2024 NBA Draft: Winners and Losers
WINNER: Devin Carter, Sacramento Kings.
Drafting players is all about getting their profiles right. Are they unique enough? Do they have room to grow, and how much if so? Though the 2024 draft didn’t boast the most enticing talent pool, Devin Carter of Providence stood out early on.
The Providence guard, standing at 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, impressed scouts with his 37.7% shooting from three-point range on 6.6 attempts per game in his final year. Additionally, Carter hauled in 8.4 rebounds per game and demonstrated versatility by effectively guarding multiple positions despite his size.
The Kings, already stacked with guards like De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Davion Mitchell, and Keon Ellis, found Carter to be a Day 1 rotational player. For Sacramento, Carter could essentially become a better version of Mitchell, who hasn’t developed much offensively. Drafted 13th overall, Carter represents tremendous value for a Kings squad aiming to return to the playoffs next season.
LOSER: Ron Holland, Detroit Pistons.
Ron Holland, despite being one of the better 3-and-D prospects in this class, may not have been the ideal choice for the Detroit Pistons at No. 5 overall. At 18, Holland boasts a 6-foot-6 frame with a 6-foot-11 wingspan. The G League Ignite product excels in slashing to the basket and offers plenty defensively, but he isn’t a great spot-up shooter.
The Pistons, anchored by Cade Cunningham, have struggled with surrounding him with effective floor spacers. With players like Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren not shooting well, and Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart providing spacing, Detroit needed more on-the-ball creators. Holland, while talented, does not address these pressing needs for a top-five pick.
WINNER: Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers.
For teams like the Lakers, hoping to contend, older players in the draft aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Dalton Knecht of Tennessee, at 23, is a multi-level scorer who converted 39.7% of his 3-point attempts on 6.5 shots per game. Although not the best shot creator, Knecht can score in spot-up situations or off-balance, fitting well in lineups featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Standing at 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Knecht connects the dots offensively despite some defensive concerns. New head coach JJ Redick can devise plays to help Knecht acclimate and contribute effectively.
LOSER: Bronny James
Despite some buzz that Bronny James could be picked in the first round, he ended up not being called at all. The Lakers selected Dalton Knecht, while the Phoenix Suns took Ryan Dunn out of Virginia at No. 27. The 6-foot-2 guard with a 6-foot-7 wingspan has the potential to be a solid 3-point shooter and a 3-and-D guard, but his draft night ended in disappointment. The intrigue now shifts to whether he will be selected in the second round.
WINNER: Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers, needing more players beyond Joel Embiid to create their own shots, found a promising pick in Jared McCain. The point guard from Duke, standing at 6-foot-2 with a 6-foot-3 wingspan, is one of the better scorers in the draft. In his lone season as a Blue Devil, McCain recorded a 46/41/89 shooting split, showcasing his efficiency. Selected 16th overall, McCain could provide robust value off the Sixers’ bench.
Honorable Mentions:
Could Be a Winner: Tidjane Salaün, Charlotte Hornets.
With LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Mark Williams, and Tre Mann, the Hornets have promising youngsters at each position. Salaün, an 18-year-old from France, could fill the fourth spot. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Salaün could develop into a solid stretch 4 if his 3-point shooting and on-the-ball abilities pan out.
Winner: France
France had the most first-round prospects behind the U.S., with Risacher, Sarr, Salaün, and Pacome Dadiet (No. 25 overall to the New York Knicks) all being selected. This is another sign of the game’s increasing international reach and the potential global impact of these players in the coming years.