2024 NBA Draft Grades

June 30th, 2024

The 2024 NBA Draft was a two-day event that was held on June 26 and 27. The Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher first overall and the Wizards selected Alex Sarr second overall. NBA teams made a bunch of trades frenetically over the course of two days, especially in the second round, as it became harder to keep up with who went were in the trades. But after sorting all of this out, here are my 2024 NBA draft grades for each of the teams.

Also, I went to NBA.com and CBS Sports to try to keep up with all the frenetic trades that went down, and Rookie Scale had the latest updated list for the UDFA tracker.

The Atlanta Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
(Photo: Brett Davis/USA Today Sports, via Sports Illustrated)

Atlanta Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher, F, JL Bourg-en-Bresse (France)

A solid overall prospect, Risacher is a smooth, athletic 6-9 forward that can really shoot it, has some playmaking skills, is a rangy defender, and has played in some of the toughest professional leagues from around the world. The knock is he’s not really an elite shot creator and can sometimes fade into the background a bit too much at times, but he is a very talented, versatile player that should both provide immediate help to the Hawks both next season and for the long haul.

43. Nikola Djurisic, G-F, Mega Basket (Belgium/Serbia)

He is an athletic, energetic point forward that has fairly solid shot-creation skills and is a strong playmaker that has very good court vision. He’ll need to improve his jump shot and will need to be a more consistent defender in games, but he is a talented player that could end up being a solid player in this league, and this looks to be a solid pick for the Hawks.

They traded away AJ Griffin in a three-team traded that landed them Nikola Djurisic. After having a solid rookie season in 2023, mostly under previous head coach Nate McMillan, Griffin was doghoused this year as he didn’t play much or play well in his second season under current head coach Quin Snyder. They said he wasn’t even starting in the G-League, so Griffin had fallen hard in the depth chart. Therefore, a new change of scenery is needed for Griffin, and while Djurisic is a talented point forward, it’s shocking that a young, athletic forward with upside was traded for only one second round pick, and a mid second round pick at that. That said, Djurisic is a talented swingman that could help Atlanta sometime in the future, but I do think they gave up too early on Griffin and didn’t quite get enough out of this trade in return.

They also traded Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans to get Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance Jr., but neither NBA.com or CBS Sports listed that as in the 2024 NBA Draft trade tracker, so this move wasn’t counted here.

Signed Moses Wood to a summer league deal.

Moses Wood is a 6-8 jump shooting forward from Washington, and he is a hopeful that is looking to make their big league squad for the regular season.

The Atlanta Hawks’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B (16th Overall)

Boston Celtics

30. Baylor Scheierman, G-F, Creighton

He is a strong, mobile swingman that can shoot, score, and pass the basketball, and he is a smart, high IQ basketball player that is a better athlete than advertised. While he may not be an elite athlete, he is a very skilled offensive player that can play any of the perimeter positions, and he is a cerebral player that will likely end up being a solid role player in this league.

54. Anton Watson, F, Gonzaga

He is a fairly athletic, energetic forward that can do a little bit of everything, and he had a very good senior season at Gonzaga. He’s shown an improved outside shot and is a tough player that will compete, but he will need to show that he can consistently play well at the next level. Still, this was a solid pick for the Celtics at this spot.

Signed Tristan Enaruna to an Exhibit-10 contract.

Enaruna is an athletic, high-motor forward that can ably create his own shot, make hustle plays on both ends of the floor, and he was the 2024 Portsmouth Invitational MVP. He’ll need to improve his jump shot, but that’s the big swing skill for him, and if he can get that to be solid, he could end up being a solid role player in this league. Overall, this was a very good UDFA signing for Boston.

The Boston Celtics’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B+(8th Overall)

Brooklyn Nets

Signed Mark Armstrong and KJ Jones II to Exhibit-10 contracts.

Armstrong is an athletic combo guard that has shown the potential to develop into a dynamic, two-way point guard, but he’ll need to improve his jump shot and shot selection. KJ Jones II played in Division II and also was at the 2024 Portsmouth Invitational, and he is a crafty, skilled wing that can score the basketball.

Overall, the Nets were quiet in this draft as they did not have any picks. They made solid UDFA signings, but no draft picks may lower their score when ranking their team against others on this draft night.

They also traded Mikal Bridges to the Knicks for five first-round picks, but neither NBA.com or CBS Sports seemed to count that move in their 2024 NBA Draft trade tracker, so that move won’t be counted here.

The Brooklyn Nets’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: C+ (27th Overall)

Charlotte Hornets

6. Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet Basket (France)

He is a tremendously athletic forward that can knock down outside shots and make hustle plays on both ends of the floor. He has the potential to excel as a two-way wing, but will need to improve his shot creation skills, handles, and be more consistent in games, but Salaun is a high-upside prospect that could end up being a star in this league.

