The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft has concluded, and while there weren’t as many trades as there had been in previous years, there were plenty of picks that shocked everyone watching. Let’s break down the five biggest surprises from the first round, and what to look forward to in the second round.
The 5 Biggest Surprises of Night One of The 2024 NBA Draft
NBA Draft Riser: Zach Edey to the Grizzlies
One of the biggest surprises of the entire night was Zach Edey’s selection at ninth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. Edey’s projections forecasted him outside the lottery, anywhere between the 15th and 18th pick. However, the Grizzlies surprised a lot of people by drafting him in the top ten. His detractors point to his lack of a three point shot, post-up game (straight out of the 1980s), and his lack of speed or athleticism. Edey stands nearly 7’4″ and 300 pounds and doesn’t seem like the right big man to have next to the fast, high-flying, up-tempo Ja Morant.
Perhaps Edey could be helpful as an intimidator and set some very hard screens for his teammates. Still, will he fit well with this Memphis organization? Or, did they seriously whiff on this pick? We’ll have the answer in a few months.
Ron Holland to the Pistons
Ron Holland heard his name called by the Detroit Pistons at number five overall, higher than initially projected. Holland is an athletic wing that can provide energy and defense for the Pistons. However, one area that he seriously lacks in is three-point shooting. Holland shot 27.3% during his season with the G-League Ignite, a less-than-stellar percentage. Detroit could’ve used three-point shooting and spacing on the wing, instead of a player with a build similar to Ausar Thompson. Still, even if drafted a little earlier than expected, Holland has plenty of time to develop. The Pistons are young and rebuilding, a good destination for a young player.
Rob Dillingham to the Timberwolves
Rob Dillingham’s selection at eighth overall by the Spurs marked yet another surprise. Dillingham is a solid ball handler, play maker, and three-point shooter. Importantly, he’s a guard who played in college for the University of Kentucky. Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Immanuel Quickley, Devin Booker, Tyler Herro, De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Maxey…the list of successful guards coming from Kentucky isn’t short.
Mike Conley is getting older, and the Wolves need to find their point guard of the future. If Dillingham lives up to his potential, then the Wolves could be set to make a Finals run soon. From that vantage point, this is a good trade.
However…look at what the Wolves gave up! Aside from a 2030 pick swap that is top one protected, the Wolves gave an unprotected first-round pick in 2031. This is very risky for the Wolves, given everyone’s uncertain future in 2030. If the team is horrible, they may have potentially given up two top-five picks in back-to-back drafts. If Dillingham turns into the player he can be, then this will be worth it…but if this backfires, San Antonio will be a laughingstock like the Brooklyn Nets were after the Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce trade.
NBA Draft Drop: Matas Buzelis to the Bulls
Matas Buzelis dropped all the way to number 11, yet another surprising moment from this year’s draft. At the conclusion of the 2023 NBA Draft, when mock drafts were first being created for 2024, Buzelis was considered a potential number one overall pick, or at least a top-three talent. While those projections changed as the year progressed, Buzelis routinely found his way to the top ten of draft boards, in many cases going between 5 and 7.
Being drafted 11th isn’t a bad thing for Buzelis, however. Chicago is his hometown, which means he gets to play for his hometown team, a dream for most players drafted in the NBA. It also gives him a chip on his shoulder to play with. There have been many guards drafted around toward the end of the lottery that turned out wonderfully (Tyrese Haliburton, Klay Thompson, etc); Buzelis could be next in line.
Dalton Knecht Falling to the Lakers
Dalton Knecht falling to the Los Angeles Lakers will likely be a huge steal for the team. Originally projected as a surefire lottery pick, Knecht fell all the way to #17, where the Lakers were picking. At 23 years old, Knecht spent time at junior college before transferring to Northern Colorado for two years. He spent his last year of eligibility at Tennessee, where he developed into an elite three-point shooter. Knecht didn’t have a single offer to play in college coming out of high school, so he’s used to be overlooked. Still, the Lakers got a player similar to Austin Reaves, who can help stretch the floor around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. JJ Redick will surely love him.
