The dust has settled after the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, with French prospect Zaccharie Risacher going No. 1 overall to the Atlanta Hawks. Now attention turns to the second round, which is usually a place for developmental prospects. Round 2 of the NBA Draft now has its own day, and the amount of time teams have to make their picks has been increased to four minutes per selection from two minutes in previous years.
The top name heading into Round 2 was Bronny James who was selected No. 55 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers to play with his NBA icon dad. LeBron James has commented consistently over the past several years that he’d like to play with his son before he retires, and heading into his 22nd NBA season, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer has gotten his wish.
During the second round broadcast, ESPN’s Bob Myers reported that James family agent Rich Paul is telling teams Bronny doesn’t want to play for not to draft him, or he’ll go play in Australia instead.
“Rich Paul is calling teams, don’t take Bronny James … if you take him, he’s going to Australia.” 😳
Lakers select Bronny James with 55th pick in NBA Draft
LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. is taking his talents to … Los Angeles, as many expected.
James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, was drafted by his father’s Lakers with the 55th overall pick pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Thursday, after going unselected in the first round.
The 6-foot-3 guard out of the University of Southern California has been a major talking point in this draft. While a lot of the hype may come from his last name, his game has steadily developed over the years to prepare him for this moment.
Boston Celtics select Anton Watson with No. 54 pick
Pre-Draft Rank: 72
School: Gonzaga
Height: 6′ 8″
Weight: 228
The Pistons selected Cam Spencer at No. 53, and are trading him to the Grizzlies
Spencer wasn’t great at the combine and got a little lost during the 5-on-5 scrimmages, but his body of work at UConn speaks for itself. He is an ultra competitor who can eventually be that glue guy on a team.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 08: Cam Spencer #12 and Donovan Clingan #32 of the Connecticut Huskies react to a call during the National College Basketball Championship game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors select Quinten Post for Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 52
Pre-Draft Rank: 61
School: Boston Coll.
Height: 7′ 0″
Weight: 235
Knicks take Melvin Ajinca at No. 51, and will ship him to the Mavericks
Ajinca averaged 11.5 points during the LNB Pro A playoffs and has a ton of upside as a perimeter scorer. He’s a two-way player who rebounds well and has a high IQ.
Indiana Pacers select Enrique Freeman with 50th overall pick
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 40
School: Akron
Height: 6′ 7″
Weight: 206
Enrique Freeman from Akron during drills at the NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 11, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. (Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)
One of the best stories in college basketball, Freeman went from being a walk-on at Akron to a starter. He was one of the best players at the Portsmouth Invitational, was invited to the G League combine and then got called up for the NBA Draft Combine. His strength when he has the ball in the lane, and also how well he moves off the ball, cutting, flashing and slipping screens, makes him an intriguing pick for the Pacers.
Dever sends veteran guard Reggie Jackson to Charlotte
The Denver Nuggets are trading veteran guard Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Nuggets are also sending three unprotected second-round picks to the Hornets, per Wojnarowski, but it is not currently clear what Denver is receiving in return.
Denver is trading Reggie Jackson to Charlotte with three unprotected second-round picks, source tells ESPN.
Pacers take Tristen Newton with No. 49 overall pick
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 65
School: Connecticut
Height: 6′ 5″
Weight: 195
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Newton is a winner and went through hot shooting streaks at UConn this year. He was the best guard on the court during the NCAA championship game against Purdue, and even though he’s a little undersized, he makes up for it with his shot creation off the bounce and moves that keeps the defense guessing.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 08: Tristen Newton #2 of the Connecticut Huskies dribbles the ball while being guarded by Myles Colvin #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers in the second half during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship game at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs select Harrison Ingram at No. 48
Draft Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Rank: 46
School: N. Carolina
Height: 6′ 7″
Weight: 225
Ingram was the glue guy for North Carolina during his junior season and showed significant improvement from his first two seasons at Stanford. He can step out and knock down 3s or play inside during small-ball lineups. The Spurs adding Ingram to the rebuild is huge for some supplementary size alongside Victor Wembanyama or an option on the wing.
