The Top 5 Biggest Steals Of The 2024 NBA Draft First Round

The 2024 NBA Draft just wrapped up, and it was full of surprises. Zaccharie Risacher went first to the Hawks , Alex Sarr was picked second by the Wizards, and the Rockets grabbed Reed Sheppard with the third pick . While the top selections grabbed the headlines, there were some hidden gems further down the list that could turn out to be the real steals of the draft. Here are the best five steals from the first round.

1. The Timberwolves Trading Up For Rob Dillingham

The Spurs picked Rob Dillingham at No. 8 after taking Stephon Castle at No. 4. The Minnesota Timberwolves made a bold move, trading their 2030 pick and a 2031 pick swap to snag Dillingham as a backup for Mike Conley and a future franchise point guard next to Anthony Edwards .

Dillingham had a stellar 2024 season at Kentucky, putting up 15.3 points, 4.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, with shooting splits of 47.5% from the field and 45.3% from beyond the arc. Known for his quickness, ball-handling skills, and ability to create his own shot, Dillingham is projected to be a top-tier starter in the NBA.

This move by the Timberwolves is a masterstroke, as Dillingham's dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities perfectly complement Edwards' game. In addition, having Mike Conley as a mentor is a massive advantage. Conley, with his wealth of experience and high basketball IQ, is the ideal veteran to guide Dillingham's development.

Minnesota's decision to trade up for Dillingham shows their commitment to building a formidable backcourt for the future. Dillingham's potential to grow alongside Edwards, combined with the mentorship from Conley, positions him to thrive in the NBA. This makes Dillingham one of the biggest steals of the 2024 Draft, as he lands in an environment perfectly suited for his growth and success.

2. Matas Buzelis Out Of The Top 10 To His Hometown Bulls

Matas Buzelis was a surprising pick at No. 11 by the Chicago Bulls , especially since he was projected to go in the top 5. This might be the best situation for any rookie in the lottery, as Buzelis could become a key starter if the rumors of DeMar DeRozan moving to the Clippers are true. He’s a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, given his likely role as a starter with significant offensive responsibility.

In the 2024 G-League season with Ignite, Buzelis averaged 14.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game. He shot 46.0% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range. His versatility on both ends of the floor, standing at 6'10" with a diverse skill set, makes him an exciting addition to the Bulls' roster.

Buzelis was a consensus five-star recruit before opting to play for G League Ignite, where he demonstrated his potential as a high-impact player. His ability to score, rebound, and protect the rim makes him a valuable asset. With DeRozan potentially on the move, Buzelis could step into a starting role, providing the Bulls with a dynamic and versatile forward.

Landing in Chicago, his hometown, Buzelis is set to thrive in a familiar environment. The combination of his skills, the opportunity for immediate playing time, and the chance to be mentored by experienced players makes this pick a significant steal for the Bulls. His projected impact and the ideal situation he finds himself in could make Buzelis a standout rookie in the upcoming season.

Related: 2024 NBA Draft Results: Complete First-Round Selections

3. Nikola Topic Fits Perfectly As A Backup In Oklahoma City

Nikola Topic, selected at No. 12 by the Oklahoma City Thunder , is in a great situation despite facing significant challenges. Topic suffered two major knee injuries during the 2024 season with Red Star Belgrade. The first injury in January kept him out for four months, and a subsequent injury just before the draft caused his stock to fall.

Despite these setbacks, Topic's potential remains high. He averaged 18.6 points, 6.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and shooting 52% from the field and 29% from beyond the arc during his time with Mega MIS before returning to Red Star. Known for his excellent playmaking and ability to drive to the basket, Topic is a pure playmaker who can immediately contribute as a backup to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Thunder recently traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso, creating a need for a backup point guard. Topic's ability to make quick decisions and his court vision make him an ideal fit. With the mentorship of seasoned players like Caruso, Topic has the chance to develop into a key player for Oklahoma City.

4. Dalton Knecht Falling To The Lakers Grasp

The Lakers struck gold at No. 17 by drafting Dalton Knecht , the second-best shooter in the 2024 NBA Draft after Reed Sheppard. Knecht is a perfect fit for the Lakers, who desperately need reliable shooters to space the floor.

During the 2024 season at Tennessee, Knecht averaged 22.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He shot an impressive 46.1% from the field and 40.3% from three-point range. His shooting prowess and ability to score from anywhere on the court make him an ideal addition to the Lakers' rotation.

Knecht's potential contribution as a rookie is significant. He brings a much-needed shooting threat to the Lakers, which will help open up the floor for stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Given his scoring ability and consistent shooting, Knecht is poised to make an immediate impact in Los Angeles, potentially becoming a key player off the bench or even vying for a starting role.

The Lakers' need for shooters cannot be overstated, and Knecht's addition addresses this critical gap. His performance at Tennessee demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and he is expected to transition smoothly to the NBA, providing the Lakers with a reliable scoring option from beyond the arc. This pick not only fills a vital role for the team but also adds depth and versatility to their roster, making Knecht a valuable steal at No. 17.

5. The Utah Jazz Finding Another Gem In Isaiah Collier

Isaiah Collier started the year as a potential No. 1 pick but ended up sliding to No. 29, where the Utah Jazz grabbed him just before the first round ended. He was projected to go in the top 20 right before the draft, but Utah lucked out. They have Keyonte George as the starter, and with Jordan Clarkson rumored to be on the way out, Collier could get some serious minutes.

In the 2024 season at USC, Collier put up 16.5 points, 4.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He shot 48.1% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. This guy is a playmaker with solid defensive skills, making him a great fit for Utah. Plus, he's been running the floor with Bronny James, who's expected to go in the second round.

Collier’s ability to drive to the basket and his playmaking skills are top-notch. The Jazz needed a reliable backup for George, and Collier fits the bill perfectly. If Clarkson leaves, Collier’s minutes could skyrocket, giving him a chance to show off his talents even more. This pick could turn out to be a steal for the Jazz as Collier has the potential to develop into a significant player for them.

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