After an eventful two days, the 2024 NBA Draft has come to a close, leaving fans and analysts buzzing with excitement and speculation. The draft began with a significant bang as Zaccharie Risacher was selected as the number one overall pick. On the other end of the spectrum, Ariel Hukporti rounded off the draft as the final selection.
Milwaukee Bucks Make Strategic Picks
The Milwaukee Bucks, already boasting a formidable roster with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, used the No. 23 pick to draft a 19-year-old player from Australia who averaged 2.9 points per game. This selection has left some questioning the strategy behind the pick. "If I were the Greek Freak, I would not be pleased," an observer noted. Despite these concerns, the Bucks are clearly thinking long-term and considering potential development over immediate impact.
Exciting Additions Across Teams
The Boston Celtics secured Baylor Scheierman with the 30th pick, while the Philadelphia 76ers used their 16th pick to bring in Jared McCain. Both picks are expected to add depth and talent to their respective teams.
Houston Rockets' selection of Reed Sheppard with the 3rd overall pick was another highlight of the draft. Despite speculation that the Rockets could have traded this pick for a veteran role player, an observer remarked, "Could the Rockets have moved the pick for a veteran role player? Yeah, probably. But why?" Sheppard is expected to bring youthful energy and potential to the team.
Donovan Clingan, a towering 7-foot-2 center responsible for UConn's back-to-back national championships, was picked 7th by the Portland Trail Blazers. His presence in the paint is anticipated to make a significant impact for the Blazers. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings selected the reigning Big East Player of the Year, Devin Carter, with the 13th pick. At 22 years old, Carter’s mature game and leadership are expected to be assets for the Kings.
Dalton Knecht is another notable mention, chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 17th pick. The 6-foot-6 wing player, who is 23 years old, promises to bring versatility and athleticism to the Lakers' lineup. Additionally, the Lakers created quite a story by picking Bronny James with the 55th pick. As the oldest son of LeBron James, this selection has captured the imaginations of fans and pundits alike.
The LeBron and Bronny Narrative
LeBron James, who grew up without a father and has publicly voiced his desire to play in the NBA alongside his son, now sees that dream inch one step closer to reality. “LeBron said years ago that it is his dream to play in the NBA with his son,” an observer commented, adding to the sentimental value of this pick. “The story of LeBron and Bronny playing together is too sweet to seriously make fun of,” another observer noted, creating a heartwarming subplot to the rigorous nature of professional basketball.
The move also sparked discussions about familial ties within the league. Observers pointed out, “Billy Donovan has helped his son land jobs. John Calipari has helped his son land jobs. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brother has been on the roster in Milwaukee for five years. Jalen Brunson’s father is on staff in New York.” This trend seems to transcend individual teams and has become an accepted part of the NBA's culture.
An observer encapsulated this sentiment, stating, “This kind of stuff actually happens in basketball all the time.” Regarding the potential advantages for the Lakers, another observer expressed, “I personally think the 55th pick (that typically amounts to nothing) is a small price to pay to keep the NBA’s all-time leading scorer happy and ensure he signs an extension and retires with the franchise.”
As these new players prepare to integrate into their teams, basketball enthusiasts will be keen to see how these selections pan out in the forthcoming season. Whether they make immediate impacts or develop gradually, the narratives and expectations surrounding these picks will undoubtedly add layers of intrigue to the already captivating world of NBA basketball.