The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft has concluded, setting the stage for the second round scheduled to unfold on Thursday. This year's draft has already unveiled several intriguing developments, highlighted by high-profile selections and significant trades.
Standout Deals and Picks
A major headline from the draft involves the New York Knicks, who have been particularly active in this year's proceedings. On Tuesday, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, renowned for his defensive skills and proficiency in three-point shooting. This acquisition is set to bolster the Knicks' perimeter defense and add depth to their offensive arsenal.
Further enhancing their roster, the Knicks re-signed OG Anunoby on Wednesday. Anunoby's versatility and defensive tenacity make him a valuable asset to the team's forward rotation.
The Knicks also made a strategic move by trading one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks. This trade indicates the Knicks' intention to build long-term depth and prospect pool. Additionally, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet with the 25th overall pick, aiming to fortify their future lineup.
Top Draft Picks and Surprises
The Atlanta Hawks made waves by selecting Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick. Risacher is expected to earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons, underscoring the high expectations placed upon him.
Another top selection was Alex Sarr, who went as the No. 2 pick. The Charlotte Hornets nabbed Tidjane Salaun at No. 6, while the Memphis Grizzlies settled for Zach Edey at No. 9. The Portland Trail Blazers selected Donovan Clingan at No. 7 to strengthen their frontcourt.
The Los Angeles Lakers made a notable selection by picking Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick. Knecht was initially projected to be a top 10 pick, making his availability at No. 17 a significant coup for the Lakers. Knecht is projected to earn $18.5 million over his first four years; had he been picked at No. 6, he would have secured over $34 million.
Spurs' Strategic Maneuvers
The San Antonio Spurs also played a pivotal role in the night's proceedings. They selected Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick. In another major move, the Spurs traded 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.
Sports analyst Sam Quinn weighed in on the Spurs' strategy, stating: "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." He further added, "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." Quinn emphasized the potential long-term benefits by saying, "The more you bet on other teams' picks, the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden."
The Spurs' foresight in capitalizing on future assets underscores a growing trend in the NBA, where teams hedge their bets on the unpredictable nature of the league's landscape several years down the line.
As the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how teams will continue to shape their rosters. With the first round already delivering a blend of expected moves and surprises, the subsequent rounds promise to further define the future of many franchises.