I’m just going to be up front. I didn’t lock in on the NBA draft, other than the conference tournaments and March Madness, until that first weekend after the conference finals. Even then, I had family in town for all of last week so I wasn’t as focused as I could have been. So by no means am I a draft expert. But as a professional yapper, of course I still have opinions based on what I do know. I rewatched the movie draft day recently and it was much better than I remembered it. I think when I was younger I thought it was super corny and unrealistic. Watching it again, I did feel that feeling a little bit, but it also reminded me of something. That we don’t know these guys, what drives them, what decisions they make off the court, what their personality is like. That is one aspect of the draft that we will never know from the outside looking in. Generally speaking, I think there is a simple formula for determining a good pick. Good prospect + good franchise + good team fit= successful draft pick. Of course, there are exceptions. If you have 1 of franchise or team fit being bad, it can be canceled out by a truly elite prospect. Keeping all that in mind, there will never be a time where I see myself giving a draft grade lower than a C-. I try to keep it more positive when it comes to the draft grades, since these guys have yet to step foot on an NBA court yet. In the spirit of keeping it more positive, I decided to assign each team a stock image to go along with their draft grade. Please enjoy my 2024 NBA Draft grades.

Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, Nikola Djurisic, B

It’s got to feel slightly disappointing to have the 1st overall pick in a weak draft class. I like Risacher, but he projects to be an elite 3 and D guy at best, as I don’t believe he is an elite shot creator.  Funny enough, I think that Nikola Djurisic has the higher ceiling as a shot creator funny enough, but he is way less likely to reach it. I do think the Hawks needed wings regardless of what happens this off season, so the fit is good and these guys should be given a lot of opportunity to grow. That is especially true when you consider that they just traded Dejounte Murray and are likely to move off of Trae Young this offseason, so more ball handling opportunities should open up. Overall, I like this draft for Atlanta and hope they go full rebuild this next season.

Boston Celtics : Baylor Scheierman, Anton Watson, B-

The Celtics are still celebrating their championship, so the grade shouldn’t be too important for them. I was really hoping that Boston would come out of this draft with a big man, but maybe they are planning to keep Tillman around instead. Baylor Scheierman is going to be a solid role player for Boston, as he has the ability to make a bench unit flow with his pick and roll ability, connective passing, and shooting stroke. For Anton, he is not someone I thought would be drafted, but he also was drafted at 54 so I don’t really have an issue with this pick since it likely won’t turn into anything regardless (more on that later). Hopefully Scheirman gets a real opportunity off the bench early in the year, or that Boston allows him to get playing time in the G league, as he is not there yet defensively due to questionable athleticism. Think Joe Ingles for what Scheierman projects to.

Brooklyn Nets: No picks

Still wanted to write about the Nets, even though they had no picks. I am very happy to see that they are going to embrace the rebuild, as they were able to get 5 first round picks in return for Mikal Bridges. Look for Brooklyn to finish with the worst record in the league next year and for their fans to be excited about that, as this next draft is viewed much more favorably than this one. Sign no hoopers to tank for Cooper! Cooper Flagg is being hyped up as the best American prospect since Zion and will be quite the reward for finally building your franchise the right way. The Nets have to feel relieved that they could pull off this trade and get a sense of direction for once.

Charlotte Hornets: Tidjane Salaun KJ Simpson, C+

This one threw me off even more than the Pistons pick prior did. I thought Charlotte would be going with a guard, but instead take the French forward who has lots of tools but is still very raw as a prospect. I felt like Charlotte has an off chance of sneaking into the play in if they drafted an offensive weapon who could impact the team on day one, but it appears that Charlotte is still playing the long game. As for KJ Simpson, he could end up being an impact player if he can keep improving as a shooter. Overall, I don’t expect either of these players to make a huge impact for Charlotte next season, which is a shame since that franchise currently has the longest playoff drought in the league.

Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, A

Matas fell and fell until he finally landed in the Bulls lap. Most people had Buzelis going 5 to Detroit, if not top 10 in this draft. For the Bulls to snag the kid from Chicago with high upside using the 11th pick is a major win. Spacing could be an issue depending on who Chicago tries to bring back this offseason, but it isn’t often you can get a player with such high upside and a solid floor this late, usually high ceiling players left at 11 are extremely raw as a prospect. Buzelis will get plenty of playing time to develop while also not being overwhelmed with ball handling duties due to White and Giddey, which is perfect for him to just focus on the simple things. This likely means the end of an era in Chicago, but this team has reasons to be excited for the future again.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson,  C+

The Cavaliers have long been searching for the final puzzle piece: A 3 and D small forward. This was a real head scratcher to me. He projects to be a slightly better version of Isaac Okoro, so at least you can let him walk, but this team really needs a 3 / 4 who can space the floor and switch on defense. Maybe Tyson is able to do that for them, but like Okoro the jump shot isn’t a sure thing. If he can consistently knock down catch and shoot opportunities and guard forwards, then I will end up looking like a fool in a man’s shoes with this one. I just am not too confident that will end up happening.

