The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft has come to a close, setting the stage for an exciting second round scheduled for Thursday. As always, the draft was filled with surprising moves, strategic trades, and high-stakes decisions that will shape the landscape of the league in the coming seasons.
Knicks Make Bold Moves
On Tuesday, the New York Knicks made headlines by acquiring Mikal Bridges. Known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, Bridges is expected to bring a significant boost to the Knicks' lineup. Not stopping there, the Knicks re-signed OG Anunoby on Wednesday, solidifying their defensive capabilities on the wings.
In a strategic trade, the Knicks sent one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks. This move underscores the Knicks' interest in building depth and flexibility for future endeavors. With the 25th pick, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet, adding another promising talent to their growing roster.
Surprises and Strategic Choices
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick, a choice that surprised many experts. Knecht, who was projected to go inside the top 10, is expected to earn $18.5 million over his first four years. Had he been picked at No. 6, Knecht would have secured over $34 million, highlighting the financial implications of draft positions.
At the top of the draft, the Atlanta Hawks picked Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall choice. Risacher will earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons, a significant investment for the franchise. Alex Sarr went at No. 2, and Tidjane Salaun was selected No. 6 overall by the Charlotte Hornets.
Notable Selections and Trades
The Memphis Grizzlies settled for Zach Edey at No. 9, and the Portland Trail Blazers picked Donovan Clingan at No. 7. The San Antonio Spurs made a notable selection at No. 4 with Stephon Castle. However, in a surprising move, the Spurs traded the rights to their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, San Antonio received an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap.
Addressing the potential value of these future picks, Sam Quinn noted, "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." He further elaborated, "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."
Betting on the Future
Quinn's analysis underscores a growing trend among NBA franchises: the strategic accumulation of future picks. "The more you bet on other teams' picks, the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden," he remarked. This philosophy reflects the increasingly forward-thinking approach of modern NBA front offices, as they balance immediate needs with long-term planning.
As the second round approaches, teams will continue to navigate the complexities of the draft, making decisions that could define their success for years to come. The 2024 NBA Draft so far has provided a captivating blend of expected moves, surprising picks, and shrewd trades, all of which promise to keep fans and analysts engaged as the offseason progresses.