By Raphielle Johnson
The 2024 NBA Draft has concluded, and there was no scarcity of trades on Day 2. For that cause, the Spherical 2 grades will deal with which staff finally landed the participant as a substitute of which staff chosen them. Gamers corresponding to Johnny Furphy, Kyle Filipowski, and Tyler Kolek remained on the board regardless of being given first-round projections by many analysts. They usually weren’t the one worth picks on Day 2, so let’s get into the grades.
RELATED: 2024 NBA Draft Spherical 1 Grades
Atlanta Hawks: B+
Nikola Djurisic (43)
Djurisic adopted up a strong season at KK Mega Bemax with an excellent exhibiting on the NBA Draft Mix, boosting his worth within the eyes of draft consultants. He has a flexible offensive ability set, creating for himself and others whereas displaying the power to additional develop as a fringe shooter. Including a succesful creator with dimension isn’t a foul transfer for the Hawks, particularly in the event that they had been to commerce Dejounte Murray this summer time. Atlanta moved up one spot to pick Djurisic, sending the forty fourth decide to Miami through Houston.
Boston Celtics: B-
Anton Watson (54)
Watson made noticeable enhancements throughout his closing two seasons at Gonzaga, averaging 14.5 factors, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per sport as a fifth-year senior. As a strong finisher who didn’t provide a lot perimeter capturing, Watson’s defensive versatility is essentially the most important promoting level. Whether or not or not he’ll have the chance to compete for a spot within the rotation will rely upon what occurs with Sam Hauser, who has a staff choice for subsequent season. If Boston can maintain onto Hauser, Watson could not have a lot of an affect fantasy-wise.
Charlotte Hornets: B-
KJ Simpson (42)
Along with the Hornets deciding on Simpson with the forty second decide, they acquired Reggie Jackson and three future second-round picks from the Nuggets. The staff has a crowded backcourt, particularly on the level guard place, with LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann, and Vasilije Micic underneath contract for subsequent season. Transferring Jackson can assist with that logjam, however this makes it troublesome for Simpson to have an instantaneous affect as a part of the second unit. He’s a superb offensive playmaker, however the lack of dimension and defensive points are why Simpson was projected to be a second-round decide.
Dallas Mavericks: C
Melvin Ajinca (51)
New York made this decide on behalf of the Mavericks, who despatched the 58th total decide to New York. Ajinca solely turned 20 years outdated on June 24, and the 2023-24 season at Saint-Quentin (France) was his first as knowledgeable. Mix that with Dallas’ cap scenario, because the staff must filter out cash to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr., and it seems unlikely that Ajinca will have an effect within the NBA subsequent season. Nevertheless, he’s a participant the staff can observe in the event that they determine to stash him abroad.
Detroit Pistons: B+
Bobi Klintman (37)
This decide initially belonged to Minnesota, with the Pistons sending the 53rd total decide in the wrong way (Memphis would finally land the choice). Klintman’s season in Australia appeared to pay dividends, because the deal with and talent to assault defenses in transition improved in comparison with his one season at Wake Forest. There’s nonetheless work to be executed concerning his skill to complete in visitors, however he’ll have time to work via these points in Detroit. Given the purpose within the draft the place they landed Klintman and the dearth of high quality bigs behind Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, this was an excellent transfer for the Pistons.
Golden State Warriors: B-
Quinten Publish (52)
The 52nd total decide was well-traveled however finally ended up with the staff that originally possessed it. Golden State used the decide to pick Publish, a 7-foot pivot from Boston School who was top-of-the-line huge males within the ACC final season, as he constantly confirmed off the power to step past the 3-point line as a pick-and-pop menace. Publish isn’t essentially the most athletic middle on this rookie class, however the offensive ability set was too good to disregard at that time within the draft. Golden State could have Draymond Inexperienced, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Kevon Looney underneath contract subsequent season, so Publish’s alternatives for enjoying time could also be restricted.
