The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft has concluded, showcasing a series of strategic maneuvers and surprising selections. As teams position themselves for future success, the second round, set to unfold on Thursday, promises to keep the excitement alive.
Major Moves and Surprising Picks
In a surprising and proactive move, the New York Knicks brought in Mikal Bridges on Tuesday. Bridges, renowned for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, is expected to have an immediate impact on the Knicks' roster. The Knicks' front office wasn’t done there; on Wednesday, they re-signed OG Anunoby, further solidifying their lineup with another quality defender and versatile player.
Moreover, the Knicks made a notable trade, sending one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks. This trade indicates a long-term strategy, stockpiling assets for future flexibility. With their remaining first-round pick, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet at No. 25, adding an intriguing prospect to their team.
Top Picks and Financial Implications
As the draft unfolded, the Atlanta Hawks made headlines by selecting Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick. Risacher, pegged as one of the top talents, will earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons. Following closely, Alex Sarr was chosen as the No. 2 pick, solidifying his place as a standout in this draft class.
The Charlotte Hornets made a significant addition by selecting Tidjane Salaun at No. 6 overall. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies secured Zach Edey at No. 9, rounding up their drafting considerations effectively.
Analyzing Dalton Knecht's Draft Position
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick, a player who was previously projected to go inside the top 10. Knecht's four-year contract is expected to be worth $18.5 million, a significant, yet smaller sum compared to what he might have earned had he been picked at No. 6—over $34 million. Knecht’s fall to No. 17 could be the Lakers' gain if he performs to his projected top 10 potential.
San Antonio Spurs' Strategic Play
The San Antonio Spurs made notable moves by selecting Stephon Castle at No. 4 and making a high-stakes trade involving their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham. The Spurs traded Dillingham’s rights to the Minnesota Timberwolves in return for an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap.
The value of these future picks sparked discussion among analysts. Sam Quinn weighed in, suggesting, "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." Quinn further adds insight into the Spurs' strategy: "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." He concluded, "The more you bet on other teams' picks, the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden."
Looking Ahead
As the first round comes to a close, the anticipation builds for the second round. The transactions and selections seen thus far set the stage for further tactical plays and unforeseen twists. The New York Knicks have undoubtedly made waves with their aggressive moves, and the rest of the league carefully watches how these decisions will unfold in the seasons to come. With a blend of immediate impact players and long-term strategies, the 2024 NBA Draft continues to shape the future landscape of the league.