knicks Revamp with Trades and New Talent
The New York Knicks were undeniably busy around the draft. They traded Mikal Bridges only to re-acquire OG Anunoby the following day. The Knicks also leveraged one of their first-round picks, sending it to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a cache of five second-round picks.
Showing a savvy for strategic moves, they selected Pacome Dadiet with the No. 25 pick and also acquired Tyler Kolek at No. 34 through a trade with Portland.
Hawks Secure Top Pick, Anticipate High Earnings
As expected, the Atlanta Hawks clinched the No. 1 overall pick, selecting Zaccharie Risacher. The highly-touted player is projected to earn approximately $57 million over his first four NBA seasons, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the Hawks' future.
Other Notable Selections and Trades
Alex Sarr went at No. 2, maintaining the high expectations surrounding his entry into the league. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets picked Tidjane Salaun at No. 6, and Zach Edey found his new home with the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 9. The Portland Trail Blazers added Donovan Clingan to their roster, aiming to bolster their frontline.
Spurs Make Strategic Moves with Multiple Picks
The San Antonio Spurs demonstrated a calculated approach by picking Stephon Castle at No. 4. Renowned analyst Jay Bilas endorsed the pick, stating, "The comparison of Castle to Jrue Holiday indicates the Spurs' high hopes for his defensive capabilities."
Additionally, the Spurs traded their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap. With these trades, the Spurs maintain control over at least one first-round pick from another team in every draft until 2031, excluding 2029—a clear strategy for long-term growth and flexibility.
The draft concluded with teams and fans alike buzzing over the selections and trades that have shaped the initial steps for various franchises. As excitement builds for the new season, these decisions will inevitably be scrutinized and celebrated as the next wave of talent steps onto the floor.