The 2024 NBA Draft has come and gone, with several teams making significant moves to strengthen their rosters. Let's take a look at some of the most notable events from the draft and how they may impact the upcoming NBA season.
Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher as the first pick in the draft, a French forward who was named EuroCup Rising Star award winner. Risacher is not considered a franchise-changer but should contribute immediately on defense with his 7-foot frame and 7-foot-4 wingspan. The Hawks also selected Nikola Šurići in the second round, a tough scorer on the perimeter who adds upside and versatility on defense.
Washington Wizards: With the second overall pick, Washington selected Alex Sarr, a French center with a 7-foot frame and impressive athleticism. Sarr's ability to defend away from the basket makes him an intriguing addition to the team. The Wizards also made three first-round picks in total.
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers selected Bronny James, LeBron James' oldest son, with the 55th overall pick in the second round. This marks the first time a father and son have been in the NBA at the same time.
New York Knicks: New York made a big splash before the draft by agreeing to deals for Brooklyn Nets wing Mikal Bridges and signing OG Anunoby to a long-term deal. These moves solidify their status as an Eastern Conference powerhouse and give them formidable depth on both ends of the court.
Detroit Pistons: Detroit took Ron Holland II as a surprise in the first round, a 6-foot-8 forward from G League Ignite with explosive athleticism. The Pistons have their fair share of problems and are hoping that Holland can pair well with Cade Cunnigham.
Portland Trail Blazers: Portland has Donovan Clingan on the team, but the decision about Deandre Ayton's future remains uncertain. Ayton is a free agent this offseason, and his departure could leave a significant hole in the team's frontcourt.
Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes is officially the centerpiece for the Toronto Raptors after an impressive rookie season. The team also drafted Tristan da Silva to give them more offensive power.
Utah Jazz: Utah had one of the best drafts, selecting Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski to help get the Jazz moving in the right direction.
Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine is pretty much all by himself in Chicago. The Bulls could try to restart by trading him or signing a big-name free agent.
San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle is exactly the type of player San Antonio needed to pair with Victor Wembanyama and take another step toward success.
Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo is signing a long-term deal, but Jimmy Butler's future remains uncertain. This season might be their last chance to win a title together.
Houston Rockets: The Rockets just missed out on the playoffs but have all the reasons to be in next season, especially with Reed Sheppard as their third overall pick.
Golden State Warriors: An aging team could use some fresh faces. The decision between Klay Thompson's future and bringing in new talent remains to be seen.
Sacramento Kings: Devin Carter gives Sacramento another piece to what is already a deep backcourt.
Memphis Grizzlies: Last season's disaster shouldn't be repeated by the Memphis Grizzlies, and Zach Edey adds some intrigue to a team that was once a top seed in the West.
Philadelphia 76ers: With Pascal Siakam staying in Indiana, the Pacers have the chance to be a contender for years to come. The 76ers could use a big-time free agency signing.
Indiana Pacers: With Pascal Siakam staying in Indiana, the Pacers have the chance to be a contender for years to come.
Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero emerged as the star of Orlando, and drafting Tristan da Silva will hopefully give more offensive power.
Cleveland Cavaliers: New coach Kenny Atkinson would love to see Donovan Mitchell sign an extension rather than look for a star player to build around in Cleveland.
Milwaukee Bucks: It was going to take time for Doc Rivers to mesh with Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Now they need to continue building around them.
Los Angeles Lakers: The J.J. Redick experiment is underway for the Los Angeles Lakers, and all eyes will be on whether Bronny James gets playing time with his dad.
Phoenix Suns: New coach Mike Budenholzer has the tools to get this loaded team back on track in Phoenix.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers need to ensure Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are still on the roster when their new arena opens in August.
New Orleans Pelicans: Getting Mikal Bridges will help New Orleans challenge Boston in the East.
Oklahoma City Thunder: This young squad hasn't even reached its full potential yet after capturing a No. 1 seed, and the addition of Alex Caruso will be huge for Oklahoma City Thunder.
Denver Nuggets: Denver is nearing an extension with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic is still the best player in the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Now that Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns have tasted what a playoff run is like, they should come back stronger, especially with the addition of Rob Dillingham.
Dallas Mavericks: With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving still leading, Dallas has a solid chance to return to the Finals and avenge its loss to Boston.
