While the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft had great player landings, the second round also had players going to great situations. Whether it be gaining early playing time, filling a specific role for their team, or just bringing more youth, these players are in great positions for themselves and their careers.
2024 NBA Draft: The Top 5 Player Landings In The Second Round
Kyle Filipowski
While Kyle Filipowski falling through the draft was one of the big surprises on draft night, he landed in a great place for playing time and development. Filipowski will immediately fill the role of a floor-spacing big for the Utah Jazz, much like Kelly Olynyk once filled. As his offensive skill set and position are different from many of the other frontcourt players, he will not have that much competition for minutes on the court. Additionally, there have been talks about possibly trading Walker Kessler, which will open up more minutes for Filipowski. With easier access to playing time due to his skill set, Filipowski landed in an excellent place for his development.
Tyler Kolek
The Portland Trailblazers selected Tyler Kolek with the 34th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft but later traded him to the New York Knicks for three future second-round picks. Despite the trade, and to a contender no less, Kolek landed in a situation that needed his skill set. Given the lack of playmaking guards on the roster for the Knicks, early playing time is in play for Kolek. New York has had trouble generating offense when Jalen Brunson went to the bench, something which Kolek will alleviate. Even with Julius Randle returning into the rotation, Kolek could still make an impact. Also, as an older prospect at 23 years old, Kolek should be able to play right away for the Knicks. Importantly, Kolek also plays defense with a high motor and basketball IQ, which is something that head coach Tom Thibodeau will appreciate.
Johnny Furphy
The San Antonio Spurs selected Johnny Furphy with the 35th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Spurs later traded Furphy’s draft rights away to the Indiana Pacers. Furphy landed in a great situation that will make great use of his skills, specifically his three-point shooting. The Pacers are in need of more size on the wings and Furphy will help in that regard. Additionally, the Pacers do need more floor spacing around Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, which Furphy provides in spades. Not only that, Furphy will benefit from getting good looks from Haliburton and Siakam. While it is likely that next season will be a developmental season for Furphy, there is still a possibility that he could see playing time. Regardless, the offensive engine that is the Indiana Pacers will use Furphy to further their onslaught and he will thrive because of it.
Adem Bona
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Adem Bona with the 41st pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Bona lands in a spot that needs more center play behind former MVP Joel Embiid. He perfectly fills what the Sixers need from a backup center, especially with his defensive abilities. Despite former All-Star Andre Drummond signing with the team, Bona may still see minutes out on the court. Given Embiid’s constant health concerns, there is a real possibility that Bona will fill the backup center minutes. It is also a very real possibility that Bona is the long-term answer at the backup center position behind Embiid. Regardless, it is certain that Bona will bring high energy and effort to a team that sorely needs it.
Cameron Christie
The Los Angeles Clippers selected Cameron Christie with the 46th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Christie lands with a Clippers team that desperately needs young talent on the roster and he provides just that. With Paul George heading to Philadelphia in free agency, stocking up on young talent who will grow into the next iteration of the Clippers is a wise choice. For Christie, he gets to go to an organization that will let him develop behind veterans like Kawhi Leonard. He will be able to learn from him and other veterans, which will benefit him in the long run. Also, Christie has a skill set that could get him some time on the court if needed by the Clippers.
It is most likely that next season will be a developmental season for Christie. However, Christie is in a situation where he doesn’t need to be good right away for the Clippers. He landed in a situation where he will be part of the future of an organization and that will be great for his long-term career. Coupled with the fact that his brother, Max Christie, plays for the cross-town rivals, Christie is in a great place.