42. KJ Simpson, G, Colorado

He is a solid, offensively skilled point guard that can shoot and pass the basketball. He doesn’t possess elite size or athleticism, but he is an agile playmaker that has shown a much improved outside shot and will project to be a solid rotational point guard in this league.

Acquired Reggie Jackson and 3 future second round picks

The Hornets add an athletic, backup point guard that was on the 2023 Denver Nuggets’ team that won the NBA championship in Reggie Jackson, and he can score the basketball, but can sometimes be prone to questionable shot selection. They also added three future second round picks to their stable, so that really helps their cause, and gives them more draft capital for the future.

Signed Joel Soriano to an Exhibit-10 deal.

They signed a strong, physical center that excels as an interior player and can really rebound, and he is a post-up big man that played well at the 2024 Portsmouth Invitational. He will add talent and depth and has a legitimate chance to make it to the NBA next season.

The Charlotte Hornets’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B (14th Overall)

Chicago Bulls

11. Matas Buzelis, F, G-League Ignite (USA – Chicago, IL)

He’s a very tall, skilled forward that is a three-level scorer, creates well off the bounce, and can make highlight reel-worthy plays on both ends of the floor. He is a high-flyer that will make hustle plays and he also can provide some rim protection. He’ll need to be a more consistent shooter and will need to improve his shot selection, but he is a very skilled player and is a very good pick for Chicago, especially at 11.

Traded to get Josh Giddey from Oklahoma City, but traded away Alex Caruso.

The Bulls add a tall, offensively skilled point forward that’s known for his strong playmaking skills, but Giddey will need to be a more consistent shooter and defender in games. It’s surprising that the Bulls didn’t add draft picks on top of this trade, but Giddey will be a player that can help them both next season and for the long haul.

Signed Marcus Domask to an Exhibit-10 contract.

They add a smart, cerebral point forward that has strong playmaking skills, excels at making team plays, and also is a solid post-up guard. He’ll need to improve his outside shot, but his strong feel for the game and versatility makes this a very good signing, especially since it’s a low risk move on part of the Bulls.

The Chicago Bulls’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B (11th Overall)

Cleveland Cavaliers

20. Jaylon Tyson, G-F, California

He is a mobile, skilled swingman that can knock down shots in a variety of ways, but he’ll need to improve his defense, and can tend to force the issue too much at times. He’s not an elite athlete, but he is a tough wing that projects into a 3 and D role. While this pick may be a bit of a reach, as his defense needs improvement and he played on a very bad California team, Tyson could end up being a serviceable role player in this league.

Signed Darius Brown to an Exhibit-10 contract and DJ Burns to their summer league roster.

Brown is an offensively skilled point guard that can shoot and pass the basketball. Burns is a very strong, mobile big man that can really score and pass out of the post, and Burns lead his team to get to the Final Four this year. The Cavaliers made solid UDFA signings, but selecting Tyson in the first round still seems to be a bit of a reach, especially since there were better 3 and D wings on the board, and Tyson’s lack of ideal athleticism or defense may cause him to top out as at best a rotation player in this league.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: C- (30th Overall)

Dallas Mavericks

51. Melvin Ajinca, G-F, Saint-Quentin Basketball (France)

He is an athletic, skilled swingman that projects into a 3 and D role in the NBA. He’ll need to be a more consistent shooter and will need to improve his defense, but his ability to make shots could enable him to thrive as a role player in this league.

The Mavericks traded the 58th pick, the rights to Petteri Koponen, a player that will probably never end up playing an NBA regular season game, and cash considerations to select Ajinca, a talented and athletic 3 and D forward that they could stash overseas for the time being.

Signed Jarod Lucas, Jamarion Sharp, and Xavier Johnson to their summer league squad.

They also added a couple of talented combo guards that will compete for roster spots, as well as an imposing, 7-5 shot blocker in Jamarion Sharp, whom also will look to compete to make their regular season squad next season.

The Dallas Mavericks’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B- (21st Overall)

Denver Nuggets

22. DaRon Holmes II, C, Dayton

Holmes is a strong, mobile big man that had a very good collegiate career at Dayton, as he can score in a variety of ways and can provide rim protection. He can stretch the floor, operate as the roll man, and he will provide energy and solid minutes off the bench.

They received salary cap relief in a trade where they dealt away Reggie Jackson and three future second round picks to Charlotte. While the Nuggets give up considerable draft capital and their backup point guard, they get cap relief, and they will avoid paying harsher penalties next season.

They also dealt away considerable draft capital to get DaRon Holmes, but they were able to get a player that could help step in right away for them next season.

The Denver Nuggets’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B- (18th Overall)

Detroit Pistons

5. Ron Holland II, F, G-League Ignite (USA – Duncanville, TX)

He’s a tremendously athletic, energetic forward that excels as a downhill driver and at making hustle plays, and he is a rangy defender that has a terrific, non-stop motor. From a fit standpoint, it’s curious, because he will still need to really improve his jump shot and will be on a team with plenty of players that need to improve their jump shots, but Holland is a high-upside, two-way wing that has enormous potential and could end up being one of the best players to come out of this draft.