Houston Rockets: B
Pelle Larsson (44)
Houston ranked within the backside third of the NBA in offensive score (20) and 3-point share (twenty third), that are areas the place Larsson can assist them out. He shot practically 43% from three throughout his closing season at Arizona, and Larsson has the construct and athleticism required to carry his personal as a fringe defender. The difficulty for him is that Houston has a surplus of younger, athletic wings, which may make it troublesome for Larsson to earn rotation minutes as a rookie. Nevertheless, this was an excellent transfer by the Rockets, who acquired the decide from Miami through Atlanta.
Indiana Pacers: A
Johnny Furphy (35)
Tristen Newton (49)
Enrique Freeman (50)
The Pacers had an impressive Day 2. Rick Carlisle’s staff thrived throughout the postseason as a result of its depth, and within the second spherical, the Pacers added three gamers who might be of worth down the road. Furphy, projected by many to final no later than the center of Spherical 1, was nonetheless on the board at decide No. 35 and affords a strong upside. As for Newton and Freeman, they’re achieved collegians who’re higher geared up than Furphy to have an instantaneous affect. Doug McDermott and Obi Toppin will probably be free brokers this summer time, and Jalen Smith has a participant choice, and people conditions may unencumber further room for the newcomers. Additionally, Newton may function insurance coverage as Andrew Nembhard is extension-eligible this summer time (he could be a restricted free agent subsequent summer time if no deal is reached).
LA Clippers: C+
Cam Christie (46)
Christie was the Clippers’ lone choice on this draft, and the franchise has determined to take a swing on the “upside.” He’ll flip 19 in late July and must get stronger earlier than subsequent season begins. The three-point capturing and athleticism are perfect, however Christie doesn’t seem like a participant who will probably be impactful instantly. The excellent news for the Clippers is that they received’t want him to be with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George (ought to he keep), and Norman Powell are on the roster.
Los Angeles Lakers: C+
Bronny James (55)
To nobody’s shock, the Lakers chosen James with the fifty fifth total decide. Bronny will want time to develop, and a major variety of reps ought to come within the G League. Possibly there’ll come a time this season when he’s sharing the court docket together with his father, LeBron, however Bronny shouldn’t be thought-about in redraft fantasy leagues.
Memphis Grizzlies: B+
Jaylen Wells (39)
Cam Spencer (53)
With their two second-round picks, the Grizzlies added an athletic wing with dimension and a extremely aggressive guard who can knock down perimeter photographs at a strong clip. Along with what he brings to the desk as an athlete, Wells was a superb shooter throughout his lone season at Washington State as his enjoying time elevated. As for Spencer, his lone season at UConn culminated with a nationwide title, and he’s thought-about one of many high catch-and-shoot gamers on this class. Whereas Memphis rating twenty ninth in 3-point share final season can partially be attributed to the staff’s many accidents, they had been twenty third in 2022-23. Addressing that space this offseason is important for the Grizzlies, and the additions of Wells and Spencer can assist.
Milwaukee Bucks: C
Tyler Smith (33)
As with its first-round decide, Milwaukee successfully wager on the upside with the choice of Smith. His draft prospects improved considerably early final season with G League Ignite, with some chatter that he might be a first-round decide. Smith slipped into the second spherical and will play most of his minutes within the G League subsequent season. Even when Milwaukee had been to be energetic in free company and alter among the items round Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, any acquired newcomers would probably be veterans able to “win now.”
New Orleans Pelicans: B
Antonio Reeves (47)
Whereas there are some considerations concerning the velocity of Reeves’ shot, he is without doubt one of the finest perimeter shooters on this class. Whereas New Orleans ranked fourth in 3-point share final season, they had been twenty fourth in makes an attempt per sport and 18th in makes. Including one other succesful catch-and-shoot choice was a good suggestion, particularly with Zion Williamson being the Pelicans’ high offensive choice. At age 24, Reeves is perceived by some to have restricted upside, however that shouldn’t be a difficulty in New Orleans, because the Pelicans wish to contend.
