The 2024 NBA Draft's first round has come to an end, and it's already setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling second round on Thursday. With several surprising moves and significant trades, let's dissect the notable events and selections that have transpired so far.
Key Trades and Acquisitions
The New York Knicks have been particularly active, making headlines by acquiring Mikal Bridges on Tuesday. Bridges, known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, is expected to be a significant addition to the Knicks' roster. The team didn't stop there—on Wednesday, they re-signed OG Anunoby, solidifying their defensive depth.
In a strategic move, the Knicks traded one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks. This could be seen as a calculated gamble to build depth and add multiple young talents to their squad. With one of their remaining first-round slots, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet at No. 25, further bolstering their lineup.
Notable Draft Selections
Among the top highlights of the first round was the Los Angeles Lakers' selection of Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick. Knecht, initially projected to go inside the top 10, was a steal for the Lakers. Despite falling to 17th, Knecht's rookie contract is estimated to be around $18.5 million over his first four years. Had Knecht been picked at No. 6, he would have secured over $34 million, highlighting just how capricious draft predictions can be.
The Atlanta Hawks made waves by selecting Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick. Risacher is set to earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons, a hefty investment that underscores the Hawks' confidence in his potential impact.
The No. 2 overall pick saw Alex Sarr joining the ranks of rising stars, while Tidjane Salaun was taken by the Charlotte Hornets at No. 6. The Memphis Grizzlies selected Zach Edey at No. 9, filling a much-needed position with a player known for his size and rebounding abilities.
Strategic Moves and Future Bets
One of the more intriguing trades involved the San Antonio Spurs, who made a bold move by trading 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 forward-looking strategy was captured astutely by analyst Sam Quinn, noting, "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 emphasized, "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." Such a strategy aligns with a broader trend in modern NBA management, where teams increasingly hedge their bets on future picks. "The more you bet on other teams' picks, the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden," Quinn added, encapsulating the calculated risks teams are willing to take.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers secured Donovan Clingan at No. 7, adding a promising player to their roster. And the San Antonio Spurs continued to be an active participant by selecting Stephon Castle at No. 4, signaling their clear intent to rebuild their core with youthful talent.
As we prepare for the second round on Thursday, the 2024 NBA Draft is already proving to be an event of strategic maneuvers, unexpected picks, and forward-thinking trades. For teams like the Knicks and Spurs, their latest moves may very well set the foundation for future successes. And with so many promising players yet to be selected, the excitement is far from over.