The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft has concluded, marking a significant day for the New York Knicks and other teams across the league. As the dust settles on these pivotal selections, keen eyes now turn to the upcoming second round set to unfold on Thursday. Here's a closer look at the major developments from the draft and the strategic maneuvers that have taken place.
Knicks Make Bold Moves
The New York Knicks were among the most active teams, making headlines with several key transactions. On Tuesday, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, a player renowned for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting. This addition should bolster New York's perimeter defense and floor-spacing capabilities.
Continuing their busy week, the Knicks re-signed OG Anunoby on Wednesday, ensuring that another defensive stalwart remains on their roster. With both Bridges and Anunoby on the team, the Knicks have clearly prioritized defense and versatility heading into the new season.
In a significant draft-day trade, the Knicks dealt one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In return, they acquired five second-round picks, a move that emphasizes their commitment to building depth and flexibility for future moves. The Knicks capitalized on their remaining first-round pick by selecting Pacome Dadiet at No. 25.
Draft Surprises
The Los Angeles Lakers made a surprising pick at No. 17, selecting Dalton Knecht, who was projected to go inside the top 10. Knecht is expected to earn $18.5 million over his first four years, a figure that could have been substantially higher had he been picked earlier. If Knecht was selected at No. 6, he would have secured over $34 million, highlighting the financial stakes tied to draft positions.
The Atlanta Hawks claimed the No. 1 overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, who is set to earn approximately $57 million over his first four seasons. Risacher’s selection underscores Atlanta's commitment to securing top-tier talent as they look to shape their future around the young star.
Following Risacher, Alex Sarr was chosen with the No. 2 pick. Tidjane Salaun was selected at No. 6 by the Charlotte Hornets, adding another high-profile name to this year's thrilling draft class.
Strategic Trades and Picks
The Memphis Grizzlies secured Zach Edey with the No. 9 pick, while the Portland Trail Blazers chose Donovan Clingan at No. 7, both picks reflecting their respective teams' strategies to strengthen their rosters with promising talent.
One notable trade saw the San Antonio Spurs select Stephon Castle at No. 4 but trade 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.
Sam Quinn, a seasoned analyst, offered some insight into the Spurs' decision to stockpile future assets: "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 continued, "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."
Quinn's perspective aligns with a forward-thinking strategy that several teams employ when dealing with draft picks and future assets. "The more you bet on other teams' picks," Quinn noted, "the better your chances of a few of them turning up golden."
As the second round approaches, teams will be looking to unearth hidden gems and build upon the foundations they've set with their first-round selections. The moves and decisions made thus far provide a fascinating look into the evolving strategies and priorities of NBA franchises, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the 2024 NBA Draft.