The first round of the 2024 NBA draft unfolded with its share of expected picks and shocking upsets. From French phenoms dominating the top to unexpected slides and savvy trades, let’s unpack the highlights, biggest stories, and betting insights from a thrilling night in Brooklyn.
French Phenoms Reign Supreme: Reash and SAR Top the Board
As predicted, the Atlanta Hawks selected French superstar Zachary Reash with the first overall pick. Reash, a dynamic talent who dominated overseas, closed as a -2000 favorite, reflecting the widespread certainty surrounding his selection.
Zachary Reash holding up an Atlanta Hawks jersey on draft night.
Adding to the French flavor, Alex SAR, another highly touted prospect from France, went second overall to the Washington Wizards. This historic moment marks the first time in NBA draft history that non-US college players were drafted first overall in consecutive seasons.
Top 5 Analysis: Holland’s Rise and a Solid Foundation
The top five picks generally aligned with expectations, with Reed Shepard heading to Houston at three and Steph Castle joining San Antonio at four. However, Ron Holland’s selection at five by Detroit marked an early surprise.
Holland, projected as a top-10 pick by many analysts, saw his draft stock rise in recent weeks. This shrewd move by the Pistons adds a potential cornerstone piece to their rebuilding efforts.
Surprises and Slides: The Unpredictable Nature of the Draft
While the early picks largely went according to script, the draft’s unpredictable nature soon emerged. Tjon Salon, initially projected as a top-10 pick, landed with the Charlotte Hornets at six, exceeding expectations.
The most dramatic slide involved Dalton Kect, a projected lottery pick who fell to the Los Angeles Lakers at 17. This steal provides the Lakers with an instant-impact scorer and valuable depth.
Betting Insights: Cashing In and Spotting Value
The draft provided opportunities for savvy bettors to capitalize on shifting odds. Zach Edy’s selection at nine by Memphis offered a significant payout, with his over/under draft position set at 14.5.
Beyond the Picks: Trades, Signings, and Future Implications
The draft buzz extended beyond the selections, as teams made strategic trades and signings. The Minnesota Timberwolves orchestrated a bold move, acquiring Rob Dillingham’s draft rights from San Antonio in exchange for future first-round picks.
Rob Dillingham shaking hands on draft night.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks secured their future by re-signing OG Anunoby to a five-year, $22.5 million deal. This move solidified their core and signaled their intent to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Looking Ahead: Day Two Intrigue and Offseason Moves
As the dust settles on a captivating first round, attention now turns to day two and the potential selection of Bronny James. With several talented prospects still available, the second round promises to be just as intriguing as the first.
The draft marks the unofficial start of a busy NBA offseason, with free agency looming and teams looking to reshape their rosters. The moves made on draft night will undoubtedly have ripple effects throughout the league, shaping the landscape for the 2024-25 season.
