The 2024 NBA Draft has officially wrapped up, and it has been nothing short of eventful. From surprising picks to dramatic trades, this draft has left basketball fans buzzing. Perhaps one of the most talked-about selections was the Los Angeles Lakers' decision to draft Bronny James at No. 55. Standing at 6-foot-1, Bronny James averaged 4.8 points over 25 college games and survived a sudden cardiac arrest—a remarkable journey that has culminated in him joining the Lakers.
Rich Paul, who manages the James family, had stated, "Bronny would go to Australia to play if anyone else took him." While this may sound drastic, considering the familial ties and LeBron James' influence, it came as no surprise to many that Bronny ended up with the Lakers. An unnamed source added, "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."
However, Bronny wasn’t the only guard addition for the Lakers. Earlier in the night, they picked Dalton Knecht at No. 17. Knecht notably earned SEC Player of the Year honors, bringing a wealth of talent and promise to Los Angeles.
Knicks Make Moves
In New York, the Knicks were particularly busy. In a high-profile move, the Knicks traded Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks on Tuesday—a rare intra-city trade that set the tone for a series of transactions. Following this, the Knicks re-signed OG Anunoby, ensuring they retain a strong defensive presence on their roster.
The Knicks then traded one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks. This strategic decision allowed them to bolster their depth—essential in a league where injuries can make or break a season. Utilizing the No. 25 pick, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet, and they acquired Tyler Kolek with the 34th pick after a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Top Picks and Trades
Not to be outdone, the Atlanta Hawks secured the No. 1 overall pick, selecting Zaccharie Risacher, who is expected to earn approximately $57 million over his first four NBA seasons. At No. 2, Alex Sarr was picked, following Risacher in what promises to be a fiercely competitive rookie class.
The Charlotte Hornets chose Tidjane Salaun at No. 6, while the Memphis Grizzlies opted for Zach Edey at No. 9. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers secured Donovan Clingan, adding another critical piece to their roster.
The San Antonio Spurs made headlines too, picking Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick. NBA analyst Jay Bilas commented on the Spurs' confident move: "The comparison of Castle to Jrue Holiday by Jay Bilas indicates the Spurs' high hopes for his defensive capabilities."
However, the Spurs didn’t stop there. They traded the rights to their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Timberwolves. In return, they received an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap, reinforcing their long-term strategy. Impressively, the Spurs now have control over at least one first-round pick from another team in every draft until 2031, except 2029, showing their commitment to future building.
Draft Day Takeaways
The 2024 NBA Draft was marked by significant picks and trades that could shape the league's immediate and long-term future. From Bronny James’ pathway to the Lakers, facilitated by his famous father, to the strategy-heavy moves by the Knicks and Spurs, it’s clear that teams are both planning for now and staking claims for future success.
All eyes will be on these rookies as they transition from college standouts to professional athletes on basketball’s biggest stage. The draft may have concluded, but the upcoming season promises the real test of these young talents and the savvy decisions made by their teams.