With the No. 47 overall pick, the Orlando Magic selected Antonio Reeves out of Kentucky
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 63
School: Kentucky
Height: 6′ 6″
Weight: 195
Reeves is a bucket-getter and was the leader on a Kentucky team that was loaded with a ton of young talent. He’s clutch in high-pressure situations (averaging 45% from 3-point range) and even though he’s 23, Reeves has found ways to improve and add to his game every year.
Antonio Reeves shoots a 3-pointer against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 21, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Orlando Magic sending No. 47 to New Orleans
The Orlando Magic are trading pick No. 47 to the New Orleans Pelicans, per multiple reports. In return, the Magic are receiving two future pick swaps — 2030 and 2031 — per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Pelicans took Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves with the pick.
The Magic are trading No. 47 to New Orleans for two future pick swaps (2030 and 2031), per source.
LA Clippers select Cameron Christie with 46th pick
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 34
School: Minnesota
Height: 6′ 6″
Weight: 190
Christie was receiving late first-round buzz during the pre-draft process but he fell to the second round due to his inconsistency during the season and limitations as a playmaker. He shot 39% from 3 and has upside as a perimeter shooter but will need some time to develop.
Jamal Shead goes No. 45 overall to Sacramento, with a proposed trade on the table to send him to Toronto
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 43
School: Houston
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 200
Shead is one of the toughest guards in this draft class and was the floor general for four very successful years at Houston. He can pick up full court on defense and be a menace on ball screens, fighting through everything. At the draft combine, he wasn’t 100% healthy yet, coming back from an ankle injury, but was still the best point guard on the court during 5-on-5 scrimmages. He has all the tools to have a very long NBA career as a primary guard.
Jamal Shead drives to the basket as Duke’s Mark Mitchell defends during the first half of the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 29, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets select Pelle Larsson at No. 44
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 58
School: Arizona
Height: 6′ 6″
Weight: 215
Larsson is a four-year college player who contributed at a high level offensively, averaging 20.1 points at Arizona. His passing rate isn’t great, dishing out under two assists per game, but his size at 6-foot-6 and shooting potential translates well for the Heat.
Miami Heat trade No. 43 to Atlanta
The Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks are flipping the No. 43 and No. 44 picks, per multiple reports. The Heat used No. 43 to select Nikola Djurisic on behalf of the Hawks, and will receive cash from Atlanta in the deal.
The Miami Heat select Nikola Djurisic with the No. 43 overall pick, and he’s headed to Atlanta
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 38
School: Belgium
Height: 6′ 7″
Weight: 209
Durisic tested the NBA waters last year during the pre-draft process and took the feedback from NBA teams seriously, improving his shot selection and finish around the rim. He’s still a bit turnover prone (3.2 per game) but he finds creative ways to score and has solid size at the guard position at 6-foot-7.
Charlotte Hornets select KJ Simpson at No. 42
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 45
School: Colorado
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 189
Simpson is a speedy point guard who plays bigger than his 6-foot-2 frame. He’s tough in the lane, has improved his 3-point jumper and is a guy who can come in right away and can lead the second unit. He’s a little undersized and the Hornets have invested in a lot of guards in the last two drafts, but he’s so tough and a hard worker who can be a backup point guard to LaMelo Ball.
With the 41st pick, the 76ers select Adem Bona
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 52
School: UCLA
Height: 6′ 10″
Weight: 245
Bona showed more promise as a pick-and-roll big during the 5-on-5 scrimmages at the combine but still needs to be a bit more patient defensively. He can come in and play right away alongside Jared McCain in the second unit with his size and strength on the block combined with McCain’s outside shooting.
No. 40 passes to Phoenix Suns after more trades
It’s been a round-robin kind of night: After starting with the Portland Trailblazers, the No. 40 pick passed to the New York Knicks and finally landed with the Phoenix Suns, per multiple reports. With the pick, the Suns selected Marquette center Osasere “Oso” Ighodaro.
