Day two of the 2024 NBA Draft is complete and 60 prospects have been drafted to NBA teams, including two French stars Alexandre Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher, and even LeBron James’ son, Bronny James. Every NBA team, except the Brooklyn Nets, drafted a prospect in the Draft and we have the exact grade they should get for their decision.
Atlanta Hawks - A
No. 1 Overall Pick: Zaccharie Risacher
No. 43 Overall Pick: Nikola Durisic
The Atlanta Hawks made strategic selections to bolster their wing positions with the additions of Zaccharie Risacher and Nikola Durisic. Instead of taking the safer bet with big man Alexandre Sarr, the Hawks preferred Risacher, who brings a potent catch-and-shoot capability, evidenced by his impressive 39% from beyond the arc with JL Bourg.
Standing at 6-foot-8, he offers valuable size, defensive versatility, and exceptional room for growth alongside Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Nikola Durisic, also 6-foot-8, adds grit and scoring prowess on the perimeter, making him another excellent rotation piece for a team that wants more talent on the roster.
Boston Celtics - B
No. 30 Overall Pick: Baylor Scheierman
No. 54 Overall Pick: Anton Watson
Despite being the reigning NBA champions with no glaring needs due to a stacked roster of star players, the Boston Celtics opted for experience with Baylor Scheierman and Anton Watson, both seasoned five-year college players. Scheierman shone at the NBA Draft Combine, showcasing his shooting versatility, while Watson's tenure at Gonzaga saw him adapt to various frontcourt roles, making him a tough, reliable post player.
Brooklyn Nets - N/A
The Brooklyn Nets, currently in a rebuilding phase, chose not to make any selections this year, a decision that followed their major trade with the Knicks, netting five future first-round picks for Mikal Bridges . Whether this year's draft pass will prove wise or regrettable remains to be seen as their long-term strategy unfolds but they actually deserve at least a B+ for their blockbuster Bridges trade.
Charlotte Hornets - C
No. 6 Overall Pick: Tidjane Salaun
No. 42 Overall Pick: KJ Simpson
The Charlotte Hornets made very interesting choices with Tidjane Salaun and KJ Simpson. Salaun, a high-energy wing, promises to complement Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball with his inside-outside game but he could be too much of a gamble for a team that needs strong players to improve the roster. Simpson, with his 6-1 stature, was the top floor general in the Pac-12 and brings valuable experience, but is another risky selection for a bad team.
Chicago Bulls - A
No. 11 Overall Pick: Matas Buzelis
The Chicago Bulls scored a home run by drafting hometown talent Matas Buzelis. At 6-9, Buzelis is a versatile, athletic forward comfortable driving to the basket. While his three-point shooting needs refinement, his overall feel for the game and local ties make him an exciting addition to the Bulls’ roster. We are still shocked Buzelis fell to No. 11 but he has a chance to grow quickly in Chicago.
Cleveland Cavaliers - B-
No. 20 Overall Pick: Jaylon Tyson
The Cleveland Cavaliers added Jaylon Tyson, a 6-5 guard known for his scoring instincts. While his defensive lapses can be a concern, his offensive capabilities make him a safe and valuable pick, providing additional depth and scoring punch for the Cavs’ backcourt that might not be seeing the changes (mainly Donovan Mitchell leaving town).
Dallas Mavericks - B
No. 51 Overall Pick: Melvin Ajinca
The Dallas Mavericks moved up to draft Melvin Ajinca at 51, identifying him as a hidden gem. Ajinca averaged 11.5 points during the LNB Pro A playoffs and offers a high basketball IQ, strong rebounding, and promising perimeter scoring, all of which bolster the Mavericks' roster depth. Dallas is looking to make the NBA Finals again so they are hoping Ajinca can have an immediate impact like Dereck Lively II did.
Denver Nuggets - B+
No. 22 Overall Pick: Daron Holmes II
The Denver Nuggets traded up to secure Daron Holmes II, addressing their need for a versatile big man who can stretch the floor. Holmes, who shot 39% from three-point range at Dayton, adds a new dimension to the Nuggets' frontcourt, particularly after their challenging series against Minnesota where they were overwhelmed due to depth issues. Instead of making risky trades, Denver did great to move up and grab a player they needed.
Detroit Pistons - C
No. 5 Overall Pick: Ron Holland
No. 37 Overall Pick: Bobi Klintman
The Detroit Pistons aimed to fill their perimeter shooting void but chose Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman, who shot 24% and 33% from three, respectively. Holland’s youth and scoring potential and Klintman's promise as a two-way stretch forward provide optimism, but their shooting struggles are notable concerns and there is too much risk the Pistons are taking considering their roster is devoid of NBA-ready talent outside of Cade Cunningham.
Golden State Warriors - B
No. 52 Overall Pick: Quinten Post
The Golden State Warriors focused on size by drafting 7-foot Quinten Post. The Dutch center, with his Boston College pedigree, brings mobility and floor-running capabilities, adding significant depth and potential to the Warriors' frontcourt rotation. Size has been an issue for the Warriors since their championship victory in 2022 so perhaps Post can help fix that with Kevon Looney’s impact waning.
