With the first night of the 2024 NBA Drafts in the books and childhood basketball dreams coming true, what comes next?
Well, for the first time in NBA Draft history, it’ll be a second day of just the same. Dating back to 1947, the event has always been a one-day event. But starting this year, the second round now takes place a day after.
Giving NBA front offices plenty of time to digest their decisions and selections from the first day and work up more potential moves after a bit of rest. It’s new ground — to the point that some executives reached out to people in the NFL with hopes of insight on navigating a multi-day draft format.
With Day 2 set for 4:00 p.m. ET, almost a full 24 hours since Day 1 began with the Atlanta Hawks selecting Zaccharie Risacher first overall, nothing feels like it’s off the table. Especially with so many mixed opinions during the talent evaluation process.
The Toronto Raptors open the action on Thursday as they’ll be making the 31st overall selection barring a potential trade. The first team in league history to make a Day 2 draft choice. They’ll have their pick of the litter as they look to pair a prospect with yesterday’s 19th overall pick Ja’Kobe Walter.
As NBA teams enter the second round, arguably prepped like never before, here are five intriguing prospects to keep an eye on.
Tyler Kolek, G, Marquette — 23 years old, 6-foot-1, 196 pounds
Arguably the best passer in all of college basketball last year, he led the NCAA in assists per game. As a senior, Kolek averaged career-highs in scoring (15.3), assists (7.7) and rebounds (4.9) while shooting 38.8 per cent from distance.
His vision as a floor general is admired by many but a lack of size and offensive consistency raises concerns. But his frame did little to impact his demeanor, as Kolek rarely deterred from contact or navigating amongst the trees. Teams looking for a potential backup point guard that could eventually translate into a lead, should he improve on offence and find ways to overcome a lack of speed defensively, ought to consider the Golden Eagle.
Kyle Filipowski, F, Duke — 20 years old, 6-foot-10, 230 pounds
Coming from a blue-chip program, Filipowski fits the mold of a modern floor-spacing big man. The Blue Devil averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while knocking down 34.8 per cent of his threes as an NCAA senior.
Arguably the most offensively gifted player in the draft, let alone at his position, many expected Filipowski to be long gone by the second round. If his jumper translates, he’ll be able to stretch the floor and bend defences in the NBA, like most teams these days hope for from the forward spots. Looking at the top 10 offences in the league, it’s riddled with stretch bigs like Chet Holmgren, Kristaps Porzingis and Myles Turner. He can move with the ball, get open without it, and score inside and out. If he can prove himself defensively, the ceiling will go even higher.
Bronny James, G, USC — 19 years old, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds
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It’s safe to say as the first round waned into picks 20-30, attention turned toward the younger James and if a team would take a flyer on him. Yet teams like the Boston Celtics, who could take on a project player given their already solid roster, or the Phoenix Suns (one of just two teams James worked out for) passed on freshman.
In his lone season at USC, James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 36.6 and 26.7 per cent shooting from the field and beyond the arc through. In fairness, his subdued numbers through 25 games partly had to do with the fact he missed five months following a cardiac arrest. And although most expect the Lakers to covet Bronny with pick 55 — hoping to keep LeBron in Los Angeles for at least next season — a surprise selection by another team isn’t off the table.
James fits the mould of an athletic two-way guard that can slash and, if given time, has the physical attributes to develop into a meaningful bench piece, at the very least. And with a less-than-zero per cent possibility that LeBron could decline his player option and enter unrestricted free agency this offseason to pair with Bronny for a final swan song, teams ahead of the Lakers will give it some thought.
Tyler Smith, F, G League Ignite — 19 years old, 6-foot-9, 223 pounds
Speaking of projects, the tweener who spent the past season with the now-defunct Ignite is someone who could yield big returns with a long-term investment. Smith’s combination of size and shooting knack make him a prospect multiple teams likely mull over. Through 27 G League games, he averaged 13.7 points, five rebounds and a block on 36.7 per cent shooting from distance. His physical tools haven’t translated to all-around prowess; however, aside from shooting with confidence and throwing down highlight slams, he hasn’t showcased much dribbling or decision-making chops.
Smith will need to take a leap defensively as well, but if he lands with a team willing to nurture his athletic gifts, it could result in a high-upside selection.
Others to watch: Johnny Furphy (Kansas), Bobi Klintman (Cairns Taipans – Australia), Ajay Mitchell (UC Santa Barbara), Adem Bona (UCLA)
