Recapping the 2024 NBA Draft, here are five players who have landed in a perfect situation for themselves and their long-term careers. These players are now in the positions to see early playing time, where their weaknesses are not so pronounced, and be allowed to develop behind veterans who can mentor them.
2024 NBA Draft: The Top 5 Player Landing Spots in the First Round
Alexandre Sarr: Washington Wizards
With the second pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected Alexandre Sarr from France and the NBL. Sarr landed in a great place for his development as a potential franchise cornerstone as opposed. Mainly, because there are no immediate expectations for Sarr to worry about. In Washington D.C., He is in a position where he can make mistakes and grow from them without scrutiny.
Had he been picked by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick, he would not have the same margin for error playing next to Trae Young, should he remain in Atlanta. Playing next to Young, whose future in Atlanta remains up in the air, meant that Sarr had to be an immediate contributor for a playoff push as the second option. Instead, Sarr is the first option for a team that will allow him to grow into his role. Additionally, he gets to play with interesting, young players like Bilal Coulibaly, Carlton Carrington, and Kyshawn George. The future looks bright for Sarr and the Wizards.
Reed Sheppard: Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets selected Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick and the fit couldn’t be better. Sheppard will immediately slot in as the backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet. He will provide much-needed three-point shooting, guard defense, and overall basketball IQ for the Rockets. Speaking of VanVleet, Sheppard can learn from the All-Star, who became an NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Additionally, Sheppard will benefit from playing next to taller, stronger defenders like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason. They will cover up Sheppard’s lack of size and benefit from Sheppard’s floor spacing. Ultimately, Sheppard fills the Rockets’ need for a backup point guard as a safe prospect who still has upside.
Rob Dillingham: Minnesota Timberwolves
The San Antonio Spurs selected Rob Dillingham with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, the Spurs traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a protected 2030 pick swap and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick. Despite being sent to a contending team, Dillingham landed in an excellent spot. Dillingham will immediately find playing time as the backup point guard behind Mike Conley and benefit from learning from him. The Timberwolves need extra scoring from the perimeter off the bench, and Dillingham fills that role quite nicely. Dillingham will also benefit from playing with a team of good defenders like Rudy Gobert, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaden McDaniels, etc.
Dillingham landed in a perfect situation with the Timberwolves, where both parties benefit from each others’ strengths and cover up their weaknesses. He will have the chance of playing next to Anthony Edwards as the starting point guard. If Dillingham reaches his potential, the starting backcourt of the Timberwolves will be dangerous for years to come.
Carlton Carrington
Also known as “Bub”, the Wizards took Carlton Carrington with the fourteenth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft via Portland. Carrington, much like Sarr, is in an expectation-free environment where he can purely focus on improving his game. He doesn’t have any competition for minutes and has the possibility of seeing starter minutes next season. With Tyus Jones being a free agent and Jordan Poole‘s fate being unclear, Carrington will have plenty of time to play on the court. Carrington will bring much-needed offensive punch next to Sarr and Coulibaly, who in turn cover up Carrington’s defensive weaknesses. The Wizards and Carrington are great fits for one another and Carrington has the possibility of being the Wizards starting guard of the future.
Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht falling through the draft was one of the biggest surprises on draft night. However, he fell to a team in the Los Angeles Lakers who both need and effectively utilize his talents. As an older prospect and talented scorer, Knecht has the opportunity to see playing time on the court. Under the supervision of newly hired head coach JJ Redick, Knecht will be utilized effectively as a shooter and overall scorer. Additionally, Knecht will benefit from playing next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis taking attention off of him and getting him good looks. The spacing, athleticism, and scoring that Knecht provides will be an asset for the Lakers. The Lakers seem to be pushing towards youth and development, as seen with the re-signing of Max Christie. However, Knecht is one of those prospects who can help now and into the future, something that L.A. sorely needs.