Dallas Mavericks: Melvin Ajicinca, B+

Another French forward! Great pick for Dallas, taking a prospect who looks the part of a solid 3 and D role player, with flashes of more. 2nd round pick only so I didn’t want to give this an A, but one of my favorite picks of the 2nd round. Look for Melvin to play a lot of G league early in the year, assuming that Dallas signs back DJJ. Think he could be a real impact guy for them in the 2025-2026 season.

Denver Nuggets: Daron Holmes, A

Denver was aggressive in trading up to get their guy, and I love that for them. Holmes offers them a versatile big man off the bench for when Jokic is out of the game and can also play alongside Jokic in matchups that require more size. Holmes was one of my favorite prospects in this whole draft and will be a high impact player this season for Denver.

Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland, Bobi Klintman B

The first surprise in the draft was the Pistons going Ron Holland at 5. I like Holland as a prospect but I am not sure how he will fit in Detroit. He is not a floor spacer, and there is not enough floor spacing around him for him to truly take advantage of his athleticism. I like Bobi Klintman in the 2nd round, as I thought he would be a 1st round pick. However, the same issue I have with the Holland pick is what I have with this one. This team needs shooting desperately, and failure to get some in this draft not only puts these rookies’ development in jeopardy, but also the plethora of young prospects you have on the team.  If the jumper falls for these men, Pistons could legit walk out of this draft with 2 of the 10 best players. Kevin O’Conner has mentioned multiple times that the Pistons hired Fred Vinson, a shooting coach who did wonders for Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball. Maybe the Pistons do know more than consensus and have this whole thing figured out, but the past draft results make me highly doubt it.

Golden State Warriors: Quinten Post, B+

Golden State is caught in between an aging roster full of accolades and a young core trying to prove themselves. I thought this was a great pick for Golden State, as Post can either slide into the Saric role right away or be given time down in the G League to work on his game. He is an immediate pick and pop threat on day one and shows flashes of passing ability. Great job by Golden State on this one.

Houston Rockets: Reed Sheppard, A

I think there is a solid chance that Sheppard ends up being the best player from this draft class. His feistiness on D, ability to play on and off the ball, and lights out shooting make him a super fun pick with this Rockets team. He can come off the bench to start his career, and by the following season should be ready to replace FVV in the starting lineup, who I think is actually a great comparison for Reed Sheppard. I especially love that Houston didn’t use this pick to trade for a win now piece, as I think the Rockets will be better next season by just bringing back the current guys and allowing them to continue to grow and improve. In conclusion, Reed Sheppard is a great prospect that landed in a great fit, which means I would be stunned if he does not become at least a starting quality guard in the NBA.

Indiana Pacers: Johnny Furphy, Tristan Newton, Enrique Freeman, A

The Pacers had 3 second round picks, and I believe they did good on all 3. Furphy I thought would go in the 1st, so to grab him where they did was amazing. Newton and Freeman provide some players who are more defensive focused, which is something that this team desperately needs. I don’t know how many minutes they will get with Indiana, but they should be constantly getting G League reps. I did want the Pacers to grab a backup center in the 2nd, but when you grab 3 solid players, I can’t complain too much.

Los Angeles Clippers: Cam Christie, B

Like Max Christie, except more 3 and less D. Clippers really would be the team to pick him, copying the Lakers homework. All jokes aside, I think Cam Christie ceiling is an 8th or 9th guy off the bench, and more than likely will be a fringe roster player (don’t want to sound biased, as I have my doubts about Max too). The Clippers should give him time to develop for the Oceanside Clippers, the new location for their G League team that is very close to my hometown. 

Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, B+

I absolutely LOVE the Lakers getting Knecht at 17. Great fit for the Lakers, as he will have an immediate impact coming off screens and providing floor spacing for Lebron and AD. Most mocks had Knecht as a top 10 pick, so for the Lakers to snag him at 17 was quite a steal. Now for Bronny: I have a lot of thoughts on this one. I think that he is a guard who has questionable shooting and ball handling abilities. Does that sound like someone who can succeed in the NBA? More than likely not, although he does seem to have a hard work ethic just like his father, so you never know. Even if he never does anything in the NBA, I still like this pick for the Lakers. I think it shows future big name free agents that we will do whatever we can to treat you and make you happy in a Lakers uniform, which is similar to the strategy when signing Kobe to a fat extension even though he was no longer the same player. It will be very surreal to see them share the court at any point, but I can’t wait for it.

Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, A

I am a big fan of this draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Of course, they were looking to trade up to get Donovan Clingan, but were ultimately unable to. That being said, I think Zack Edey is a great fit in Memphis and expect him to make an impact right away (sneaky ROTY candidate). I think that he will prove the doubters wrong and become a successful NBA player, at the very least being a solid starter and at best, becoming a 2nd or 3rd scoring option on a title contender.  Jaylen Wells started rising up the big boards late in the process, so you have to assume that NBA scouts are high on this dude. He offers shooting ability for Memphis, which is always going to be needed now that they have Edey and Morant. Cam Spencer seems like he will be a very solid role player in the NBA, having been one for a back-to-back college champion. He reminds me of Wes Matthews with a slightly higher playmaking upside. This was another great draft for Memphis.

Miami Heat: Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larson, A

I really like how this draft turned out for the Heat. Getting Bam a backup is crucial, and Ware has potential to play alongside Bam if the 3 point shot is real. His floor to me is Mo Bamba and ceiling is Myles Turner.  As for Larson, I feel like the Heat could turn him into Bruce Brown 2.0. The Heat have a history of drafting well, and I believe this is another year in which that is the case. Heat culture is alive and well.

Milwaukee Bucks: AJ Johnson, Tyler Smith, B-

I see what the bucks are going for, but I have my doubts that these players will be contributors on a championship level next year. AJ Johnson could turn himself into the ideal 2 guard you want in that starting lineup. Tyler Smith could become the Bobby Portis replacement. But with all the pressure on Milwaukee to win this next season, I don’t know if the best plan was to draft 2 19 year olds. Long term, these guys project to be good fits on this roster, but will the Greek Freak be on his way out by then?

Minnesota Timberwolves: Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr, A+

This was my favorite draft. For Minnesota to get the long term replacements for Conley and NAW while also being able to contribute off the bench to a title contending team this year? Absolutely phenomenal, they hit a home run with this one. Dillingham’s weakest skill is his playmaking, and who better to learn from than Mike conley? Shannon is an explosive athlete who can attack the paint and knock down the 3. He would be even better if he can improve on defense, and what better team to help him than the Timberwolves? Absolute win for Minnesota, look for them to be even better this next season.

New Orleans Pelicans: Yves Missi, Antonio Reeves, B

The Pelicans just got rid of Nance in the Dejounte Murray Trade, so it is perfect that they grabbed a center in the 1st. I thought this was where Missi was heading before the draft, and he should be able to contribute right away for New Orleans. Antonio Reeves is going to get a lot of time to develop in the G League year 1, but likely will be expected to contribute the following year. A player comp that I like for Reeves is 2k legend Anthony Morrow at his highest, and an end of bench/overseas player at his floor. Kind of boring picks, but boring can be good.

New York Knicks: Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Kevin Mccullar Jr, Ariel Hukporti, C+

This is a tough one, because these guys as prospects aren’t bad. I just don’t know how any of them are going to get minutes over the next couple of seasons on the Knicks. I think Dadiet has what it takes to become an elite 3 and D guy, but it likely won’t happen on the Knicks. Tyler Kolek could be the next Jalen Brunson, if he wasn’t blocked from playing time by Jalen Brunson. Mccullar and Hukporti are solid, but I am surprised the Knicks came away with this many prospects. I was almost positive they would get rid of at least 1 of their picks this year. Honestly not too sure what this photo has to do with anything, I just thought it was funny.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Nikola Topic, Dillon Jones, Ajay Mitchell, C+

I like the Thunder picking Topic, as they can afford for him to use his whole rookie year to recover from his ACL injury. I am disappointed that they didn’t come out of this draft with a big man, as I think that is a must for this team if they want to go to the finals next year. They still have a lot of cap space available in free agency, so maybe that is where the center comes from. But the Thunder suffer from the same problem as the Knicks: They have too much depth to allow these prospects to truly develop. I am begging the Thunder to trade for Randle or Markkanen, throw in some of these young guys and some picks, and allow Dillion Jones and Ajay Mitchell to come off the bench this season. These two can make an impact this season if given the opportunity, but I’m not sure if they will get it. The Thunder have a great team, but failed to address their size issue.

Orlando Magic: Tristan da Silva, C+

I don’t understand this fit for Orlando, who clearly needs another offensive initiator on this roster. Tristan da Silva is a good shooter, but I’m not sure if he has the defensive chops to play anything more than a few spot minutes off the bench this year. Maybe you are okay with that since the rest of your team is so elite defensively?  There are other prospects I would have preferred Orlando take here instead. Wasn’t sure what photo to put here so I just found the most generic white guy I could find.

