Biggest winners of 2024 NBA Draft

The 2024 NBA Draft brought significant changes to many teams, but a few stood out as the biggest winners. Here's a closer look at the teams that made the most impactful moves:

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves, boasting the best defensive rating (108.4) in the NBA according to NBA.com, addressed their offensive needs by trading up for Rob Dillingham with the San Antonio Spurs for a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap. The Kentucky standout shot 44.4 percent from three and averaged 15 points per game, filling the scoring void behind Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite Dillingham's defensive limitations as a smaller guard, Minnesota's elite defense can mask his weaknesses.

He also has the potential to succeed Mike Conley. Additionally, the Timberwolves selected Terrance Shannon Jr. at No. 27. He scored 23 points per game at Illinois and was the third-best scorer in college basketball, adding another offensive weapon to the roster.

Los Angeles Lakers

At the 17th pick, the Lakers made a smart choice with Dalton Knecht, marking a strong start to the JJ Reddick era. Knecht, a 23-year-old from Tennessee, averaged 21.7 points and shot 39.7 percent from three, earning SEC Player of the Year honors. His shooting prowess perfectly complements LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Additionally, the Lakers drafted Bronny James, LeBron James' son, at No. 55, as a development project, adding a layer of excitement and potential for the future.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder capitalized on Nikola Topić's fall to the 12th pick due to an ACL injury. Topic, once a top-five prospect, will miss his rookie season, but the Thunder are familiar with waiting on injured rookies (e.g., Chet Holmgren). Topić could be a future cornerstone as a point guard, especially after the trade of Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso. The Thunder also selected Dillon Jones at No. 26. Jones is a proven scorer with excellent finishing ability and potential as a consistent three-point shooter. At 6-foot-5, he projects as a shooting guard with significant upside.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz made significant moves by drafting Cody Williams at No. 10 and Isiah Collier at No. 29, both high-upside, athletic talents who could become franchise players. To complement these picks, the Jazz added Kyle Filipowski, a 7-footer who can stretch the floor and has excellent vision. With questions surrounding Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler amid trade rumors, Filipowski could step in and make an immediate impact.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns executed a strategic draft, trading back six spots to select forward Ryan Dunn at No. 28 and acquiring three additional second-round picks. Dunn, the best defensive player in the draft class, addresses Phoenix’s defensive woes from the playoffs. With Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal handling the offense, Dunn’s defensive focus is a perfect fit.

Additionally, the Suns traded up with the New York Knicks to select hometown big man Oso Ighodaro from Marquette. Ighodaro, a skilled and efficient big man, averaged 13.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals in his senior season. At 6-foot-11 and 235 pounds, he can replace Drew Eubanks off the bench and thrive in pick-and-roll situations.