37. Bobi Klintman, F, Cairns (Sweden)

He is an athletic, stretch big that has an emerging set of skills that could enable him to be a versatile role player in this league. He’ll need to be a more consistent shooter and will need to refine his overall game, especially his handles and defense, but Klintman’s promising outside shot, size, and athleticism could enable him to excel as a rotation player in this league.

On the surface, trading away the 53rd overall pick to get the 37th overall pick and Wendell Moore seems like a good move, but Memphis came away with the best player in that deal in being able to select Cam Spencer. Klintman and Moore are project players, as Moore hasn’t panned out so far, and Klintman will need time to hone his skills to be an impactful NBA player.

Signed Daniss Jenkins to a two-way contract, and Aaron Estrada to an Exhibit-10 contract.

They are both crafty, offensively skilled point guards that could compete to get significant playing time on the Pistons next season.

The Detroit Pistons’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B- (24th Overall)

Golden State Warriors

52. Quinten Post, C, Boston College

He is a smart, skilled big man that can score the basketball in a variety of ways, can shoot the basketball, and is a solid passer for his size. He’ll need to improve his mobility and defense, but his high basketball IQ and skill set should enable him to be a solid rotational big man in this league.

Traded to get Lindy Waters, managed to get their own 52nd pick back through a series of weird trades, but now are hard capped.

Waters is a sharpshooting swingman that will compete for playing time in the NBA, and Post is an offensively skilled big man that should fit into Golden State’s team system.

Signed Reece Beekman to a two-way contract.

They added a defensive minded point guard that could be a solid rotation player for them in the future, especially if he significantly improves his jump shot and adjusts to the speed of the game.

The Golden State Warriors’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B- (20th Overall)

Houston Rockets

3. Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky

A solid, smooth sharpshooting playmaker that makes sound decisions on the court. He consistently gives great effort, and he can play either backcourt position. He may not be an elite athlete, but he is a very skilled player that should provide immediate help, and will be a very solid player in this league.

Traded to get AJ Griffin by trading the 44th overall pick away. They get a very talented, reclamation project in Griffin, who is a young, athletic wing that projects well into a 3 and D role, but has been injury prone, and followed up a solid rookie season with a very rough second season after being doghoused by Quin Snyder. He needed a fresh start, and he’s getting it in Houston and while he might not get much playing time right away, he’s a good long-term piece for Houston.

Signed N’Faly Dante to a two-way contract.

They get a strong, athletic center that can help fortify the paint, and will help add talent and depth to their team.

The Houston Rockets’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B+ (3rd Overall)

Indiana Pacers

35. Johnny Furphy, F, Kansas

He is a tall, jumpshooting forward that projects to be a sharpshooter at the NBA level, but he doesn’t do any one particular thing at an outstanding level, and he doesn’t possess elite athleticism. But if he can develop that outside shot to an elite level and continue to work on his ability to shoot on the move, he could be a solid role player in this league.

49. Tristen Newton, G, Connecticut

He is an agile, skilled combo guard that has a variety of skills that could prove to be useful in this league. He is a strong playmaker and is a tenacious defender, and has very good intangibles. He’ll need to be a more consistent shooter, but he is a smart, cerebral playmaker that could end up being a solid role player in the NBA.

50. Enrique Freeman, F, Akron

He is a high-motor, energetic forward that was very productive in college and was tremendous in the pre-draft camps. He is an efficient inside scorer that is a tremendous rebounder, and will make hustle plays on both ends of the floor. He’ll need to continue to improve his outside shot, but he has the basketball IQ and skills to be a solid role player in this league.

Traded away 36 (the rights to Juan Nunez) and cash considerations to move up to get Furphy. It was a lot of machinations to move up one spot, and both players in this trade are flawed prospects that are neither elite shooters or defenders, but Furphy is a tall, mobile forward whose floor spacing capabilities could make him an intriguing bench player for the Pacers in the future.

Signed Josiah Jordan-James to an Exhibit-10 contract.

They get a solid tough wing that showed a much improved outside shot, and his playmaking and defensive skills could land him a roster spot on an NBA team for the 2024-25 season.

The Indiana Pacers’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: C (28th Overall)

Los Angeles Clippers

46. Cam Christie, G-F, Minnesota

He is an athletic, skilled swingman that can shoot and score the basketball, and projects well into a 3 and D role in this league. He flew under the radar for most of the season, but moved up draft boards rapidly over the last few months, and he could end up being a very good pick here forthe Clippers.

Signed Trentyn Flowers, and signed Rayj Dennis to an Exhibit-10 contract.

