This is the time of the year when NBA teams look to improve their roster. The 2024 NBA Draft was no doubt dominated by stories surrounding Bronny James and who will end up as the No. 1 overall pick. But once those questions were answered, the next question that arose was who made the best of this opportunity, and also, who squandered it.
The Draft is where young basketball stars are selected by teams with the hopes of them turning out to be important pieces in their quest to win NBA titles. In some cases, the hits are so good that the entire Draft class turns out to be elite. Something like what happened with the famed 2003 Draft Class. However, not every pick turns out to fulfil that need.
This year’s Draft class was considered to be one of the weakest. Weak enough, that some teams such as the New Orleans Pelicans deferred the choice of their 1st round pick they received from the Los Angeles Lakers. Even then, every cloud has a silver lining. This 2024 NBA Draft class might be weak, but teams could get their hands on prospects, who with the right coaching, could develop into stars.
What happens in the future is something everybody has to wait and watch. But as of today, there are a few teams that made the most out of this opportunity. Then there were some who seemingly squandered the chance to get better.
Losers – Some forced and some wasted opportunities
3. Atlanta Hawks
This is more of a forced entry into the losers list. The Atlanta Hawks picking Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was not surprising considering Alex Sarr made it clear he did not want to go to Atlanta. Risacher is no doubt a fantastic prospect considering his skills and size. But he needs work to push him to the top. Sarr would have been the perfect pairing beside Trae Young.
The Atlanta Hawks are in a retooling phase, meaning Young and his teammates are on the trade block. Therefore, who will Risacher play alongside next season is unknown. A player’s development makes huge strides if the fit is perfect. The Hawks could get off this list if they get players to fit alongside the young Frenchman.
2. Detroit Pistons
Again, a forced entry. Taking Ron Holland at No. 5 was not wrong in any way. He is a fantastic prospect who with a bit of coaching to improve his three, could end up becoming elite. But it is his fit that is the downer here. Holland will line up alongside 3 other players including star Cade Cunningham who all had trouble spacing the floor last season. Holland needs space to work.
With a crowded half-court, it will be difficult for all those players to get enough time on the ball to make an impact. But it could be corrected if the Detroit Pistons select the right coach. Someone who can figure out the spacing needs and help this group of young studs grow. Then their place on this list will change. All that said, the Detroit Pistons did not squander the chance to take a good player as this next franchise.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks in back-to-back seasons exited in the 1st round of the playoffs. Their championship hopes not only need them to play better. But they also need good role players who can help them down the stretch. Drafting AJ Johnson who scored 2.9 points per game in the NBL is not what defines a role player who can help them immediately.
The Milwaukee Bucks squandered a chance to draft much-needed helpJohnson needs a few years to develop into what his potential suggests. But the Bucks are in win-now mode. Their leading superstars are aging, and they need help both in terms of scoring as well as defense. Johnson fills neither, at least at the moment. They had the opportunity to draft a more NBA-ready player who could have helped them right away. This pick alone pushes the Milwaukee Bucks to the top of the loser’s board.
Winners – A surprising team makes the list
Most teams came into the 2024 NBA Draft armed with knowledge and a list to select players who they hope will pan out as they expected. Some teams though, end up taking the smartest picks. Not just based on potential, but also based on how the player(s) fit into their vision. These teams made the winning list based on those decisions.
Honorable mentions
The two big men of the draft, Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey both were selected into intriguing programs. On one end is Clingan, who could develop into a reliable rim protector and scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers. On the other end, his NCAA Championship opponent Zach Edey going to the Memphis Grizzlies was a smart pick.
Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey were drafted into intriguing situationsThey would have liked Clingan, but Edey will give them the ability to play at a different pace as per the need of the game. No.3 pick Reed Sheppard makes this list as he will benefit the Houston Rockets instantly, as he will give them much-needed scoring.
3. San Antonio Spurs
After a year of development for their star rookie Victor Wembanyama, they were on the lookout for players who could complement their 7′ 4″ big man. Enter NCAA Champion and UConn standout Stephon Castle. The 6′ 6″ guard is capable as a playmaker but still needs a bit of development as a passer. However, his ability to shoot the ball is 2nd to none. He is also a standout perimeter defender and attacks the rim with intent.
The combination of Castle and Wembanyama looks set to dominate the NBA for years to come. The San Antonio Spurs did have the No. 8 pick, which they used to pick Rob Dillingham. But they traded Dillingham away to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sacrificing the chance to pair another piece with the above duo was a missed opportunity. Which is why they are No. 3 on this list.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves came into the draft with just the 27th overall pick. Which was naturally a byproduct of them reaching the Western Conference Finals. However, they made a draft night trade with the San Antonio Spurs to bring in No. 8 overall pick Rob Dillingham for a couple of first-round picks which will not materialize until the far end of this decade.
Dillingham solves 2 problems in one go. His scoring will alleviate pressure from Anthony Edwards, and his passing, when developed, will cover 37-year-old Mike Conley Jr. This pick and coupled with No. 27 overall Terrence Shannon Jr., could go a long way to help the Minnesota Timberwolves take a few more shots at the NBA title. But both need time to develop, which is why the Minnesota Timberwolves are at No. 2.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers surprisingly top this list as they were predominantly in this draft to select Bronny James. But instead, it is who they took with the No. 17 overall pick that pushes them to the top of the winner’s circle. Call it pure luck or just that teams were worried about his age that placed Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht right into the lap of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dalton Knecht and Bronny James instantly solve the Los Angeles Lakers’ needsHe is a 3-level scorer who can shoot off the pass as well as attack the rim whenever he wants. Even LeBron James is a fan of his game. The only negative is his defense. But new head coach JJ Redick, the coaching staff and his teammates will push him to use his 6′ 6″ frame and above-average athletic ability to be better defensively.
But what pushes the Los Angeles Lakers to the top is his NBA-ready game. He immediately solves the Lakers’ need for 3-point scoring. Knecht and Bronny James on rookie contracts mean that the Los Angeles Lakers can now look to fill out their roster with players who can help in other areas. A much more favorable situation considering their NBA title goals.
After the season starts in October, it will be worthwhile to wait to see how the prediction of this list keeps changing. Teams and players will do their best to maximize their available resources. Therefore, the clock is now ticking for these 2024 NBA Draft rookies to put the work in.
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