The 2024 NBA Draft concluded on Thursday, wrapping up an eventful two rounds of selections that set the stage for the league's next generation of talent. While the Atlanta Hawks made headlines by securing the No. 1 overall pick, it was the Los Angeles Lakers' choice at No. 55 that perhaps drew the most intrigue: Bronny James.
Lakers Select Bronny James
Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, was chosen by the Lakers with the 55th pick. Standing at 6-foot-1, Bronny averaged 4.8 points over 25 games in college. Despite modest statistics, his selection has sparked conversations across the basketball community. Rich Paul, a prominent sports agent, had previously stated, "Bronny would go to Australia to play if anyone else took him," highlighting the family's desire to see him in Los Angeles.
Speculation about LeBron's influence on the decision has been rampant. An unnamed source remarked, "LeBron can say all he wants that he had nothing to do with this and 'reports' can come out that Anthony Davis was 'really impressed' with Bronny's workout, but let's be honest about this: Bronny would not have been taken by the Lakers, or probably any other team, if he wasn't LeBron's son."
Bronny’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. The young guard survived a sudden cardiac arrest, showcasing resilience and determination. While the Lakers are betting on his potential, there's no doubt that Bronny's path forward will be under intense scrutiny.
Key Picks and Trades
Earlier in the draft, the Lakers also added Dalton Knecht at No. 17. Knecht's impressive college career culminated in being named the SEC Player of the Year, adding a proven talent to the Lakers' roster.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks were remarkably active, making several key moves. On Tuesday, the Knicks traded Mikal Bridges and followed up by re-signing OG Anunoby the next day. The franchise also traded one of their first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for five second-round picks, further solidifying their strategic depth.
With their No. 25 pick, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet, and later acquired Tyler Kolek with the 34th pick through a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers. These moves indicate a focus on building a robust and versatile squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Top Selections
The Atlanta Hawks, holding the No. 1 overall pick, chose Zaccharie Risacher. The French phenom is expected to earn approximately $57 million over his first four NBA seasons, an investment the Hawks are keen on seeing pay off. At No. 2, Alex Sarr was picked, while the Charlotte Hornets selected Tidjane Salaun at No. 6. The Memphis Grizzlies added Zach Edey with the ninth pick, bolstering their lineup with formidable talent.
The Portland Trail Blazers selected Donovan Clingan, and the San Antonio Spurs took Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick. Jay Bilas compared Castle to Jrue Holiday, noting, "The comparison of Castle to Jrue Holiday by Jay Bilas indicates the Spurs' high hopes for his defensive capabilities."
Trades and Future Assets
The Spurs were active in the trade market as well, trading the rights to their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, they received an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap. This strategic move ensures that the Spurs have control over at least one first-round pick from another team in every draft until 2031, except for 2029, positioning them well for future drafts.
As the dust settles on the 2024 NBA Draft, teams are now set to evaluate their picks and integrate these young talents into their rosters. The decisions made during these two rounds will resonate throughout the league for years to come, as fans and analysts eagerly await to see if the new draft class can live up to the hype and expectations.