Flowers is a young, athletic swingman that projects well into a 3 and D role, and he could be a very good long-term piece for the future. Dennis is a skilled combo guard that will compete for a roster spot in the NBA.

The Los Angeles Clippers’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B (12th Overall)

Los Angeles Lakers

17. Dalton Knecht, G-F, Tennessee

The Lakers take arguably one of the best shooters in the draft in Dalton Knecht. He had a fantastic season at Tennessee, and he is a smooth, sharpshooting swingman that can really score the basketball. He moves well off the ball on offense, and he also has a solid set of all-around skills. He is a polished player that has a refined skill set, and he will likely be a very solid player in this league.

55. Bronny James, G, USC

From a production standpoint, this pick looks to be a massive reach, considering that Bronny James did not shoot the ball well at all, and was also a low volume offensive player this year. But from a skill level, upside, and intangibles standpoint, this pick has the potential to be a decent one. Bronny James is a very athletic point guard that can run a team’s offense, and he has shown that he can be a plus-level defender on the floor. He also is a tough player that overcame a heart condition to play this year. He’ll need to improve his jump shot and shot selection considerably, but his playmaking and ddefensive skills combined with his intangibles and bloodlines in the sense that he is LeBron’s son could enable him to have a long career in this league.

Signed Blake Hinson and Armel Traore to two-way contracts, and Sean East II and Quincy Olivari to Exhibit-10s.

The Lakers signed Hinson, a sharpshooting forward, and Traore, an athletic hustle forward, as well as a couple of sharpshooting combo guards that will compete to make their big league squad for the regular season.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B+ (6th Overall)

Memphis Grizzlies

9. Zach Edey, C, Purdue

While this pick seems like a reach, Edey had back-to-back strong seasons in college basketball. He’s a very tall, strong 7-4 center that excels as a low post scorer, rebounder, and interior defender, and he’s also shown improved mobility and passing skills. He’ll need to add a reliable outside shot and continue to improve his mobility, and he’ll need to improve his ability to defend out on the perimeter, but Edey is a polished prospect that should be able to contribute right away for Memphis.

39. Jaylen Wells, F, Washington State

He’s an athletic, smooth shooting forward that can score the basketball. He has some handles and is a solid offensive player, but will need to improve in the other areas of the game. Still, his jump shot and athleticism should enable him to be a solid role player in this league.

53. Cam Spencer, G, Connecticut

He is a smart, skilled combo guard that helped UConn win the 2024 National Championship, and he is a sharpshoooter that can shoot, score, and pass the basketball. He is a high-motor playmaker that can add a movement component to a team’s offense, and he was a very good pick for Memphis at 53.

The Grizzlies made a solid trade as they were able to select Spencer at 53 late in the second round, and they add a sharpshooter that has a championship pedigree, and his ability to make hustle plays and move off the ball will help Memphis both next season and for the foreseeable future.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B (15th Overall)

Miami Heat

15. Kel’el Ware, F-C, Indiana

The Heat get a very good pick here, as Ware is a very athletic, skilled big man that can stretch the floor, excel as a scorer on pick-and-pops and pick-and-rolls, and he also can provide solid rim protection. His mobility and skill set should allow him to play well right away in Miami.

44. Pelle Larsson, G-F, Arizona

He is a smart, skilled swingman that can shoot and pass the basketball. He may only be an average athlete and will need to continue to improve his shot selection and defense, but his ability to make plays on the court could enable him to be a solid role player in this league.

They made a three-team trade to select Larsson at 44, and Larsson is an offensively skilled swingman that projects to be a fairly solid role player in this league.

Signed Keshad Johnson to a two-way contract.

They added a tough two-way wing in Johnson, who has solid athleticism, a very good motor, and has greatly improved his outside shot, which should help him play well in a 3 and D role in the NBA.

The Miami Heat’s 2024 Draft Night Grade: B+ (5th Overall)

Milwaukee Bucks

23. AJ Johnson, G, Illawarra (USA – Fresno, CA)

A very curious pick, considering he didn’t get much playing time and Illawarra’s head coach seem to didn’t give Johnson a fair shake, but Johnson is a tall, very athletic ball-handling combo guard that operates well as a downhill driver and has shown promising distribution skills due to his strong performances at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine. He’ll really need to improve his jump shot, and given his lackluster season in the NBL, this likely means either this pick is a massive reach or his NBL coach is really at fault for his extreme lack of playing time, but this is a bold upside pick and bet from Milwaukee.

33. Tyler Smith, F-C, G-League Ignite (USA – Houston, TX)

He is an athletic, energetic big man that has shown a much improved outside shot and is a solid shot blocker that can provide some rim protection. He’ll need to be a more disciplined defender in games, but he is a skilled big man that can help his team on both ends of the floor and looks to be a very good pick up for Milwaukee.