Houston Rockets - C+
No. 3 Overall Pick: Reed Sheppard
The Houston Rockets selected Reed Sheppard, one of the draft’s top shooters. The Kentucky guard’s 52% three-point shooting positions him as an effective combo guard alongside Jalen Green and Amen Thompson, adding immediate scoring and shooting depth. However, the Rockets want to make the playoffs and need an impact all-around player which they might have gotten in time with Matas Buzelis or Stephon Castle.
Indiana Pacers - B
No. 35 Overall Pick: Johnny Furphy
No. 49 Overall Pick: Tristen Newton
No. 50 Overall Pick: Enrique Freeman
The Indiana Pacers diversified their second-round picks, adding shooter Johnny Furphy, experienced guard Tristen Newton, and versatile forward Enrique Freeman. Each player brings distinct strengths, contributing to the Pacers' blend of youth and experience as they build for the future. However, no player truly stands out which means the Pacers are just hoping one of their second-round picks proves to be an impact figure someday.
Los Angeles Clippers - B+
No. 46 Overall Pick: Cam Christie
The Clippers drafted Cam Christie, a player who generated buzz in the pre-draft process and was projected as a first-rounder by some. At 6-6 and just 18 years old, Christie is a long-term project with high upside, promising significant future value for the Clippers who could be rebuilding soon with Paul George likely to walk and James Harden still not signed to a deal.
Los Angeles Lakers - A+
No. 17 Overall Pick: Dalton Knecht
No. 55 Overall Pick: Bronny James
The Los Angeles Lakers made impactful picks with Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Knecht, the top scorer in the SEC, offers immediate scoring and will most likely have an important role off the bench for the title-contending team. Knecht should not have fallen to No. 17 overall, but the Lakers couldn’t be happier.
Obviously, Bronny’s selection creates the historic first father-son duo with LeBron James and we could be looking at a season-long drama series as the family members look to benefit each others’ play. The real question is: how will rookie coach JJ Redick handle the pressure of handling LeBron and the pressure to play his son when he might not be ready?
Memphis Grizzlies - B
No. 9 Overall Pick: Zach Edey
No. 39 Overall Pick: Jaylen Wells
No. 53 Overall Pick: Cam Spencer
The Memphis Grizzlies took a significant risk with Zach Edey , whose 7-4, 300-pound frame raises questions about his NBA adaptability but if he plays well, they have found a long-term replacement for the departed Steven Adams. Meanwhile, the additions of sharpshooters Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer in the second round provide needed perimeter strength, boosting their overall draft grade.
Miami Heat - A
No. 15 Overall Pick: Kel'el Ware
No. 44 Overall Pick: Pelle Larsson
The Miami Heat added rim protection with Kel'el Ware and a versatile role player with Pelle Larsson. Ware’s defensive presence complements Bam Adebayo, while Larsson’s promise as a three-point shooter fits Miami's immediate competitive aspirations. The Heat are known to find gems or players who fit a certain mold, and they have stayed true to their philosophies with a first-round and second-round pick.
Milwaukee Bucks - B-
No. 23 Overall Pick: AJ Johnson
No. 33 Overall Pick: Tyler Smith
The Milwaukee Bucks invested in potential with AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith, young players with high upside. Patience will be key, as Johnson could become one of the draft's standout players. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard’s tolerance for a developmental phase remains uncertain which means both youngsters might not get the chance to make an impact for at least a season or two.
Minnesota Timberwolves - A+
No. 8 Overall Pick: Rob Dillingham
No. 27 Overall Pick: Terrence Shannon Jr.
The Minnesota Timberwolves secured top talent with Rob Dillingham, the best ball-handling point guard in the draft to backup Mike Conley and possibly take over the starting spot sooner rather than later. Dillingham is a perfect fit for the Timberwolves so they get an A+ here. They also took Terrence Shannon Jr., a prolific Big Ten scorer, at No. 27. These picks significantly enhance Minnesota’s backcourt depth and offensive capabilities as they look to contend for a title in 2024-25.
New Orleans Pelicans - B+
No. 21 Overall Pick: Yves Missi
No. 47 Overall Pick: Antonio Reeves
The New Orleans Pelicans added Yves Missi, a promising rim-running big man, and Antonio Reeves, a creative scorer. While Missi requires development, Reeves’ scoring prowess offers immediate value, making this a balanced draft for the Pelicans and they get a solid B+ grade with the future of players such as Brandon Ingram uncertain.
New York Knicks - B
No. 25 Overall Pick: Pacome Dadiet
No. 34 Overall Pick: Tyler Kolek
No. 56 Overall Pick: Kevin McCullar Jr.
No. 58 Overall Pick: Ariel Hukporti
The New York Knicks had a busy draft, adding high-upside players like Pacome Dadiet and Ariel Hukporti, alongside experienced talents like Tyler Kolek and Kevin McCullar Jr. Reuniting Mikal Bridges with his Villanova teammates also highlights their strategic acumen, and that will massively outshine any of their draft selections. The Knicks have a stacked roster next year so watch out for their play as they aim to come out of the East.