The Knicks now have the No. 51 and No. 56 picks after the trade with Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns select Osasere Ighodaro with 40th overall pick
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 57
School: Marquette
Height: 6′ 11″
Weight: 235
Ighodaro played alongside a dynamic point guard in Tyler Kolek at Marquette and has excellent footwork in the pick-and-roll. During pre-draft workouts, teams were most impressed with his passing and how well he holds down the paint against stronger players in the post.
Per ESPN’s Bob Myers, Bronny James will head to Australia if he’s not picked by a team he wants to play for
“Rich Paul is calling teams, don’t take Bronny James … if you take him, he’s going to Australia.” 😳
Jaylen Wells heads to Memphis with the 39th overall pick
Pre-Draft Rank: 47
School: Washington St.
Height: 6′ 8″
Weight: 205
Wells transferred from a Division II program to Washington State. Even though he’s a bit of a late bloomer, he showed more confidence in Power 5 competition and has upside.
Jaylen Wells of the Washington State Cougars looks to pass the ball during the second half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at CHI Health Center on March 23, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Knicks select Ajay Mitchell at No. 38 (traded to Thunder)
Pre-Draft Rank: 51
School: UCSB
Height: 6′ 5″
Weight: 190
Mitchell averaged 20 points while shooting 40% from 3 during his junior year at UC Santa Barbara. He’s a big guard who is solid in the pick-and-roll option.
Bobi Klintman goes No. 37 overall
Pre-Draft Rank: 30
School: Sweden
Height: 6′ 9″
Weight: 212
Klintman has good size as a pick-and-pop big and improved his decision making and physicality during his one season in Australia’s National Basketball League. He still has room to grow into his frame and has a budding 3-point shot.
Wake Forest’s Bobi Klintman handles the ball during an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., on Jan. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown, File)
Detroit and Oklahoma City both trade up for No. 37 and No. 38
It’s a double Woj bomb: The Detroit Pistons and the Oklahoma City Thunder are trading up for picks No. 37 and No. 38, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Per Woknarowski, the Minnesota Timberwolves are trading the No. 37 pick to Detroit after drafting Swedish forward Bobi Klintman.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are sending the No. 38 pick to the Thunder, after selecting Belgian guard Ajay Mitchell.
Minnesota is trading No. 37 to Detroit, which is targeting Bobi Klintman, source tells ESPN.
Spurs and Pacers are reportedly trading picks No. 35 and No. 36
The Indiana Pacers are giving the San Antonio Spurs cash and the No. 36 pick, in return for San Antonio’s No. 35 pick, per multiple reports.
The Spurs took Australian forward Johnny Furphy with No. 35, and the Pacers took Spanish guard Juan Núñez. With the deal, the two will swap.
Indiana Pacers select Juan Núñez at No. 36
Nunez has improved a lot at point guard since the FIBA World Cup last year playing for Spain. He still lacks a second burst when taking players off the dribble and getting downhill, but passes well and has good size for a draft-and-stash point guard.
San Antonio Spurs select Johnny Furphy with 35th pick
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B-
Pre-Draft Rank: 25
School: Kansas
Height: 6′ 9″
Weight: 202
Furphy elected to stay in this draft after reportedly turning down a lucrative NIL deal to return to Kansas, leading many to believe he left the combine with a promise in the first round. That wasn’t the case, but Furphy is an excellent option with how well he shoots and his added size on the perimeter. Scouts were impressed with his high release and quick twitch jumper but he’s a year removed from being impactful in the NBA and needs further development, which could be a reason why he fell to the second round.
The Knicks (via the Blazers) select Tyler Kolek at No. 34
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 24
School: Marquette
Height: 6′ 3″
Weight: 195
The senior has the best assist ratio out of any guard in the draft. He is a smart player who plays to his strengths, finishing on the left side of the rim every chance he can. Expect him to be off the board at 31 to Toronto, a steal for the first team picking in the second round. Kolek can come in right away and contribute with his passing ability and how crafty he is in the lane. He averaged 15.3 points and led all college players in assists with 7.7 per game.