Signed Jaylen Lewis, Justin Moore, and Philip Alston to summer league contracts.

The Bucks add some talented hopefuls, especially in Lewis and Moore, that could maybe make their squad next season.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: C- (29th Overall)

Minnesota Timberwolves

8. Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky

Dillingham was surprise traded to Minnesota, as this move really surprised the basketball world. He is an agile, skilled playmaker that is a three-level scorer, and he is a crafty shot maker that can shoot it from deep. He’s undersized for his position and can sometimes force the issue too much on offense at times, but he is a very skilled point guard that will be a very solid player in this league.

27. Terrence Shannon Jr., G-F, Illinois

Terrence Shannon Jr. is a strong, very athletic swingman that had a strong senior season at Illinois this year. He is a solid, two-way wing that can make shots in a variety of ways, and he is a high-flyer that plays solid defense. Overall, a very good pick for Minnesota here.

The Timberwolves dealt away a 2031 first round pick and a 2030 1st Round Pick swap (top 1 protected) to get Dillingham, which may be a bit of a gamble, but they get a very good prospect in Dillingham that will help them both next season and for the future. Also, there was a curious trade that they were involved in, in which they once had the 57th pick and then traded it to Toronto for cash considerations.

Signed Jesse Edwards to a two-way contract.

They added a mobile big man that had a solid senior season, and Edwards played well both at Portsmouth and at the G-League Elite Camp, and he is an interior player that will help add some talent and depth to their team.

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B+ (7th Overall)

New Orleans Pelicans

21. Yves Missi, C, Baylor

He is a very athletic, energetic center that is a solid shot blocker, and will provide motor, energy, and rim protection on the court. He will need to expand his skill set offensively and be a more disciplined defender in games. This pick may be a bit of a reach, but Missi’s size, athleticism, and defensive potential could enable him to be a solid role player in this league.

47. Antonio Reeves, G, Kentucky

He is an agile, skilled combo guard that can really shoot and score the basketball. He’ll need to improve his shot selection and defense, but he is a shotmaker that can help bolster the bench and this was a solid pickup for New Orleans at 47.

The Pelicans traded away 2030 and 2031 second round pick swap rights to get the 47th pick, which enabled them to select Reeves, a sharpshooting combo guard that had a solid senior season this year, even though their team lost to Oakland in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Signed Keion Brooks and Jermaine Couisnard to summer league deals.

They signed a couple of talented prospects that have a legitimate chance to make it to the NBA next season.

The New Orleans Pelicans’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: C+ (26th Overall)

New York Knicks

25. Pacome Dadiet, F, Ratiopharm Ulm (France)

Dadiet is a young, mobile swingman that can score the basketball in a variety of ways, can defend multiple positions and will play with energy. He will need to be more consistent in games, but he is a skilled forward that projects into a 3 and D role in the NBA.

34. Tyler Kolek, G, Marquette

A smart, cerebral playmaker that can shoot and pass the basketball, and reliably run the team. He is a better athlete than advertised. While he doesn’t possess elite athleticism or shot creation skills, he is a skilled, crafty offensive player whose high basketball IQ and solid skill set should enable him to succeed as a role player in this league.

56. Kevin McCullar Jr., G-F, Kansas

A tough, versatile swingman that has strong playmaking skills, can defend multiple positions, and ably create his own shot. He’s not an elite athlete and will need to continue to improve his outside shot, but his high basketball IQ and versatile skill set should enable him to be a very solid role player in this league.

58. Ariel Hukporti, C, MHP Riesen (Germany)

He is an athletic, strong big man that excels as a strong finisher around the basket, and has the size, athleticism, and skills to be a solid rim protector on the defensive end. He’ll need to continue to refine his offensive skills, but he could end up being a solid rotational big man in the NBA.

The Knicks made a bunch of trades involving second round picks, some better than others, but most notably, they were able to land Kolek and McCullar in this draft, which should help them significantly.

The New York Knicks’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B (13th Overall)

Oklahoma City Thunder

12. Nikola Topic, G-F, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)

He is an agile, tall very skilled playmaker that has solid shot creation skills and has strong playmaking skills and court vision. He’ll need to improve his outside shot and defense, and currently will need to repair his torn ACL, but he is a smooth, smart guard that has excelled as a big, ball-handling guard, and could be an intriguing player for the Thunder long-term, especially if he can fully recover and get that outside shot down.

26. Dillon Jones, G-F, Weber State

A strong, tough mobile swingman that has solid playmaking and rebounding skills and can play tough defense, but will need to improve his jump shot. A versatile playmaker that projects to be a solid role player in this league.

38. Ajay Mitchell, G, UC Santa Barbara

He is a tall, skilled point guard that can knock down shots and distribute the basketball, and he’s shown a much improved outside shot this year. He’s not an elite athlete and will need to improve his defense, but he is an offensively skilled playmaker that could end up being a solid backup point guard in this league.

