The 2024 NBA Draft has wrapped up after two eventful days, providing plenty of material for analysis and excitement for fans and teams alike. As the dust settles, several key moments and selections have taken the spotlight, shaping the future landscape of the league.
Top Picks and Surprises
Zaccharie Risacher emerged as the first overall pick, setting the tone for the draft. On the other end of the spectrum, Ariel Hukporti was the final name called, closing out the evening.
The Milwaukee Bucks made a notable move with their No. 23 pick, drafting a 19-year-old who averaged a modest 2.9 points per game in Australia. This choice raised eyebrows and drew commentary from various observers. As one put it, "If I were the Greek Freak, I would not be pleased." Despite this, Milwaukee’s core—featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez—remains formidable.
Notable Team Moves
The Celtics selected Baylor Scheierman with the 30th pick, while the Sixers nabbed Jared McCain at 16. In a bold decision, the Rockets used the third pick to draft Reed Sheppard. Critics speculated whether Houston might have traded the pick for a veteran role player but concluded, "Could the Rockets have moved the pick for a veteran role player? Yeah, probably. But why?"
The Blazers added Donovan Clingan with the seventh pick. Standing at 7-foot-2, Clingan played a key role in UConn’s back-to-back national championships. Meanwhile, the Kings selected Devin Carter at 13, who recently earned the title of Big East Player of the Year at age 22.
Lakers' Strategic Selections
The Lakers made waves with their selections, picking Dalton Knecht at 17 and Bronny James at 55. Knecht, a 6-foot-6 wing player, brings solid potential, while Bronny’s selection has sparked considerable discussion. LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has long expressed his dream of playing alongside his son.
An observer noted, "LeBron said years ago that it is his dream to play in the NBA with his son." Another added, "The story of LeBron and Bronny playing together is too sweet to seriously make fun of." For the Lakers, using a late pick to potentially fulfill this dream seemed like a worthwhile gamble. "I personally think the 55th pick (that typically amounts to nothing) is a small price to pay to keep the NBA’s all-time leading scorer happy and ensure he signs an extension and retires with the franchise," remarked an observer.
Family Ties in the League
The draft also highlighted the recurring theme of familial connections in the NBA. It has been pointed out that "Billy Donovan has helped his son land jobs. John Calipari has helped his son land jobs. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brother has been on the roster in Milwaukee for five years. Jalen Brunson’s father is on staff in New York." This trend underscores the league's unique blend of talent and personal relationships.
It's a reminder that "this kind of stuff actually happens in basketball all the time." Whether it's through direct influence or advisory roles, family connections continue to play a significant part in shaping careers and team dynamics. "There is nothing too unique about LeBron and his agent creating this situation for Bronny," observed a seasoned commentator.
The 2024 NBA Draft will be remembered for its mix of predictable picks, surprises, and heartfelt stories. As teams integrate their new members and prepare for the upcoming season, fans will be keenly watching to see how these fresh faces develop and impact the game.