NBA Draft Tracker: Grading every 2024 first-round pick (2024)

The Hawks went with the consensus projection and picked 19-year-old wing Zaccharie Risacher. While this pick was widely expected from experts around the league, he potentially can be an exciting player to either re-tool around Trae Young or fully rebuild around if the team would like to focus on its younger assets. He has shown promise as a 3-point shooter, but his defensive upside playing against pros in France was perhaps most enticing for NBA scouts and evaluators. — Bryan Kalbrosky

GRADE: B

Alex Sarr reportedly avoided working out for the Atlanta Hawks to angle his way to Washington. Now, it seems, he’ll get his wish. He’s the exact sort of big man the Wizards need. He’s a 7-foot-1 center who covers a ton of ground defensively and is already a solid rim protector at 19 years old. He’ll have to work on his game offensively, but the foundation is there for him to be a potential threat from the outside with his jump shot.— Michael D. Sykes II

GRADE: A

This was the right pick for the Rockets, who is able to play both on or off the ball for the Rockets. He was arguably the best freshman in men’s college basketball last season and statistically, one of the most positively impactful first-year guards in recent memory. This is a team loaded with depth, so even though he doesn’t necessarily have to contribute right away, he’s unlikely to get played off the court any time soon. The biggest concern is that he is one of the smallest players in this class, but that didn’t slow him down at Kentucky.— BK

GRADE: B+

Stephon Castle is the sort of player every team in the NBA can use. Positionally, he’s a point guard. That’s the exact sort of player San Antonio needs. But, beyond that, he’s got a ton of flexibility positionally. He handles the ball like a point guard but can easily transition off the ball to the wing. He can guard smaller guards but also has the size to guard bigger forwards at 6-foot-6. He’ll need to work on his jump shot, but that should come with time. Regardless, this is the exact sort of player the Spurs need.— MS

GRADE: B+

Throw away your mock drafts, folks, because virtually no one predicted that the Pistons would select Ron Holland at No. 5 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. While it was tremendously against the odds, he is a thrilling talent who could help usher in a new identity for Detroit. Even though the Ignite did not win a lot of games with him as their main leader, he could change the energy and identity for the organization. With a more consistent jump shot down the road, he’ll have success in the NBA. But either way this is a very fun gamble for a team that will have a new approach for both the coaching staff and in the front office.— BK

GRADE: A-

This has to be the most shocking pick of the draft so far. The Hornets may have reached here a bit for Tidjane Salaün. He was a projected lottery pick in most mock drafts, including our own, but him going as high as No. 6 is a bit surprising. With that said, it’s easy to see why Charlotte did this. He’s only 18 years old but is 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and has plenty of range from deep. He has the tools to become an elite defender and could guard up or down at the forward spot. He’ll be a project, certainly, and maybe one worth taking on. You just have to wonder if the Hornets could’ve traded down here to get a bit more value here.— MS

GRADE: C-

There was legitimate buzz that the Hawks were interested in selecting UConn big man Donovan Clingan at No. 1, but the Portland Trail Blazers were able to land him at No. 7 overall. It wasn’t a fall, though. The back-to-back NCAA national champion was likely available because the teams selecting ahead of Portland already had starting-caliber big men on their roster. The Trail Blazers didn’t have to surrender any assets to move up to snag the promising defender, which is a massive win for the organization. If his conditioning remains solid, as a player who has proven he knows how to win, he is a solid value midway through the lottery rather than atop it.— BK

GRADE: A

The Timberwolves are getting an absolute bucket in Rob Dillingham. This is a solid move for the Wolves, who could use a bit of shot creation next to Anthony Edwards moving forward. Mike Conley Jr. is currently slotted in that starting point guard spot, but he’s older and in the twilight of his career. Dillingham won’t need to start immediately and can come along slowly, but he should be a solid spark plug off of the bench in the short term. Long term, he can be a good backcourt partner with Ant Man. Defensively, there are questions. But considering how good that team is defensively already, they move to the back burner.— MS

GRADE: B

This is a fun pick for the Grizzlies, especially based on who was remaining on the board. Edey was undoubtedly the best player in NCAA men’s basketball two years in a row and arguably the most difficult player to guard in this class. Considering that the Memphis front office wanted to improve its depth in its frontcourt, it got a proven product with this massive big man. He will have a chance to play real minutes for a contender and may even start alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. now that Steven Adams is no longer with the organization. This is perhaps earlier than some expected, but he could make everyone look silly with continued productivity.— BK

GRADE: B+

This is an excellent pick for the Jazz. Williams is undoubtedly a raw talent as things currently stand, but he was still an extremely productive player at Colorado. He’s efficient — he shot 55 percent from the field last season for the Buffaloes. He’s a solid defender who can guard up and down the lineup in a pinch. He can play a bit of point forward and is a solid decision maker, though his handle could use a bit of work. The jumper is the biggest question with Williams — he only shot 1.7 3-pointers per game at Colorado. It should improve with time.— MS

