On the heels of a 2023 NBA Draft that was headlined by an apparent transformational talent in Victor Wembanyama, the 2024 class is underwhelming in the eyes of some. However, while there may not be a player that scouts and executives will rush to declare a franchise cornerstone immediately, there are talented players to be had. From international prospects to one-and-done collegians and accomplished college players to those who plied their trade in the G League for a season, the 2024 class should not be immediately dismissed.
Between this class not having a perceived game-changer and the team that holds the first overall pick (Atlanta) not offering many clues regarding its direction, Wednesday night can get wild. And for those who may have forgotten, the NBA has turned the draft into a two-day affair: the first round on Wednesday, followed by the second round on Thursday. “Bronny Watch” is likely to dominate Thursday, but other projected second-rounders could help a team immediately.
And with the league’s salary cap/luxury tax rules changing, players who may be drafted during a commercial break are more important than in years past. Despite only having a three percent chance of winning the draft lottery in May, the Hawks landed atop the board. And this is a franchise with some significant questions to answer.
Will the Trae Young/Dejounte Murray backcourt partnership bear fruit in the form of a deep playoff run? What will they do with Clint Capela, who’s entering the f.