Milwaukee Bucks select Tyler Smith at No. 33
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 26
School: G League Ignite
Height: 6′ 7″
Weight: 215
Smith improved significantly during his season with the Ignite and has great size with an inside-out game that translates to the NBA. He shot the 3-ball well all season and improved his motor. Still just 19 years old, he’s a bit more of a raw prospect but can flourish in the right situation. He can bring some added size alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and can space the floor as an inside-outside scorer.
HENDERSON, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 06: Tyler Smith #11 of G League Ignite saves the ball from going out of bounds in the second half of an NBA G League Fall Invitational game against the Perth Wildcats on September 06, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. Ignite defeated the Wildcats 124-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Jazz take Duke star Kyle Filipowski with second pick in Round 2
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Rank: 21
School: Duke
Height: 7′ 0″
Weight: 248
The fact that he fell to the Jazz in the second round is a gift. It gives the Jazz the freedom to play big at times with multiple 7-footers on the court or Filipowski can help anchor the frontcourt with the secondary unit.
Jonathan Mogbo heads to the Toronto Raptors with the first pick in the second round
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 42
School: San Francisco
Height: 6′ 8″
Weight: 225
This is a scouting team win for Toronto recognizing that their star player Scottie Barnes and Mogbo grew up together and work out together during the offseason. Bringing in instant chemistry to slide alongside Barnes is a step in the right direction. Mogbo was a fast riser during the pre-draft process with how well he played during the combine, his work off the pick-and-roll and great touch that extends off the block. He was a walking double-double this past season, averaging 14.2 points and 10.1 rebounds at San Francisco.
Jan 25, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; San Francisco Dons forward Jonathan Mogbo (10) controls the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (13) in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope declines $15.4 million option for free agency
Toronto sends Jalen McDaniels to the Sacramento Kings in a player trade
The Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings participated in a draft-day trade, with Toronto sending six-year forward Jalen McDaniels to Sacramento in exchange for guard Davion Mitchell and forward Sasha Vezenkov, per multiple reports. Neither team exchanged picks in the trade.
The Round 2 draft order, ahead of the festivities picking back up in New York
The story could be short and simple with the Los Angeles Lakers selecting the 19-year-old at pick No. 55 and eventually playing him with his father, LeBron James. However, the possibility exists for some drama, complications and even pettiness with Bronny getting drafted. Yahoo Sports’ Dan Wetzel outlined one of the juicier scenarios in his latest column:
If Bronny hasn’t been selected Thursday afternoon, wouldn’t it make sense if you are the Boston Celtics, sitting at 54, to take him away from the Lakers and demand a 2025 second-round pick (or even a player or more picks) in return? The Lakers are the one franchise that has extra reason to value him, after all.
Presumably a second-round pick next year is better than the 55th pick in the worst draft in decades. Plus you’d get to hassle your archrival. What’s the risk? This could be “Curb Your Enthusiasm” spite-store-type stuff.
Imagine Bronny James being a key figure for a new chapter in the vaunted Lakers-Celtics rivalry. “LeBron’s son held hostage by NBA champions!” Stay tuned.
Houston Rockets receive AJ Griffin from Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks are sending forward AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. In return, the Hawks receive the No. 44 pick in today’s draft.
ESPN Sources: The Atlanta Hawks are trading F AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets for the 44th pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Griffin, 20, was a 2022 first-round pick out of Duke. pic.twitter.com/IhjHKnCxCd
Oklahoma City sending Lindy Waters III to Golden State
In another day-of trade, Oklahoma City is sending forward Lindy Waters III to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the No. 52 pick, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Oklahoma City is trading Lindy Waters III to Golden State for No. 52 pick, sources say.
Detroit and Minnesota complete trade ahead of the second round
The first trade of Day 2 of the NBA Draft is here, with the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly sending guard Wendell Moore Jr. and the No. 37 pick to the Detroit Pistons, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania. In exchange, Detroit is giving the Timberwolves the No. 53 pick.
