With the conclusion of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, anticipation now builds for the second round set to unfold on Thursday. This draft has already made headlines with significant trades and unexpected selections that could shape the future landscape of the league.
Knicks Make a Bold Move
The New York Knicks were active participants in the draft, starting with their acquisition of Mikal Bridges on Tuesday. Known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, Bridges is expected to be a pivotal addition to the Knicks' roster. Just a day later, the Knicks re-signed OG Anunoby, securing another defensive stalwart.
In a strategic move, the Knicks traded one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder, receiving five second-round picks in return. This trade might initially come off as a gamble, but as analyst Sam Quinn points out, “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.” This approach aligns with a long-term strategy, as Quinn adds, “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.”
Later in the first round, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet at pick No. 25, further fortifying their lineup with young talent.
Surprising First Round Selections
The Los Angeles Lakers turned heads by selecting Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick. Initially projected to go inside the top 10, Knecht's drop in the draft was unexpected. Knecht is set to earn $18.5 million over his first four years, but had he been picked at No. 6, he would have secured over $34 million. Despite this, the Lakers are confident in his potential to be a significant contributor to the team.
The Atlanta Hawks made a splash by selecting Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick. Risacher is a promising talent and will earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons. Following him, the No. 2 pick went to Alex Sarr, another highly anticipated prospect.
Strategic Moves and Unexpected Picks
Tidjane Salaun was picked No. 6 overall by the Charlotte Hornets, while the Memphis Grizzlies opted for Zach Edey at No. 9. The Portland Trail Blazers selected Donovan Clingan at No. 7, rounding out a series of strategic moves by various teams.
The San Antonio Spurs selected Stephon Castle with the No. 4 overall pick, but their most intriguing move was trading the rights to Rob Dillingham, their No. 8 pick, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, the Spurs received an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap. As Quinn observes, “The more you bet on other teams' picks, the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden.” This forward-thinking strategy could pay dividends in the future, especially considering potential shifts in team performance.
The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft was marked by a blend of strategic trades, surprising selections, and calculated risks, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting second round. As teams look to build and fortify their rosters, the decisions made in this draft could dramatically influence the upcoming NBA seasons.