The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft is in the books.
France’s Zachary Rissacher went 2nd overall to the Atlanta Hawks, along with France’s Alex Charr. Washington Wizards Kentucky’s Reed Shepard to Houston Rockets no. Before going on 3.
Elsewhere, UConn’s Donovan Klingen went No. 7 overall to the Portland Trail Blazers. Chicago Bulls Matas took Buzelis to 11th overall.
But even if those picks feature some of the top names in this class, it could be even better.
Let’s analyze the 2024 draft with five winners and losers:
Winner: Devin Carter, Sacramento Kings
Drafting players is all about getting their profiles right. Are they unique enough? Is there room for them to grow, and if so how much? While the 2024 draft might not be the most attractive talent, Carter of Providence stood out early.
The Providence guard measured in at 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, made 37.7% on 3-pointers on 6.6 attempts in his final year, pulled in 8.4 rebounds and had no trouble defending regardless of position. Size.
The Kings There may already be several guards, especially the likes of De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Davion Mitchell and Keon Ellis, but Carter is a Day 1 rotation player. For Sacramento, he could be a better version of Mitchell because the former first-rounder hasn’t developed much offensively.
At No. 13 overall, Carter could be a huge asset to the Kings as they hope to return to the playoffs next season.
Loser: Ron Holland, Detroit Pistons
Let’s be clear: Holland is one of the best 3-and-D prospects in this class. But he doesn’t think he should have gone for the Pistons at No. 5 overall.
At 18, was one of the youngest players in the class with a 6-foot-6 frame and 6-foot-11 wingspan. The G League Ignite product isn’t a great spot-up shooter, but can attack the basket with his slashing skills. There’s a lot to like defensively, but the Pistons don’t need his profile.
With Cade Cunningham anchoring the team, Detroit hasn’t been good at surrounding him with floor spacers. Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren were key players who didn’t shoot the ball well, while Marcus Chaucer and Isaiah Stewart provided the spacing. But Detroit needs more ball creators to climb out of the East.
Holland doesn’t address any of Detroit’s needs for a top-five pick, though he’ll have his uses.
Forward Ron Holland is one of the most hyped players in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Winner: Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
For teams looking forward to matches like Lakers, older players in the draft are not a bad thing. Tennessee’s Knecht is 23 years old and a multi-level scorer, converting 39.7% from 3-point range on 6.5 attempts per game.
He’s not the best shot creator, but he can score in spot-up situations or off-balance, so he should fit in well with multiple lineups including LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, though there are some concerns about him defensively, Knecht can connect the dots offensively. But he’s also under new head coach J.J. For Redick to be a useful player, he can certainly make plays to help his acclimatization process.
The SEC Player of the Year, Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht, is the top lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Loser: Bronnie James
After some rumblings that Bronie James might be selected in the first round, he was never drafted. The Lakers grabbed the tie.
The 6-foot-2 guard is a solid 3-point shooter with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, so he has the potential to be an offensive 3-and-D guard early on. The trick will be who picks him in the second round if he does.
With the 2024 NBA Draft set to take place this week, Cass Famuid of Fanatics Sportsbook discusses three potential spots for Brony James.
Winner: Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
The 76 people It takes more players beyond Joel Embiid to make his own. Tyrese Maxey is built to be a great second option, with their new draft pick fitting the bill.
McCain, Duke’s point guard, was one of the top scorers in the draft. His 6-foot-2 frame with a 6-foot-3 wingspan has its woes, but he makes up for it with efficient shooting numbers.
In his lone season as a Blue Devil, he posted a 46/41/89 shooting split on 10.5/6/2.4 blocks. He’ll have a role on the Sixers’ bench that could become a strong value at No. 16 overall.
Honorable mentions
Could be a winner: Didjane Salan, Charlotte Hornets
With LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Mark Williams and Tre Mann, the Hornets have promising youngsters at every position. France’s 18-year-old Chalon could finish fourth. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Challan could develop into a solid stretch 4 if he can show off his 3-point shooting and on-the-ball skills.
Winner: France
Speaking of France, the European nation had the most first-round prospects, behind Americans Richards, Sarr, Challan and Pacom Dadiot (25th overall). New York Knicks) were four from the group, although how successful they would become was not known for several years. However, another sign is that the game is becoming more international.
