With the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft complete, let’s look at some winners of the night.
- Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, F, JL Bourg
- Washington Wizards: Alexandre Sarr, F/C, Perth
- Houston Rockets (from Nets): Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
- San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, G, UConn
- Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland, F, G League Ignite
- Charlotte Hornets: Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet
- Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
- Minnesota Timberwolves (from Raptors via Spurs): Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
- Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Edey, C, Purdue
- Utah Jazz: Cody Williams, G/F, Colorado
- Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from Rockets): Nikola Topic, G, Crvena Zvezda
- Sacramento Kings: Devin Carter, G, Providence
- Washington Wizards (from Warriors via Trail Blazers): Carlton Carrington, G, Pittsburgh
- Miami Heat: Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana
- Philadelphia 76ers: Jared McCain, G, Duke
- Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht, F, Tennessee
- Orlando Magic: Tristan Da Silva, F, Colorado
- Toronto Raptors (from Pacers): Ja’Kobe Walter, G, Baylor
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson, G, California
- New Orleans Pelicans (from Bucks): Yves Missi, C, Baylor
- Denver Nuggets (from Suns): DaRon Holmes, F/C, Dayton
- Milwaukee Bucks (from Pelicans): AJ Johnson, G, Illawarra
- Washington Wizards (from Mavericks via Knicks): Kyshawn George, G, Miami
- New York Knicks: Pacome Dadiet, G/F, Ratiopharm Ulm
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from Clippers via Wizards and Knicks): Dillon Jones, G/F, Weber State
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon, G, Illinois
- Phoenix Suns (from Nuggets): Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia
- Utah Jazz (from Thunder): Isaiah Collier, G, USC
- Boston Celtics: Baylor Scheierman, G/F, Creighton
Table of Contents
Winners of the NBA Draft
Wizards Get Their Guy
Before the NBA Draft, Alex Sarr exclusively worked out with Washington and was adamant about his desire to play there. Everything turned out well for Sarr and the Wizards, as Washington selected him with the 2nd overall pick. It seems the Wizards are committing to a rebuild around Sarr after trading promising young wing Deni Avdija to the Trail Blazers. The 7-1 big man has the potential to be the ideal modern NBA center, with his shooting ability and rim protection. Sarr’s unique combination of size, length and skill equips him with all the tools to become a franchise player.
Matas Buzelis Heads Home to the Windy City
Going into the draft, the Chicago native was one of the most intriguing prospects because of his tremendous upside. The 6-10 forward can do it all on the offensive end and possesses great skill and speed for a player his size. This is an excellent pick for Chicago, especially since they seem to be heading in the rebuilding direction. While the Bulls have been walking the line of a rebuild for years now, it seems they are leaning into it after trading Alex Caruso for young guard Josh Giddey. With Buzelis, the Bulls have a promising piece they can build their future on.
Lakers Snag Dalton Knecht at 17 in the Draft
Going into the draft, Knecht was widely seen as a lottery pick. However, on draft night, the Tennessee guard fell right into the Laker’s hands at the 17 spot. Knecht’s age is a significant factor in as to why he fell lower than expected. The 23-year-old spent four years playing college basketball, and teams usually like to select younger players who have more time to develop their skills. However, teams still haven’t learned that even though a player is older, their age doesn’t detract from their talent. LA got a steal by selecting Knecht with the 17th pick, and the sharpshooting guard could be ready to contribute immediately.
Grizzlies Take a Swing at Zach Edey
Though Zach Edey dominated college basketball, earning the 2024 Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year award, many questioned his fit in the NBA. The 7-4 center is an old-school big man who primarily plays with his back to the basket. While players like this are becoming increasingly less prevalent in today’s NBA, the Grizzlies think his skillset is still valuable. This was a great pick for Memphis, as Edey will get the opportunity to play behind and learn from talented big man Jaren Jackson Jr. Edey is going into a situation where he’s not expected to dominate immediately, which can significantly help his development and confidence.
Timberwolves Get Two Promising Guards
Perhaps one of the most unexpected winners of the night, the Timberwolves snagged guards Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon. Selecting Dillingham after trading for the eighth pick, the Timberwolves are adding an elite young guard to its roster. Dillingham shined for Kentucky in his freshman season, showing flashes of elite shot-making and creating. While Terrence Shannon may be 23 years old, his talent is undeniable. This past season, he led Illinois to a Big Ten tournament championship and an elite 8 appearance in the Men’s NCAA Tournament. To make these picks even sweeter, Dillingham and Shannon will learn from savvy veteran guard Mike Conley, enhancing their development.
