The 2024 NBA Draft's first round has concluded, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about the surprising picks, notable trades, and the strategic maneuvers made by some of the league's most prominent teams. As the dust settles, there’s already much to dissect before the second round unfolds on Thursday.
Knicks Make Bold Moves
In a flurry of activity, the New York Knicks made perhaps the most headlines, pulling off a series of moves aimed at reshaping their roster. On Tuesday, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, a player renowned for his exceptional defensive capabilities and three-point shooting accuracy. This acquisition is expected to bolster the Knicks' defensive lineup while also adding perimeter shooting to their offensive arsenal.
Complementing this, the Knicks also re-signed OG Anunoby on Wednesday. Anunoby’s re-signing ensures that New York retains one of its most vital players, someone who has consistently proven his worth on both ends of the court. In another notable move, the Knicks traded one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder, receiving a haul of five second-round picks in return. This strategic gamble aims to give the Knicks more depth and potential future assets.
The Knicks’ first-round selection came in at No. 25, where they picked Pacome Dadiet. Dadiet's arrival is anticipated to add another layer of talent and potential to an already dynamic roster.
Surprising Selections in the First Round
The Los Angeles Lakers made waves by selecting Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick. Knecht, who was projected to be a top 10 pick, provides the Lakers with a promising talent who slipped further than expected. Knecht is slated to earn $18.5 million over his first four years, a figure that is modest compared to what he would have made if picked inside the top 10. Had he been selected at No. 6, he would have secured over $34 million. Nevertheless, the Lakers are expected to benefit greatly from this fortuitous opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks took Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick. Risacher's contract is expected to be around $57 million for his first four seasons, reflecting the confidence the Hawks have in his potential to become a cornerstone of their franchise.
The No. 2 pick saw Alex Sarr find a new home, while Tidjane Salaun went to the Charlotte Hornets at No. 6. The Portland Trail Blazers landed Donovan Clingan at No. 7, and the Memphis Grizzlies rounded out their top-10 picks by securing Zach Edey at No. 9.
Spurs' Trade Highlights Draft Strategy
One of the more intriguing moves came from the San Antonio Spurs, who selected Stephon Castle at No. 4 but then opted to trade 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. This long-term strategy by the Spurs reflects a growing trend in the NBA where teams bet on future assets.
As noted by Sam Quinn, "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." Indeed, Quinn points out the strategic foresight teams must have: "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." This perspective underscores the value of accumulating future picks, as it diversifies a team's pool of potential assets.
Quinn further elaborates, "The more you bet on other teams' picks, the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden." The Spurs' deal with the Timberwolves exemplifies this mentality, providing the potential for substantial future returns.
As the NBA draft marches into its second round, the drama and excitement are far from over. With teams continually adjusting their rosters and strategies, every pick and trade carries the potential to reshape the league’s competitive landscape. For now, fans can marvel at the moves already made and eagerly anticipate the impact these new additions will have in the upcoming season.