As the 2024 NBA Draft's first round concluded, the anticipation for the second round, set to unfold on Thursday, continues to build. While the initial round served up plenty of excitement and surprises, attention now shifts to the potential gems that may emerge from the pool of remaining talent. The New York Knicks, in particular, have been heavily active, making notable moves that could shape their future.
Knicks Making Bold Moves
The New York Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges on Tuesday in a significant trade. Known for his defensive prowess and exceptional three-point shooting, Bridges adds a valuable blend of experience and talent to the Knicks roster. Bridges' arrival is expected to bolster the team's perimeter defense and provide a reliable offensive option beyond the arc.
In a savvy piece of business on Wednesday, the Knicks re-signed OG Anunoby. Retaining Anunoby ensures that the Knicks maintain a strong defensive presence while also benefiting from his ability to contribute offensively. Together, Bridges and Anunoby are poised to form a formidable defensive duo for New York.
The Knicks also made headlines by trading one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks. This strategic move reflects the Knicks' long-term planning and focus on building a deep roster. Sam Quinn, a well-known analyst, opined on the trade, stating, "The more you bet on other teams' picks, the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden."
Draft Day Surprises
New York utilized their remaining first-round pick to select Pacome Dadiet at No. 25. Dadiet's addition to the Knicks roster adds another layer of intrigue, as he is expected to develop into a valuable player under the guidance of the Knicks' coaching staff.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers made a notable selection at No. 17, choosing Dalton Knecht. Knecht, who was projected to go inside the top 10, saw his draft stock fluctuating leading up to the big day. Despite the drop, Knecht is set to earn a respectable $18.5 million over his first four years. Had he been picked at No. 6, his earnings would have exceeded $34 million. The Lakers are confident that Knecht can develop into a key contributor for their squad.
The Top Picks
The Atlanta Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick. With this selection, Risacher is slated to earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons, a significant investment the Hawks hope will pay dividends on the court. The No. 2 pick went to Alex Sarr, another highly-touted prospect expected to make an immediate impact.
Tidjane Salaun joined the Charlotte Hornets as the No. 6 overall pick, while the Portland Trail Blazers selected Donovan Clingan at No. 7. Moving slightly down the order, the Memphis Grizzlies chose Zach Edey at No. 9, rounding out a selection of players that are poised to shape the future of their respective franchises.
Spurs' Shrewd Strategy
The San Antonio Spurs, known for their calculated approach, selected Stephon Castle at No. 4. However, their most intriguing move came when they traded 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, securing potential future assets in a high-stakes bet. Sam Quinn commented on this move, stating, "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.”
As the dust settles on the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, fans and analysts alike are already speculating about the long-term impacts of these decisions. With the second round yet to come, the excitement and unpredictability of this year's draft class remind us why we love this game.