New York Knicks: B+
Tyler Kolek (34)
Kevin McCullar Jr. (56)
Ariel Hukporti (58)
Kolek was one of many gamers believed to be focused by the Knicks within the first spherical, however they had been in a position to wait till the second to get their man. His fantasy ceiling as a rookie will not be recognized till the mud settles from the reported Mikal Bridges commerce and what strikes the Knicks make to get themselves sufficient cap house to retain Isaiah Hartenstein doubtlessly. Kolek is without doubt one of the finest playmakers within the draft class, particularly in pick-and-roll conditions. As for the opposite two second-round picks, McCullar may provide further depth ahead for a low value, but it surely’s price questioning if Hukporti will probably be stashed abroad subsequent season.
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: B
Ajay Mitchell (38)
Sure, the Thunder drafted a playmaker with its first-round decide in Nikola Subject. Nevertheless, he’s recovering from {a partially} torn ACL, and the expectation is that Subject won’t play this season. So, the Thunder used a second-round decide on Mitchell, one other gifted playmaker with a superb really feel for the sport. The perimeter shot wants some work, however the Thunder have sufficient perimeter expertise to stay affected person with Mitchell’s growth.
Philadelphia 76ers: A
Adem Bona (41)
I like this decide for Philadelphia. Whereas Paul Reed stays underneath contract, his 2023-24 season was underwhelming, contemplating the reward heaped upon him final offseason. In Bona, the 76ers drafted an elite defender whose motor by no means stops. His offensive sport may have some polish, however Philadelphia can undoubtedly use his defensive and rebounding talents. With Reed and Joel Embiid on the roster, it could be troublesome for Bona to be impactful in fantasy leagues subsequent season. However he’s price monitoring in Summer season League, particularly contemplating Embiid’s harm historical past.
Phoenix Suns: A-
Oso Ighodaro (40)
Phoenix acquired this decide from Portland, and it may pay rapid dividends. Along with his talents as a defender, Ighodaro is a superb passer for a giant and might function as an offensive hub. Relying on what the Suns do to handle the purpose guard place and whether or not or not free agent middle Drew Eubanks returns, Ighodaro may have rapid fantasy worth behind starter Jusuf Nurkic.
San Antonio Spurs: B-
Juan Nuñez (36)
Harrison Ingram (48)
San Antonio acquired Nuñez’s draft rights from the Pacers, and it’s honest to surprise if he’ll be with the staff this season. In early June, it was reported that the purpose guard agreed to a take care of FC Barcelona. There hasn’t been an official announcement, however Nuñez’s probabilities of having an affect in San Antonio this season might be restricted at finest. As for Ingram, he’s a succesful shooter who additionally rebounds and defends his place properly. He isn’t as tall because the prototypical NBA wing tends to be (measured 6-foot-5 on the mix), however the strengths are sufficient to beat that “weak point.” Concerning rapid worth, Ingram will probably be a greater choice in deeper fantasy leagues than Nuñez.
Toronto Raptors: B+
Jonathan Mogbo (31)
Jamal Shead (45)
Ulrich Chomche (57)
The Mogbo and Shead picks are why Toronto’s second-round grade is as excessive as it’s. The previous is undersized for a middle, however the mixture of wingspan and lateral athleticism is how he makes up for the dearth of top. Mogbo must work to increase his offensive repertoire, however there are instruments the Raptors can work with. As for Shead, whereas the Raptors did purchase Davion Mitchell from the Kings, the previous Houston Cougar is a winner who will convey extra to the desk as a shooter. The intangibles Shead brings can’t be ignored, particularly for a rebuilding staff. As for Chomche, he’s the youngest prospect on this class and received’t flip 19 till December 30. It’s doable the Raptors look to stash him abroad so the younger middle can get further skilled expertise/aggressive reps.
Utah Jazz: A
Kyle Filipowski (32)
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported that off-court points factored into Filipowski slipping out of the primary spherical, however the on-court expertise can’t be denied. The 7-footer out of Duke can play both energy ahead or middle, and the perimeter capturing skill may make him an acceptable complement to Walker Kessler. At 32 total, Filipowski is a troublesome expertise to cross on, and the Jazz could have gotten themselves one of many steals of this draft.
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