My Favorite Picks from the First and Second Rounds of the NBA Draft
With the draft finally over, these teams have to be pretty happy with how things worked out for them!
With the conclusion of Day 2 of the new 2-Day NBA Draft format, many franchises have walked away feeling better about the future of their rosters. Lots of fascinating decisions were made, players selected, and capital discarded.
To be specific, San Antonio betting on Middle Schoolers in their haul from Minnesota for microwave scorer Rob Dillingham was… interesting, to say the least. Many teams this year gave off the vibe they’re gearing up for what could be a historic 2025 Draft class next year with the likes of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Nolan Traore.
Despite this, there were a lot of good value picks in the second round that I liked. Picks like Enrique Freeman, Melvin Ajinça, Johnny Furphy, and Ajay Mitchell all feel like guys who will carve out roles at the next level, whether that’s by bringing an immediate steadying presence (Mitchell), playing hard (Freeman), or potentially being stashed (Ajinça).
That being said, here are my favorite picks from the 2024 NBA Draft.
Jared McCain - Guard - Philadelphia 76ers
McCain’s dynamic shotmaking will bring an injection of perimeter shooting to a team in dire need of more shooting. McCain should slot right in alongside Embiid and Maxey (and maybe Paul George 👀).
Primarily used as an off-ball player under Jon Scheyer, McCain could additionally take on more ball-handling responsibilities further on down the line in his development. Initially, McCain may be used similarly to how JJ Redick was once used in Philly, constantly running off of screens to shake defenders for open looks. Furthermore, spot-up shooting will be an immediate strength for McCain, cementing his status as a high-floor player in this draft.
Expect McCain to solidify his role under Nick Nurse early on in training camp while gaining the respect of his peers for his commendable work ethic, defensive competitiveness, and maturity.
Ryan Dunn - Wing - Phoenix Suns
A versatile defender who started his career as a walk-on, Ryan Dunn brings immediate All-Defense upside as a lengthy wing on the perimeter. In a bit of an “awkward phase,” as I would describe it at the moment, Suns owner Mat Ishbia is fixated on winning with his current roster, and Dunn certainly helps with that defensively but doesn’t offensively.
A complete liability on the offensive side of the ball at the moment, Dunn brings no shooting and little hope for improvement. Dunn had some bad misses this year, but the defensive potential is immense. Dunn had a historic year defensively with his switchability, which should bring him a good deal of success should this be the right situation.
Dunn’s developmental trajectory of his shot will largely determine the extent of his minutes early on in his career. He reminds me of Matisse Thybulle in that way: a talented defender whose shot may end up hindering his career trajectory.
Ajay Mitchell - Guard - OKC Thunder
Mitchell, a talented three-year guard from UCSB by way of Liège, Belgium, fits the mold of an OKC player. A highly skilled, big guard who puts pressure on the rim while improving others (high assist rate).
Mitchell should have limited opportunities to start his career, but the Thunder seem to be moving on from some cherished bench players like Andrew Wiggins or Isaiah Joe (both extension-eligible). Furthermore, Mitchell’s opportunities could also be determined by the future availability of Nikola Topić.
Look for Mitchell to have a surplus of influence on the OKC Blue at first, but sooner rather than later, I would expect Mitchell to find his way onto an NBA roster somewhere, whether in OKC or elsewhere.
Wrap-Up
The 2024 NBA Draft delivered a blend of bold risks and clever selections that could shape the league's landscape for years to come. From San Antonio betting on the future to the promising second-round gems, this draft displayed strategic decision-making amongst franchises. The infusion of talents like Jared McCain, Ryan Dunn, and Ajay Mitchell will undoubtedly bring dynamism to their respective teams, setting the stage for lengthy careers ahead. Look out because the new class of rookies are here, and they’re ready to make noise.