The Thunder made a big move to land Alex Caruso by trading away Giddey, and Caruso is one of the league’s best defensive guards, as he had a solid season this year. They also traded away 5 second round picks to land Jones, and they also made moves to get Mitchell.

Signed Alex Ducas to a two-way contract, Malevy Leons and Cormac Ryan to Exhibit-10s, and Jack Gohlke to a summer league deal.

The Thunder made very solid signings to add shooters to their squad, and Leons is a very underrated forward that defends well and projects into a 3 and D role in the NBA.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2024 Draft Night Grade: B- (22nd Overall)

Orlando Magic

18. Tristan da Silva, F, Colorado

Da Silva is an agile, versatile combo forward that projects well into a 3 and D role, and he excels at making hustle plays. He’s not an elite athlete or shot creator, but he projects to be a solid role player that can help his team in a number of ways in this league.

The Magic acquired a couple of future second round pick swaps by dealing the 47th overall pick away.

Signed Ta’Lon Cooper to a summer league deal.

They added a tall, agile pass-first playmaker that will compete for a roster spot in the NBA next season.

The Orlando Magic’s 2024 Draft Night Grade: B+ (10th Overall)

Philadelphia 76ers

16. Jared McCain, G, Duke

He is an agile, sharpshooting combo guard that can really shoot the basketball, can add a movement component to their team’s offense, and he also can capably play the point. He’s not a pure playmaker and will need to improve his defense, but McCain is a tough shot maker that will be a solid player in this league.

41. Adem Bona, C, UCLA

He is a very athletic, energetic big man that can make highlight reel-worthy plays on both ends of the floor and will provide solid rim protection, but he will need to continue to refine his offensive skills. This was a good pick at 41, and if he can add a reliable jumper to his arsenal, he could end up being a very solid player in this league.

Signed Justin Edwards and David Jones to two-way contracts, and Max Fiedler to an Exhibit-10.

They added a couple of tough, athletic two-way wings to their team, and Edwards is a very athletic swingman that was a terrific pick up for Philly. Fiedler is a skilled passing big man that can rack up assists, and while he doesn’t have great size or athleticism, his playmaking skills could enable him to find his way into the NBA sometime down the road. The 76ers made smart moves, and they made very good UDFA signings.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: A- (2nd Overall)

Phoenix Suns

28. Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia

He is an athletic, defensive-minded forward that is one of the best defensive players in the draft. He is a rangy defender that will play shutdown defense, and he is terrific defensively. Offensively, he will really need to improve his jump shot and shot-creation skills, and he also can be too passive in games. If his offense ever comes around to at least a passable level, he could prove to be a very good pick for Phoenix here.

40. Oso Ighodaro, F-C, Marquette

He is a smart, energetic big man that excels as a finisher around the basket and is a playmaking hub as he is a good passing big man that can rack up assists. He’ll need to extend his shooting range and add a reliable jump shot, but he is a fairly polished player that could contribute right away to Phoenix.

Phoenix traded some picks around to be able to select Dunn at 28 and Ighodaro at 40.

Signed Jalen Bridges to a two-way contract, and Tyrese Samuel and Boo Buie to Exhibit-10s.

They made a very good move by signing Bridges to a two-way deal, and the get a tough, athletic 3 and D forward that projects to be a solid rotation player in the NBA. They also get an athletic, energetic shot blocking center in Samuel, and an agile, offensively skilled playmaker in Buie, and both Samuel and Buie have the talent to play in this league.

The Phoenix Suns’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B- (19th Overall)

Portland Trail Blazers

7. Donovan Clingan, C, Connecticut

Clingan is a very tall, energetic and mobile center that is a tremendous shot blocker and will provide strong rim protection to Portland. He is a strong finisher and excels as a roll man, and is an underrated passer, but will need to add a reliable outside shot and dribble game to his arsenal. Still, he is a polished prospect that should help Portland immediately and will be a solid player in this league.

The Blazers traded away Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th overall pick to get Deni Avdija in a move to bolster their forward depth, and Avdija is an efficient role player that will add strong defense, as well as solid motor and playmaking skills. They lose a quality veteran combo guard in Brogdon, who was a former sixth man of the year, but Avdija figures to be a solid player for the Blazers both next season and for the long term.

They traded away the 34th overall pick that could have been Kolek, but they were able to add three future second round picks, which helps them bolster their draft capital, and there was another trade in which the Blazers received cash considerations.

Signed Yongxi “Jacky” Cui to an Exhibit-10 deal.

They were able to sign an underrated, athletic swingman that has a very good motor, is a rangy defender, and could develop into a solid 3 and D player in this league.

