2024 NBA Draft: The Biggest Winners And Losers Of The First Round

The Atlanta Hawks emerged as one of the biggest winners of the 2024 NBA Draft, securing the No. 1 overall pick so they were in a strong spot unless they made a disastrous choice - which they didn't. They were expected to select Alexandre Sarr, a player widely projected to be the top choice. Sarr, with his exceptional skills and athleticism, fits seamlessly as a lob partner for Trae Young. However, another standout prospect, Zaccharie Risacher was instead taken No. 1 overall instead. 

Risacher, a 6'8" forward, is expected to compete for a starting spot alongside Young, Dejounte Murray, and Clint Capela. If Risacher has a Rookie of the Year season, the Hawks could quickly transform into a playoff contender. The key for the 19-year-old is to get used to the speed and physicality of the NBA quickly so he can start showcasing his all-around talent.

Loser - Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets made a surprising and risky decision by selecting Tidjane Salaün over more established prospects like Donovan Clingan, Matas Buzelis, and Zach Edey. After a disappointing 21-61 season, the Hornets need solid pieces to support LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller instead of hoping and praying for a young man to develop quickly.

Taking such a gamble on Salaün, who was not as highly touted in mock drafts, raises concerns about the team's strategy and future direction. Unless Salaün quickly proves his worth, this pick could be a setback for a team desperately in need of reliable talent but the Hornets could be looking to tank another season away regardless.

Winner - Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers managed to secure one of the most skilled players in the draft with high potential, Dalton Knecht. Known for his impressive dunking ability and a solid 39.7% shooting from three-point range, Knecht also excels in midrange and movement shooting. At 6’5” with the right mentality, he is one of the immediately impactful prospects in the draft.

Under the guidance of new head coach JJ Redick, Knecht is expected to thrive. The Lakers needed an NBA-ready player who does not need a few years to develop, and Knecht fits the bill as he looks to contribute immediately as a sharpshooter coming off screens and spotting up for jumpers.

Loser - Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons, coming off a dismal 14-68 season, needed a more complete, all-around player. Instead, they took a gamble on Ron Holland, a raw player who may take years to develop. While Holland's athleticism is promising, the fit with the Pistons' current roster is highly questionable. 

It seems the Pistons want to keep Cade Cunningham as their franchise player going forward but the point guard needs help instead of dealing with more frustration with non-NBA-ready players. Holland could end up maturing faster than expected, but it wasn’t the best move for them considering Donovan Clingan or Zach Edey would have addressed their issues quicker.

Winner - Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards made a significant move by selecting Alexandre Sarr with the No. 2 pick, a player considered by many to have the highest upside in this draft class and he probably should have gone No. 1 overall. Sarr, a big man with excellent defensive capabilities, brings great mobility on the perimeter and strong shot-blocking skills.

Although his offensive game (mainly his jump shooting) is still developing, the Wizards took a promising swing on his potential to become a defensive anchor and a versatile big. The Wizards need plenty of help after finishing with a terrible 15-67 record which was the second-worst in the league and they finally could get some help.

Loser - Bronny James

There was significant hope that Bronny James would be selected in the first round, but it did not materialize, making it a tough outcome for the young 19-year-old prospect. Despite the hype and resources at his disposal as LeBron James' son, Bronny's health scare earlier in the year may have contributed to the teams' hesitation along with his poor college numbers (4.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG on 36.6% from the field).

Known for his shooting and athleticism, Bronny now hopes to be chosen in the second round. However, with fewer spots available, securing an NBA roster spot next year will be challenging but there are still 30 spots left for the media to go crazy wherever he goes. Could Bronny end up with the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 55 overall?

Winner - Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves shocked everyone by trading for Rob Dillingham with the No. 8 pick, giving up their 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 swap. With championship aspirations for the 2024-25 season led by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves needed immediate contributions. 

Dillingham, a dynamic 19-year-old scorer, adds much-needed offensive firepower behind Mike Conley. His speed and shooting ability should help relieve some of the scoring burden from Edwards, making this a strategic win for Minnesota.

Loser - Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets selected Reed Sheppard, the best shooter in the draft, which isn't a terrible pick by any means. However, considering the Rockets' needs, they might have been better off with a player like Matas Buzelis or Stephon Castle, both of whom offer wing defense and better size with athleticism.

Adding a potential wing to learn from Dillon Brooks and eventually take over a starting role would have been ideal. With Sheppard unlikely to challenge Jalen Green for the starting spot, the fit raises some questions about the Rockets' strategy to win now although they could still always use some elite shooting.

Winner - Zach Edey

The 7'4" Zach Edey was dominant in college, posting 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game for Purdue. Once projected as a second-round pick, Edey has climbed into the top 10 this year, a testament to his hard work, development, and impressive run of form. Even we are a little surprised he was taken so high in the draft.  

Landing with the Memphis Grizzlies, he finds himself in an excellent situation to play alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. in the paint with Ja Morant feeding him easy looks down low. This is a great outcome for Edey, positioning him for immediate impact and growth in the NBA quicker rather than later. 

Loser - Nikola Topic

Nikola Topic might find solace in joining a title-contending team with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but falling out of the top 10 is undoubtedly tough for one of the most skilled guards in the draft. With superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of him, Topic will face significant challenges in getting playing time, which could hinder his development. 

Some players struggle to mature on teams filled with established stars, and the Serbian might have been better off with a rebuilding team where he could have a more prominent role and growth opportunities as a 6'6" point guard with excellent scoring and playmaking potential.