Philadelphia 76ers: Jared McCain, Adem Bona, A

These 2 guys have so much energy, which is something the Sixers really need. Philly may have drafted the 2 players I want to root for the most out of this rookie class. I think that they are both capable of contributing to a championship run next season. McCain gives me major Derrick White vibes and could play alongside Maxey or off the bench as a 6th man. Adem Bona pick likely means the end of the Paul Reed era, but Philly fans should soon start rooting for Bona the same way they did Reed. Bona is your classic energy guy at center, hustling on the defensive end, grabbing offensive rebounds, and finishing lob attempts. If the 76ers can add a 3rd star this summer, there is a chance they can get Joel Embiid down to 32 minutes a game, which is huge for this team come playoff time.

Phoenix Suns: Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, A+

The Suns have a lot of work to do when it comes to filling in this roster, and think they did an outstanding job to start this offseason. Dunn is the exact type of Defender you could dream to pair with this big 3, picture Herb Jones on the Pelicans. He struggles on offense, which is totally okay on this team.  With Oso Ighodaro, the Suns landed another great defender who can play as the 4 or the 5 for this team. The Suns needed defensive stoppers and came out of this draft with 2 of the best options they could. The Suns were my 3rd favorite draft this year.

Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, B+

I love Clingan as a prospect, but the fit currently is terrible. This grade would be an A if the Trail Blazers trade DeAndre Ayton this summer, but the idea of Ayton-Clingan minutes is terrible, and only starting 1 either means your next franchise center is coming off the bench, or you are paying a bench center the 39th highest salary in the league. I think that Cligan could have Marc Gasol upside, if he is granted the opportunity to play heavy minutes and play through his mistakes. Maybe Clingan three ball is already there and we don’t know it, but on paper this is a tough fit.

Sacramento Kings: Devin Carter, A

The Kings were likely sprinting to the podium to make this pick. Devin Carter is going to be the player that the Kings were hoping for when they grabbed Davion Mitchell. He has no real weak spot in his game, reminding me a lot of Jrue Holiday. I expect him to make a big impact for the Kings, and would not be surprised if he is a starter by the end of the season.

San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, Juan Nunez, Harrison Ingram, B+

I have to wonder what the strategy is for Pop for the last few seasons of his coaching career like the prospects overall, but the Spurs trading out of 8 was truly tragic. The opportunity to bring in another top prospect to play with Castle and Wemby would have been incredible, specifically Cody Williams or Dalton Knecht. That being said, Castle is super underrated as a prospect, and probably has the highest ceiling of any of the 2-way wings in this draft.  Juan Nunez gives them a point guard option off the bench who will be super fun to watch play alongside Wemby. Harrison Ingram looks to be a solid option to replace Keldon Johnson, should they get rid of him sometime over the next couple of seasons. These were all great picks, but you have to question whether they got enough of a return of that 8th pick considering that you want to start winning this next season.

Toronto Raptors: Ja’Kobe Walters, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, Ulrich Chomche, A+

Go Canada! I’m ending with 3 straight A pluses here, as all these teams needed to bring in multiple young players due to them not being near contention. For the Raptors, I think Walters could potentially start for this team next season. He has the offensive upside of a Tyler Herro with way more upside on the defensive end. Mogbo is exactly the type of player I would expect the Raptors to take a chance on, as he is a freak athlete who is a Jumper away from being a high impact player. Shead is a solid point guard prospect who should be able to get some bench run this year and help improve the 2nd unit. And Chomche is a high upside 4 / 5 who will get lots of opportunities to develop in the G League for a team that has produced such talents as Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam. Raptors got to feel great about how this draft went for them.

Utah Jazz: Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, Kyle Flipowski, A+

The Jazz came out with another prospect and guard, forward, and big, which is about all I could ask for them. Cody is the brother of Oklahoma City guard Jalen Williams, a great young player who was a fringe all star this past season. Cody got drafted even higher than he did and at a younger age, he could become a really outstanding player in this league.  Collier reminds me of a more athletic Raymond Felton, someone who can hold his own on both ends as a guard off the bench. Flipowski is a good pick in the 2nd round, putting less pressure on him to succeed right away. I think he is more of a project than most, and going to Utah will give him time to add muscle and become more athletic.

Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, A+

USA! USA! USA! It feels wrong to give the Wizards a good draft grade, but they deserve it for this one. Sarr to me has a Bam ceiling and a Serge Ibaka floor, a good player regardless with potential to be a franchise cornerstone. Bub Carrington is a great point guard fit for this team, someone who could start next to Poole or come off the bench if they feel that is better for his development. Regardless, the Bub-Sarr pick and roll will feed families in the future. To top this off, they traded back into the 1st round to grab Kyshawn George, a guy who will be a microwave scorer off the bench for this team in year 1. He should be given lots of opportunity to run the offense on a team with shaky guard play and will likely improve on defense once he gets into an NBA training regimen. The Wizards were my 2nd favorite draft this year, and Wizards fans have a lot to be excited about in the coming years.