The Portland Trail Blazers’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B+ (4th Overall)

Sacramento Kings

13. Devin Carter, G, Providence

A solid pick here. He is a strong, tenacious point guard that will play pesky defense and has shown a much improved outside shot. He doesn’t possess elite athleticism, but he is a tough playmaker that will be a solid role player in this league. Overall, this was a very good pick for the Kings, and Carter should be able to contribute well for them right away.

Received Jalen McDaniels in a trade from Toronto where they dealt away Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, and the 45th overall pick (rights to Jamal Shead).

This was a very curious trade, as Jalen McDaniels is coming off a very bad 2023-24 season in which he didn’t shoot the ball well at all, and they give up a strong defensive-minded point guard in Davion Mitchell, as well as a second round pick that has almost the same skill sets of Mitchell in Jamal Shead, although Mitchell is the more seasoned player and a much better shooter right now. On the plus side, Jalen McDaniels is a very tall, athletic forward that has two-way potential, but the Kings gave up a lot to get a fringe rotation player that didn’t play well at all for Toronto this past season. Overall, this trade doesn’t look very good right now for Sacramento, and they’ll need McDaniels’ jump shot to turn around for the better for the trade to work in their favor.

Signed Isaiah Crawford and Isaac Jones to two-way contracts, and Boogie Ellis to an Exhibit-10.

They made very good UDFA signings, as they add a tough, 3 and D forward in Crawford, a strong mobile low post scorer in Jones, and a scoring point guard in Boogie Ellis that had a strong senior season at USC. Their UDFA moves were very good, and these moves strengthened their team.

The Sacramento Kings’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B- (23rd Overall)

San Antonio Spurs

4. Stephon Castle, G-F, Connecticut

The Spurs get a very athletic, energetic swingman that helped UConn win the 2024 National Championship, and Castle is one of the best defenders in the draft. He is a shutdown defender that can consistently lock down his opponents, is a solid playmaker that can run the point, and he also excels as an athletic slasher on offense. He’ll need to improve his jump shot, but overall, a solid pick, especially if he can continue to improve his outside shot in the future.

36. Juan Nunez, G, Ratiopharm Ulm (Spain)

Nunez is an agile, skilled point guard that has strong playmaking skills and can ably create his own shot on offense. He’ll really need to improve his jump shot and defense, but his court vision and basketball IQ could enable him to be a solid backup point guard in the NBA.

48. Harrison Ingram, F, North Carolina

He is a smart, mobile forward that is a strong playmaker can score the basketball in a variety of ways. He is a tough, cerebral player that has shown an improved outside shot, and while he doesn’t possess elite athleticism or shot-creation skills, he is a high IQ basketball player that should end up being a solid role player in this league.

The Spurs made a couple of head scratching trades, as they dealt away the 8th overall pick to land a 2030 unprotected first round pick, and a 2031 1st round pick swap (top 1 protected), which sounds pretty good on paper, but that is a long time from now, and Dillingham is a very talented prospect that would’ve fit in well with Wembanyama. And while Castle is a very talented prospect himself, Castle’s lack of a jump shot right now makes him a curious fit with Wembanyama for the time being.

They also traded down from 35 to get 36 and cash considerations in order to draft Nunez, an agile playmaking point guard that can rack up assists, but he will need to improve his shooting and defense, and while Nunez may be a decent prospect, there were better players on the board that they could’ve had at 36.

Signed Riley Minix to an Exhibit-10 deal.

Minix is an offensively skilled forward that played very well at Portsmouth, and his shot making ability and basketball IQ gives him a legitimate chance to make the NBA next season.

The San Antonio Spurs’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B- (17th Overall)

Toronto Raptors

19. Ja’Kobe Walter, G, Baylor

The Raptors made a solid pick, as they get a very athletic, smooth shooting guard that can flat out score the basketball. Walter also has very good handles. He’ll need to improve his decision-making and defense, but he is a gifted scorer that should help Toronto, especially in the long-term.

31. Jonathan Mogbo, F, San Francisco

He is a very athletic, energetic combo forward that will make hustle plays and is a rangy defender, but will need to improve his outside shot. He is an underrated passer for his size and put up terrific numbers this past season, but may be in between forward positions. Still, his athleticism, defensive versatility, and motor could enable him to be a solid role player in this league.

45. Jamal Shead, G, Houston

He is a tough, tenacious playmaker that can reliably run the team and play pesky defense. He will need to improve his jump shot and shot creation skills, but he is a gritty point guard that could end up being a solid role player in this league.

57. Ulrich Chomche, C, NBA Academy Africa (Cameroon)

He is an athletic and talented, but mysterious big man that hasn’t played much actual basketball, but he is a promising big man that can stretch the floor and has the potential to develop into a dynamic two-way player on both ends of the floor. He’ll need to improve his shot selection and decision making, but his emerging skills on both ends of the floor combined with having considerable upside could enable him to be one of the better second round picks in this draft.