GRADE: A-

Early in the pre-draft process, Matas Buzelis held a private workout for the Bulls in Los Angeles. Originally from Chicago, the fit between the two parties made a lot of sense for both sides. It was unclear if the former G League Ignite forward would actually be available when they were on the clock, and it seemed as if the front office may have needed to trade up to select him. But at No. 11 overall, this may prove to be a great return on investment for the hometown pick. — BK

GRADE: A

If Topic was healthy, he’d be considered a top-5 talent in this NBA Draft. Unfortunately, because of his partially torn ACL, he’s fallen to the bottom half of the lottery. But if he can get back to 100 percent, this would be a steal for the Thunder. He’s a solid playmaker who excels at getting to the rim and is a solid finisher once he gets there.

I do wonder if the Thunder should’ve traded this pick, though. Oklahoma City is a team with championship aspirations. Topic could help down the line, but it feels like this pick could’ve been moved for a seasoned veteran who might be more ready to help right now.— MS

GRADE: C+

Devin Carter was the Big East Player of the Year and then one of the biggest risers during the pre-draft process. As arguably the most athletic player in the 2024 NBA Draft, the guard is able to play bigger than his 6-foot-2 frame thanks to his nearly 6-foot-9 wingspan and 42-inch max vertical. Even though the Kings are a bit loaded in the backcourt at the guard position, he will bring a pro-ready mentality to a team vying for a spot in a competitive Western Conference. Carter, one of the older prospects, should make a solid impact on his rookie scale contract this late in the lottery.— BK

Grade: A

Bub Carrington rose up team’s boards during the draft process after an excellent showing at the NBA Draft Combine. He’s a 6-foot-4 guard with a 6-foot-8 wingspan who had a growth spurt later in his high school basketball career. He’s got a ton of potential as a lead ball handler and a scorer. The Wizards’ roster sorely lacks three-level scoring, and Bub brings plenty of it. This is a solid pick for Washington.— MS

GRADE: B+

The Miami Heat already have an excellent center, especially now that Bam Adebayo is expected to sign a contract extension. But the Heat still selected Kel’el Ware, who played exactly the same position last season at Indiana. With win-now players on the wing, such as Dalton Knecht and Tristan da Silva, still available, Miami instead went with someone near the lottery who is likely going to serve as a backup in their rotation. Ware is very athletic and has shooting chops, but he will need to prove a more consistent motor in the pros.— BK

GRADE: C-

The 76ers are completely retooling their roster around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey this summer. Philadelphia is going to need players around them who can do the dirty work. That’s what McCain could potentially be for Philadelphia if he cracks the rotation. He’s an energetic player with a solid motor at the guard position. He digs in defensively, is a solid decision maker with the ball and is an excellent spot-up shooter. He won’t be a shot creator at the NBA level immediately, but he won’t need to be. He’ll have two All-Stars next to him that will help him along his way.— MS

GRADE: B

After hiring someone who made a living off his jump shot with former NBA player JJ Redick as their head coach, the Lakers made a perfect pick for a roster that intends to contend next season. Los Angeles needed help on the perimeter, and Dalton Knecht has a case as the best shooter in the 2024 NBA Draft. While he may have slid farther than expected because he is older than many of the other prospects in this range, that isn’t a problem for a team like the Lakers. They need as much depth as they can get, and, unlike some of their recent draftees, he was a wonderful addition this late in the first round. — BK

GRADE: A+

Tristan da Silva is a solid pickup for the Magic. He’s not the best athlete in the world, but he hit 39.5 percent of his 3-pointers last season at Colorado on 4.8 attempts per game. He’s also solid at attacking closeouts and making plays against rotating defenses. He’s a bit older at 23 years old and might not profile as the best defender on day one, but if there’s one thing the Magic desperately need around Paolo Banchero and company, it’s shooting. Da Silva should bring plenty of it.— MS

GRADE: B+

Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter is a former McDonald’s All-American who won Big 12 Freshman of the Year during his one-and-done season in the NCAA. The pitch is that he is a 3-and-D wing, which is appealing for every team in the league. But he shot just 34.1 percent from beyond the arc last season, which isn’t exactly the profile of an elite sharpshooter. He also measured at just above 6-foot-4 in socks at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, which makes him a bit small to play on the wing in the pros. Walter projects well as a solid role player, and he can hit catch-and-shoot jumpers, especially from the corner.— BK

GRADE: C+

Tyson is a solid guard prospect who can legitimately play both guard spots and even small forward in a pinch at 6-foot-7. He’s a shot creator who excels at getting into the paint and has become a solid shooter from the outside. He’ll need to develop a mid-range game, but his ability to shoot 3-pointers off the bounce and spotting up should be a big help for the Cavs.

