Many experts say that it takes at least five years to fully judge a draft class in the NBA. But as someone who is not an expert, but Just Some Guy, I say, “Forget about that, nerds.” Let’s take a look at who had a good night in the 2024 NBA Draft and who might have some regrets later on.
Let’s start with the global impact of the draft:
WINNER: France
The invasion has begun! France dominated the draft with three players going in the top 10. Zaccharie Risacher, Alexandre Sarr, and Tidjane Salaün were all chosen early on, marking a historic moment for French basketball. With five new French rookies entering the league, the international influence on the NBA continues to grow.
WINNER: Compelling on-camera beer drinking
The French invasion wasn’t the only highlight of the draft night. Some interesting beer-drinking techniques were on display, adding a unique flair to the event.
LOSER: Those Hoping for Huge Draft-Night Trade Fireworks
While there were some trades during the draft, the night lacked the blockbuster deals that some fans were hoping for. The absence of major trade moves left some viewers wanting more excitement.
WINNER: New York Knicks
The Knicks made some bold moves during the draft, acquiring Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby to bolster their roster. With a mix of veteran talent and promising rookies, the Knicks are looking to make a splash in the upcoming season.
WINNER, POTENTIALLY: The Far-Future Brooklyn Nets
The Nets made strategic moves to secure future draft picks, setting themselves up for a potential rebuild in the coming years. With a focus on young talent and flexibility in cap space, the Nets are positioning themselves for long-term success.
WINNER: San Antonio Spurs
By adding defensive ace Stephon Castle to their roster, the Spurs are building a strong defensive core around their young talent. With a focus on team defense, the Spurs are aiming to improve their performance in the upcoming season.
WINNER: Ron Holland
Despite a disappointing season, Ron Holland was drafted early on by the Detroit Pistons. With the opportunity to work with a renowned shooting coach, Holland has the potential to grow and develop his game in the NBA.
WINNER: Handshakes That Feature a Brief Intermission
A unique handshake moment between two brothers added a touch of humor and creativity to the draft night. The unexpected second movement in the handshake routine captivated viewers and showcased the players’ personalities.
LOSER: Dalton Knecht
Despite being a highly rated prospect, Dalton Knecht dropped in the draft, potentially costing him a significant amount of money. However, he landed with the Los Angeles Lakers, giving him the opportunity to learn from top NBA players and coaches.
TENTATIVE LOSER: Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks’ draft pick raised questions about their strategy for the upcoming season. While the selection may have long-term potential, it remains to be seen how the young guard will contribute to a team in need of immediate help.
WINNER: Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves made a bold move to secure a promising young guard in the draft. With a focus on talent acquisition and succession planning, the Timberwolves are setting themselves up for future success.
WINNER, I THINK: Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers addressed their defensive weaknesses by adding two talented players to their roster. The new additions are expected to improve the team’s defensive performance and contribute to a culture of success and stability.
POTENTIAL LOSERS: Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III
The selection of a center in the draft by their respective teams may signal uncertainty for the future roles of veteran centers Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III. The addition of a young center could impact their playing time and roles on the team.
Overall, the 2024 NBA Draft showcased a mix of surprises, strategic moves, and potential game-changers. As the new season approaches, fans will be eager to see how these draft picks will impact their teams and the league as a whole.