The 2024 NBA Draft has drawn to a close, leaving fans and analysts dissecting every pick and trade that took place. The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines with their selection of Bronny James at No. 55. Standing at 6-foot-1, James averaged 4.8 points over 25 games in college, a relatively modest figure for a draft pick. Nonetheless, being the son of LeBron James certainly added a layer of intrigue to his selection.
Rich Paul, the influential sports agent, reportedly said, "Bronny would go to Australia to play if anyone else took him." This underscores the perceptions that James' ties to Los Angeles were more than just professional. An anonymous source quoted in recent coverage wasn’t shy about highlighting the familial connections behind the draft choice. "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," the source claimed.
But the Lakers’ decisions didn't stop there. Earlier in the draft, the team secured Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 pick. Knecht, who earned the title of SEC Player of the Year, brings a notable pedigree to the Lakers' roster.
Knicks Make Bold Moves
The New York Knicks were equally active, making several big moves to reshape their lineup. On Tuesday, the Knicks traded Mikal Bridges to themselves — an apparent error. Clarifying this, it’s clear they engaged heavily in trades, including re-signing OG Anunoby and trading a first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for five second-round picks. The Knicks' strategy seemed evident as they selected Pacome Dadiet with the No. 25 pick and acquired Tyler Kolek with the 34th pick following a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Hawks Secure Top Talent
Securing the No. 1 overall pick gave the Atlanta Hawks the luxury of selecting French sensation Zaccharie Risacher. Risacher is projected to rake in approximately $57 million over his first four NBA seasons, a testament to the high expectations placed upon him. The draft's subsequent picks saw Alex Sarr going second, while Tidjane Salaun landed with the Charlotte Hornets at No. 6. The Memphis Grizzlies picked Zach Edey at No. 9, and Donovan Clingan found a new home with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Spurs' Strategic Maneuvers
Operating with shrewd efficiency, the San Antonio Spurs selected Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick. Castle has already drawn comparisons to Jrue Holiday for his defensive capabilities, with Jay Bilas noting, "The comparison of Castle to Jrue Holiday by Jay Bilas indicates the Spurs' high hopes for his defensive capabilities."
But the Spurs weren’t finished. They traded their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap. This trade plays into a long-term strategy for the Spurs, who now hold control over at least one first-round pick from another team in every draft until 2031, except in 2029. Such planning positions the Spurs to maintain a competitive edge well into the next decade.
As the dust settles from the 2024 NBA Draft, these moves leave various franchises in intriguing positions. From the Lakers’ familial ties to the strategic future planning of the Spurs, the landscape of the NBA is poised for compelling storylines and thrilling on-court action in the seasons to come.