GRADE: B

The Pelicans are likely going to need a replacement for Jonas Valančiūnas, who is expected to test the market as an unrestricted free agent. They found someone who could eventually step in and fill that role with Yves Missi, who has fantastic potential as a big man. He has the ideal build for the position, he is an excellent rebounder who crashes the glass and boxes out hard. It may take him some time until he is ready to join the rotation, but if he can eventually play a role a bit like Dereck Lively did for the Mavericks last season, it would be phenomenal. — BK

GRADE: B+

The Phoenix Suns sent the No. 22 overall pick to the Denver Nuggets, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The Nuggets are taking DaRon Holmes II, who developed into a solid two-way center at Dayton. He’s a solid rim protector who averaged 2.1 blocks per game last year while also shooting 38 percent from deep on 2.5 attempts per game. He has a rare combination of size and skill that should make him a pretty valuable player even next to another center like Nikola Jokić.— MS

GRADE: A+

This is an interesting gamble for Milwaukee, which probably could have gone with a more plug-and-play contributor to improve its roster for next season, such as Marquette’s Tyler Kolek (who played his college games in the same arena as Bucks) or Duke’s Kyle Filipowski, who could have provided solid help as a backup big man. Instead, they selected A.J. Johnson from Australia’s NBL. The 19-year-old didn’t play a lot of minutes last season, so there isn’t a lot of sample size to evaluate his game. But he did impress during the pre-draft process, including a solid showing at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine. Perhaps this makes the Bucks look smart in a few years, but this one could take some time. — BK

GRADE: C

The Wizards acquired the No. 24 overall pick from the New York Knicks to move up and take Kyshawn George. Even for Washington, this is a bit of a gamble. George is a prospect who is still just coming into his own. He grew nine inches in the last four years and now stands at 6-foot-7. What he lacks in athleticism he makes up for in playmaking and shooting. He’s a big, playmaking guard who can also shoot it from deep — he hit 40.8 percent of his 3-pointers as a freshman at Miami.— MS

GRADE: C+

As one of the youngest players in this class, 18-year-old forward Pacôme Dadiet became the fourth player from France to hear his name called in the 2024 NBA Draft. Dadiet measured at just shy of 6-foot-8 during the international NBA Draft Combine in Italy and had solid shooting numbers playing against pros in Germany. The Knicks are fairly deep and may have a bit of a roster crunch, which means Dadiet is perhaps the first draft-and-stash candidate this year. So even if he doesn’t play in New York next season, they can monitor his development while he is potentially overseas. — BK

GRADE: B-

The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired the No. 26 overall pick from the New York Knicks, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charanio. The Thunder are taking Weber State’s Dillon Jones. He’ll be a project for the Thunder. Despite standing at 6-foot-5, he’s got a 6-foot-11 wingspan. He’s always been a lead ball handler but will need to polish his game without the ball if he ever hopes to crack Oklahoma City’s rotation. It’s an interesting swing for the Thunder, but I’m not sure it’ll amount to anything. Especially considering how stacked OKC’s guard rotation already is.— MS

GRADE: C-

Terrence Shannon was recently found not guilty of rape and sexual aggravated battery charges by a jury in a Kansas courtroom. He was ordered to stand trial after he faced two felony charges following his arrest in December 2023, which led to a suspension during his senior campaign at Illinois. He missed six games before returning to action. He was eventually named as the Most Outstanding Player during the Big Ten Tournament. His trial obviously impacted his pre-draft process, but he eventually was able to work out for a few teams before hearing his name called in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft.— BK

GRADE: C

Ryan Dunn might legitimately be the best defender in this draft. He’s a limited player offensively, but considering how the Suns struggled defensively last season, that shouldn’t be much of a concern. He’ll ultimately need to figure out how to shoot to stay on the court, but that may come with time. At the very least, he’ll immediately help the Suns defensively.— MS

GRADE: B

Once considered as a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a somewhat disappointing season for the USC Trojans eventually made Isaiah Collier fall to the end of the first round. If he were a lottery pick, it may have been a bit too early to return a good value. But at this point in the first round, this is a solid pick to get the former McDonald’s All-American MVP and Naismith Prep Player of the Year. He may have to carve out his role in the G League at first, though he could eventually exceed expectations.— BK

GRADE: B+

Scheierman is yet another solid wing shooter for the Boston Celtics. He shot 38 percent on 3-pointers last season for Creighton. It’ll likely take a while for him to crack Boston’s rotation, but the NBA champions love shooting. That’s exactly what he brings to the table.— MS

GRADE: The most Celtics pick ever (B)