The NBA Champion Boston Celtics closed the 1st Round by selecting Baylor Scheierman
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 32
School: Creighton
Height: 6′ 7″
Weight: 205
Scheierman’s shot creation and size as a perimeter player is what shot him inside the first round. He’s a four-year player out of Creighton and averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game as a senior.
The first USC player is off the board — not Bronny James — but Isaiah Collier, is headed to the Utah Jazz with the No. 29 pick
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Rank: 18
School: USC
Height: 6′ 5″
Weight: 210
The fact that Collier fell so far in the draft after entering this past college season as the No. 1 high school recruit is shocking. The biggest gap in his game is his outside jumper and his turnovers during his one year at USC. Where he does excel is in the open court, and he has great body control around the rim. With the spacing and pace of the NBA game, he could be a steal for the Jazz.
ACC All-Defense selection Ryan Dunn from Virginia is headed to Phoenix with the No. 28 pick
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 41
School: Virginia
Height: 6′ 8″
Weight: 216
Dunn was the best perimeter defender in college basketball this season with his length at 6-foot-8 and averaging 2.3 blocks and just under two steals per game during his sophomore season at Virginia. The biggest hole in his game is his 3-point shooting where he made only 20% of his attempts from deep this past season.
Illinois’ Terrence Shannon Jr. headed to Minnesota
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 33
School: Illinois
Height: 6′ 6″
Weight: 225
Shannon is a three-level scorer who has improved his 3-point shot over the course of his college career, finishing his senior season at Illinois shooting 36.2% from deep. He’s an older, experienced guard at 23 who can come in right away and contribute for Minnesota.
The No. 26 pick is Dillon Jones out of Weber State (shoutout Dame Time) and he’s headed to Oklahoma City
Pacome Dadiet goest to the Knicks at No. 25, the 4th French player taken in Round 1
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 22
School: France
Height: 6′ 8″
Weight: 210
Dadiet is one of the youngest players in the draft, still just 18 years old, and will be a draft-and-stash development project for the Knicks. His size and strength at 6-foot-8 along the perimeter is what first stands out when he plays, and he’s showing more signs as a poised playmaker off the wing, finishing his season in Germany for Ratiopharm Ulm on a high note.
Kyshawn George goes No. 24 overall and is headed to Washington
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 11
School: Miami (FL)
Height: 6′ 8″
Weight: 205
George hit a late growth spurt two years ago and shot up from 6-foot-3 to 6-8. He still passes like a point guard but is playing more along the perimeter. His 3-point shot is what’s most intriguing, shooting 41% from 3 off the bench during his one year at Miami.
With the No. 23 pick the Bucks selected AJ Johnson
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Johnson’s upside as a 6-foot-5 combo guard is very intriguing and he’s a player who has been in the gym working out with Rockets guard Jalen Green since 8th grade. They have similar mannerisms as playmakers, and Johnson is still so raw as prospect but could end up being one of the best players in this draft two to three years down the road.
After making the No. 22 pick, Phoenix traded the draft rights to DaRon Holmes II to Denver
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 27
School: Dayton
Height: 6′ 10″
Weight: 235
Holmes could be that hybrid big with his polished interior scoring and improvement in his shot selection behind the arc, averaging 38.6% from 3-point range.
Baylor big man Yves Missi is headed to New Orleans
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 23
School: Baylor
Height: 7′ 0″
Weight: 235
Missi still has a ton of room for growth after his one year at Baylor, but the glimpses that he showed defending the block and running the floor well in transition scream upside as a rim-running big in the NBA at 7 feet.
Well travelled Jaylon Tyson from Cal — after transferring from Texas to Texas Tech and then Cal — is headed to Cleveland
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Rank: 28
School: California
Height: 6′ 7″
Weight: 215
Tyson was one of the best scorers in the Pac-12 and can do a little bit of everything really well. He’s strong with the ball, cuts well and finishes through contact, but his mobility on defense and ability to keep players in front still needs some work.
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