Oklahoma City Thunder - A
No. 12 Overall Pick: Nikola Topic
No. 26 Overall Pick: Dillon Jones
No. 38 Overall Pick: Ajay Mitchell
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s draft strategy, led by Sam Presti, focused on complementary pieces. While Nikola Topic recovers from a partial ACL tear, Dillon Jones and Ajay Mitchell can contribute immediately, reflecting Presti’s keen eye for talent. Topic has one of the highest ceilings out of all the players in the 2024 Draft and if he is healthy, we could be looking at a natural talent but the player himself could find it hard to develop on a title-contending roster led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Orlando Magic - B
No. 18 Overall Pick: Tristan da Silva
The Orlando Magic selected Tristan da Silva, a 6-8 versatile big man. His addition bolsters an already size-rich frontcourt, providing the Magic with more options and playmaking abilities in their lineup although there isn’t too much expected from the youngster. The Magic most likely need to find a long-term sidekick to Paolo Banchero to reach that next level.
Philadelphia 76ers - B+
No. 16 Overall Pick: Jared McCain
No. 41 Overall Pick: Adem Bona
The Philadelphia 76ers added sharpshooter Jared McCain, who hit 42% of his threes at Duke, and physical forward Adem Bona. This duo complements Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, enhancing Philadelphia’s depth and defensive potential because their roster is currently devoid of players with most of them free agents heading into the 2024-25 season.
Phoenix Suns - C+
No. 28 Overall Pick: Ryan Dunn
No. 40 Overall Pick: Oso Ighodaro
The Phoenix Suns picked Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, both with promising defensive and offensive skills but significant developmental needs. Their success hinges on becoming rotation players and contributing to the Suns' competitiveness, but the team needed a little more. Falling into No. 28 and No. 40 limits their options but we have to be harsh with an underperforming title-contending team that has three All-Star players.
Portland Trail Blazers - A
No. 7 Overall Pick: Donovan Clingan
The Portland Trail Blazers selected Donovan Clingan, a highly-regarded big man whose skill set makes him a valuable asset alongside Scoot Henderson. Clingan’s presence is expected to create more scoring opportunities for the team's rising star and could challenge Deandre Ayton to be better. Whether the Trail Blazers have to choose between them or not, competition is welcomed in a rebuilding side.
Sacramento Kings - A
No. 13 Overall Pick: Devin Carter
The Sacramento Kings added Devin Carter, a 6-3 scoring guard from South Carolina. Carter’s experience and scoring prowess make him a potential star, capable of complementing De'Aaron Fox and strengthening the Kings' backcourt for the future. Expect Carter to earn minutes as he gains experience as the months pass in the 2024-25 season.
San Antonio Spurs - A
No. 4 Overall Pick: Stephon Castle
No. 36 Overall Pick: Juan Nunez
No. 48 Overall Pick: Harrison Ingram
The San Antonio Spurs capitalized on their picks, adding Stephon Castle, Juan Nunez, and Harrison Ingram. Each player brings unique strengths, from Castle's scoring to Nunez's playmaking and Ingram's versatility, forming a solid foundation for the future. Castle is the major one to watch out for because he seems to be built of the right stuff and seems like a Spurs player in terms of physical and mental intangibles because he is NBA-ready.
Toronto Raptors - A-
No. 19 Overall Pick: Ja'Kobe Walter
No. 31 Overall Pick: Jonathan Mogbo
No. 45 Overall Pick: Jamal Shead
No. 57 Overall Pick: Ulrich Chomche
The Toronto Raptors added the talented Ja'Kobe Walter and Jonathan Mogbo, both known for their scoring and versatility. Jamal Shead’s passing and defensive skills, alongside Ulrich Chomche’s potential, round out a strong draft for the Raptors with four young players joining a rebuilding side led by Scottie Barnes.
Utah Jazz - B+
No. 10 Overall Pick: Cody Williams
No. 29 Overall Pick: Isaiah Collier
No. 32 Overall Pick: Kyle Filipowski
The Utah Jazz chose Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski, focusing on size, playmaking, and versatility. Williams' potential as a multi-positional threat, alongside Collier and Filipowski's diverse skill sets, provides depth and flexibility. Utah is clearly being patient with their rebuild because they want Keyonte George and Walker Kessler to develop, and could get the needed young talent with a nice trio of picks.
Washington Wizards - A
No. 2 Overall Pick: Alexandre Sarr
No. 14 Overall Pick: Carlton Carrington
No. 24 Overall Pick: Kyshawn George
The Washington Wizards made significant moves by selecting Alexandre Sarr , Carlton Carrington, and Kyshawn George. No doubt, Sarr is the player the Wizards would have wanted from the start and he could be the best player in the draft. The Frenchman is only 19 years old but at 7’1” with athleticism and potential as a two-way star, Sarr is finally a player who can be deemed capable of being a long-term cornerstone for a struggling franchise.
Related: The Best NBA Point Guards In 2023-24 By Tiers
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