The 2024 NBA Draft promises to be no different, with several teams positioned to make significant selections that could alter their fortunes. Below, we will look in-depth at eight NBA teams and their 2024 draft picks, exploring the strategic decisions these franchises face, the prospects they’re eyeing, and how these choices could impact their long-term success.
OKC Thunder
In the recent draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder, under the leadership of GM Sam Presti, demonstrated their strategic draft approach by selecting three rookies in the 2024 NBA draft despite initially having just one pick.
They chose Nikola Topic at No. 12, acquired Dillon Jones at No. 26 through a trade with the New York Knicks involving future second-round picks, and secured Ajay Mitchell at No. 38 through additional trades. Presti’s aggressive strategy aimed to move up the draft board to select targeted players, highlighting the team’s proactive approach and further improving the Thunder Betting Odds next season.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets need a backup for three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, who plays extensive minutes. They struggle offensively when he’s benched. After trading with Phoenix, they picked DaRon Holmes II, a Dayton center, 22nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Also, the Nuggets are the only team reportedly interested in Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook. Having Jokic and Westbrook playing together, could spark a resurgence from the latter, making the Denver Nuggets an even harder team to beat in the Western Conference.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves entered the 2024 NBA Draft with the No. 27 and No. 37 picks and acquired No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham from the Spurs. Dillingham, from Hickory, N.C., led the USA under-16 team to victory at the 2021 FIBA Americas Championship and was named MVP.
A former five-star recruit, he played one season at Kentucky, averaging 15.2 points, 3.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. The Timberwolves selected Terrence Shannon Jr. with the No. 27 pick, known for his transition play and defensive versatility. They traded Bobi Klintman, Cam Spencer, and Ulrich Chomche.
LA Clippers
The Clippers picked Cam Christie at No. 46 in the 2024 NBA Draft. Christie, the younger brother of Lakers’ Max Christie, played for Minnesota in the Big Ten. He started 26 of 33 games and averaged 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
It seems improbable that the LA Clippers are considering a full rebuild. Instead, they appear to be focused on finding a suitable replacement for Paul George, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers could also hold still and see how James Harden and Kawhi Leonard carry the team as a duo.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics entered the 2024 NBA Draft with the 30th and 54th picks. At No. 30, they selected Baylor Scheierman, a versatile player who excelled at South Dakota State and Creighton, earning All-Big East First Team honors in 2023-24 with 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
With their second pick, they chose Anton Watson, who posted 14.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 57.8% from the field in his graduate senior season. Both players bring significant depth and skill to the Celtics’ roster.
New York Knicks
The Knicks entered the 2024 NBA Draft with the 24th, 25th, 38th, 51st, 56th, and 58th picks. They chose Kyshawn George with the 24th pick, but traded him to the Wizards.
Their 25th pick, Pacome Dadiet, represented France in the 2021 FIBA U16 European Challengers and the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, showcasing his talent and versatility. Dillon Jones was chosen 26th but traded to the Thunder. Tyler Kolek, picked 34th and traded from the Blazers. Additional trades involved Ajay Mitchell (38th pick to the Thunder), Melvin Ajinca (51st pick to the Mavericks), Kevin McCullar Jr. (56th pick from the Suns), and Ariel Hukporti (58th pick from the Mavericks).
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks entered the 2024 NBA Draft with the No. 23 and No. 33 overall picks. At No. 23, they selected AJ Johnson, a four-star recruit from California who played for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL. At No. 33, they picked Tyler Smith, a power forward known for his three-point shooting and ambidextrous finishing ability. Smith, who resembles John Collins in measurements, brings upside as a versatile offensive weapon and multi-level defender.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers selected Jaylon Tyson with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Initially seeing limited court time, Tyson transferred to Texas Tech, where he started all 31 games as a sophomore.
He transferred again to California for his junior year and enjoyed a breakout season, averaging 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals over 34.3 minutes. Tyson earned a spot on the 2023-24 All-PAC-12 First Team and was a top-10 finalist for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award. At 6’6″, his strengths lie in shot creation, defense, reliable shooting, and playmaking.
Conclusion
Over the years, the NBA draft has seen picks becoming all-stars, and even legends in basketball, with teams picking them ultimately becoming strong contenders and even champions. However, the NBA draft also comes with risks; draft busts are plenty and teams who have drafted such busts often suffer. The teams mentioned above have made their picks in the latest draft and are hoping to strike gold in the years to come.