Traded to get Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, and the 45th pick (Jamal Shead) by trading Jalen McDaniels away. The Raptors get two tough, hard-nosed point guards that can really defend in Mitchell and Shead, and as McDaniels didn’t play well at all for Toronto this past season, this was a great trade they made. Vezenkov has said that he won’t likely play in the NBA next season due to him being unhappy with his situation in Sacramento, but if he does, he is a jumpshooting forward that could add depth.

In a separate trade, they were able to swing a deal to land the 57th overall pick, which they used to select Ulrich Chomche.

Signed Brandon Carlson to a two-way contract, and Quincy Guerrier to an Exhibit-10 deal.

Carlson is a mobile big man that can stretch the floor and knock down shots, and Guerrier is a tough, athletic wing that will make hustle plays. Carlson will add shooting and depth to Toronto’s team, and if Guerrier can be a more consistent shooter, he could prove to be a very good pickup for them.

The Toronto Raptors’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: B+ (9th Overall)

Utah Jazz

10. Cody Williams, F, Colorado

He is an athletic, wiry combo forward that excels as a tough, two-way wing on the floor. He can ably create off the dribble, is a capable outside shooter when he hoists it up, and he is a rangy defender. He’s been a bit injury prone, will need to trust his jump shot more, and can sometimes tend to fade into the background at times, but he is a solid all-around player that could end up being a very solid player in this league.

29. Isaiah Collier, G, USC

They get a strong, very athletic combo guard that has shown that he can be the initiator of an offense, and excels as a downhill driver to score the basketball. He’ll need to be a more consistent player in games and will need to show that he can play well with others, but Collier is a very talented, high upside prospect that could end up being a very good pick for the Jazz in the long-term.

32. Kyle Filipowski, F-C, Duke

The Jazz made a very good value pick by selecting Filipowski at 32. He is a strong, mobile offensively skilled big man that can score in a variety of ways, has a solid motor and playmaking skills. He’ll need to be a more consistent shooter and defender, but he is a skilled player that should add talent and depth to their team’s roster.

SIgned Babacar Sane and Armando Bacot to Exhibit-10s.

I feel that these are good low risk signings for Utah, as they get an athletic, energetic swingman in Sane that has upside, as he can create his own shot and has the tools to be a plus-level defender, but will need to continue to refine his game. Armando Bacot is an accomplished big man that led his team to the National Championship game once in college, and while he’ll need to continue to improve his perimeter skills, he is a tremendous rebounder whose motor and work ethic should enable him to find a spot in the NBA.

I thought the Jazz did a very good job of making their selections with each pick, as they added talent, depth, and upside at got great value at all three picks. In addition, they were able to find underrated talent by signing Babacar Sane and Armando Bacot to Exhibit-10 deals.

The Utah Jazz’s 2024 Draft Night Grade: A- (1st Overall)

Washington Wizards

2. Alex Sarr, C, Perth (France)

Sarr is a 7-1 very athletic center that boasts being a tremendous finisher, shot blocker, and will provide rim protection. He’s shown emerging an face-up game and perimeter skills, but he will need to improve his outside shot, rebounding, and will need to be a more focused player when defending out on the perimeter. Still, he’s a very talented prospect that has star potential, and he will both contribute right away for them and be a cornerstone player for them for the future.

14. Carlton “Bub” Carrington, G, Pittsburgh

This is may be a curious pick here, but they did draft a talented prospect, even if it may be a bit high here, especially with Knecht still on the board. Carrington is an agile, ball-handling guard that can score and distribute the basketball, but he is a ball-dominant guard that doesn’t shoot especially well from the outside and will need to improve his defense. He is a talented prospect but will need to continue to refine his game, but he could develop to be a solid player in the long haul.

24. Kyshawn George, F, Miami (Fl)

He is an athletic forward that shoots the ball well and has the physical tools to project into a plus-level defender, but he will need to improve his shot-creation and playmaking skills, and he played on a very disappointing Miami Hurricanes team that missed the postseason, one year after surprisingly reaching the Final Four. Still, George could project into a 3 and D role, and he could end up being a solid role player in the league.

Traded to get Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th overall pick (Bub Carrington), but traded away Deni Avdija to do so. Brogdon is an experienced, veteran guard that will help them offensively, and they also added a very young prospect that can make plays with the ball in his hands in Carrington, but they traded away an efficient role player that was a very solid defender for them in Avdija.

They also traded some picks around to be able to select George at 24.

Signed Tyler Robertson to a summer league deal.

Robertson had a very productive collegiate career at Portland, and he is an offensively skilled point forward that can shoot and pass the basketball.

The Washington Wizards’ 2024 Draft Night Grade: C+ (25th Overall)

Those were my thoughts on how the draft fared. It was a fun, entertaining event, and I enjoyed watching it as it unfolded. It was an exciting NBA season, and it will be interesting to see how things will unfold in free agency. Thanks for reading.