The 2024 NBA Draft wrapped up with its second round concluding on Thursday, leaving basketball fans with plenty to dissect. In a draft filled with twists, trades, and promising young talent, some of the evening's most notable moments came courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.
Lakers' Late-Round Gamble on Bronny James
The Los Angeles Lakers made waves late in the draft by selecting Bronny James with the 55th overall pick. Standing at 6-foot-1, the guard from USC averaged 4.8 points over his 25 college games. Despite his modest statistics, James carries a significant backstory, having survived a sudden cardiac arrest that could have derailed his career.
While some may question the Lakers' decision, Rich Paul, LeBron James' agent, was clear about Bronny's choices: "Bronny would go to Australia to play if anyone else took him." This bold statement highlights Bronny's determination and resilience.
Detractors argue that familial connections played a significant role in this selection. One unnamed source didn't mince words, saying, "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."
Dalton Knecht: A Strategic Early Pick by the Lakers
Earlier in the draft, with the 17th overall pick, the Lakers selected Dalton Knecht, who has already made a name for himself by being named SEC Player of the Year. This move signals the Lakers' intention to bolster their roster with NCAA-proven talent.
Knicks' Bold Moves and Strategic Picks
The New York Knicks were active throughout the draft period, starting with their trade of Mikal Bridges on Tuesday. The following day they re-signed OG Anunoby, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening their roster for the upcoming season.
One particularly shrewd move saw the Knicks trading a first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks. This allowed them the flexibility to secure multiple assets. With the 25th pick, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet, and their trade with the Portland Trail Blazers netted them Tyler Kolek with the 34th pick.
Atlanta Hawks Take the Top Spot
Securing the No. 1 overall pick, the Atlanta Hawks opted for Zaccharie Risacher. The international prospect is expected to earn approximately $57 million over his first four NBA seasons, a testament to the franchise's confidence in his potential.
Other top picks included Alex Sarr, chosen at No. 2, and Tidjane Salaun, who was picked by the Charlotte Hornets at No. 6. Zach Edey, another outstanding talent, was picked by the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 9. Donovan Clingan joined the Portland Trail Blazers, rounding out an eventful top 10.
Spurs' High Hopes in Stephon Castle
The San Antonio Spurs made headlines with the No. 4 overall pick, Stephon Castle. Jay Bilas, a renowned analyst, drew a striking comparison: "The comparison of Castle to Jrue Holiday by Jay Bilas indicates the Spurs' high hopes for his defensive capabilities."
Subsequently, the Spurs traded their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Timberwolves in exchange for future assets—an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap. Their strategic planning is paying dividends, as the Spurs now have control over at least one first-round pick from another team in every draft until 2031, with the sole exception of 2029.
In a draft filled with surprises and strong player selections, teams have laid the groundwork for their futures, providing fans and analysts much to follow in the upcoming seasons.