The 2024 NBA Draft's first round has come to a conclusion, and it provided plenty of intrigue and strategic maneuvers that could shape the futures of several franchises. As teams prepare for the second round on Thursday, the impact of Tuesday and Wednesday's events is already being felt across the league.
Knicks Make Significant Moves
The New York Knicks were among the most active teams, pulling off several pivotal transactions. On Tuesday, they acquired Mikal Bridges, a player renowned for his defensive acumen and proficiency from beyond the arc. Bridges' addition is expected to bolster the Knicks' perimeter defense and add much-needed shooting capability.
The Knicks didn’t stop there. They secured the re-signing of OG Anunoby on Wednesday, further reinforcing their defensive lineup. In a strategic trade, the Knicks exchanged one of their first-round picks with the Oklahoma City Thunder, receiving five second-round picks in return. This maneuver equips New York with more flexibility for the upcoming second round and future drafts.
New York also made a notable selection, picking Pacome Dadiet at No. 25. The franchise's aggressive and calculated approach could signal a new era of competitiveness for the Knicks.
Lakers and Draft Surprises
The Los Angeles Lakers also created a buzz as they selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick. Originally projected to go within the top 10, Knecht's fall to 17 was one of the night’s surprises. Despite this, he is anticipated to garner $18.5 million over his first four years — a substantial sum but noticeably less than he would have earned if picked at No. 6, which would have secured him over $34 million.
Top of the Draft: High Stakes and High Rewards
Around the league, top draft picks naturally drew significant attention. The Atlanta Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick. Risacher is set to earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons, setting the foundation for what many hope will be a stellar career.
With the second pick, Alex Sarr joined the NBA's ranks, while Tidjane Salaun was chosen sixth overall by the Charlotte Hornets. The Memphis Grizzlies picked up Zach Edey at No. 9, and Donovan Clingan was selected seventh by the Portland Trail Blazers, each team hoping their selections will make immediate and lasting impacts.
Spurs' Strategic Trade
In another notable move, the San Antonio Spurs selected Stephon Castle at No. 4 but later 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.
Reflecting on this strategic trade, 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." Quinn 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. The more you bet on other teams' picks, the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden." This approach demonstrates the Spurs' long-term planning and risk-reward calculations.
As teams regroup and strategize for the second round of the draft, the transactions and selections made thus far set the stage for an exciting continuation. Each move, whether a high-stakes pick or a shrewd trade, has the potential to reshape the landscape of the NBA for years to come.