The 2024 NBA Draft concluded with 58 players hearing their names called and realizing their lifelong dream of making the NBA. During these two days, surprise choices and exchanges were made. Let’s dive into them in full.
The Detroit Pistons were rumored heading into draft night to really like Matas Buzelis and most people thought Buzelis was going to be the selection at number five. Turns out they ended up selecting Buzelis’ teammate on G League Ignite, Ron Holland.
There were rumors that Holland was expected to fall out of the top ten, but the Pistons selected him at fifth place. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and just over two steals per game last season in the G League. It brings dynamic cutting ability as it does a great job of pressing on the rim.
He’s an elite defensive prospect who has the chance to be the best two-way player in the draft. The major question regarding this selection is that Holland doesn’t shoot particularly well from behind the arc, so how do the Pistons manage the minutes between him and Ausar Thompson?
Salaun was known to have a large fan base in the NBA due to his excellent physical tools, high-level athleticism, and great potential. Still, the pick might be a bit too ambitious at sixth overall. His jump shot still needs improvement as he is too slow and struggles to make shots off the dribble.
His handle could definitely use some work as it can get a little sloppy when dribbling in traffic and he barely shot 40 percent from the field at 6-foot-10 last season. Playing alongside a playmaker like LaMelo Ball could help elevate his game, but he’s still raw and far from a finished product. This is a risky move by the Hornets.
One of the most unexpected moves of the night was the trade of the eighth overall pick from the San Antonio Spurs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves ended up selecting Rob Dillingham, one of the best shooters and scorers in this year’s class.
The Timberwolves lacked players capable of scoring baskets on their roster, so they made selecting the best isolation scorer in Dillingham a priority in this draft. He will play behind Mike Conley to start his career, which could absolutely help him in the long run to have a mentor like him. Dillingham has all the tools, skills and opportunities to be the best player in this draft.
One of the biggest surprises of the first night was the lottery exit of Dalton Knecht, who landed 17th overall to the Los Angeles Lakers. Knecht was mocked by almost everyone on the Charlotte Hornets with the sixth pick of the draft, but they chose to take size and potential with that pick.
Knecht, due to his age and defensive issues, ended up losing a lot of ground and landing with the Lakers might be the best-case scenario for him. He’s a tough shooter with elite shooting ability at 6-foot-6. His high-level floor spacing pairs well with an elite point guard like LeBron James.
It’s finally official after years of discussions, Bronny James will be on the same team as his father, LeBron James. Bronny is a 6-foot-3 combo guard who struggled some last season in college, but ultimately showed some potential as a 3-and-D role player with solid playmaking skills. He will likely have to move on. time in the G League right away to develop his skills and get used to how the NBA game is played, but he has a chance to be a solid player in the NBA.
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