Welcome to my 2024 NBA Draft Grades! Hopefully you have your reading glasses with you as this is a rather lengthy piece. The teams are in alphabetical order by city. There is not only an overall grade for each team, but also grades for each pick and trade individually. To calculate a teams total score, I assigned each letter grade a number. Then I calculated the average score for each team which is the overall letter grade they received. I averaged together all of a teams trades to get a overall trades score. Only that score is included in calculating a teams overall draft grade, not every single trade individually. This is in an effort to put more of an emphasis on the picks as opposed to the trades.
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Atlanta Hawks: B-
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1st - Zaccharie Risacher: B-
43rd - Nikola Djurisic: B+
Trades: C-
Receives #44 for AJ Griffin: F
Receives #43 and cash considerations for #44: B+
Risacher is not who I would have taken at #1, but I at least see the vision there. I believe there were multiple better players than him at his position. Djurisic was a great upside swing to take in the second round. The real head scratcher for Atlanta was moving AJ Grififn (who isn’t too far removed from being a FRP) for a mid SRP. The Hawks front office must know something I don’t because I’m not sure that move will ever make sense to me.
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Boston Celtics: C+
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30th - Baylor Scheierman: C+
54th - Anton Watson: C+
Meh. That’s the word I would use to describe the Celtics performance in the draft. I try to always trust Brad Stevens, but man is it hard sometimes. No one Boston drafted was ever going to to play for them this season, so drafting older prospects really doesn’t make sense. Scheierman and Watson are both solid players, but I just don’t see the vision with them yet.
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Brooklyn Nets: F
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N/A
The Nets easily had the worst draft. Very rarely is doing nothing in the draft the right thing to do. Maybe I could understand a contender who didn’t have any picks just sitting pat, but a rebuilding team? You’re telling me they couldn’t have at the very least traded some cash to take a flyer on someone in the late second round? Unreal.
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Charlotte Hornets: C+
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6th - Tidjane Salaun: C+
42nd - KJ Simpson: C+
Meh. Charlottes picks in this draft have really just left a bad taste in my mouth. Salaun is a major upside swing. I could have really got behind them taking him if they traded back 10 picks or so… there were just better guys at his position still on the board. I like Simpson’s talent, but I don’t see the fit at all. Seems like small guards is one of the few things the Hornets were pretty set at.
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Chicago Bulls: A
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11th - Matas Buzelis: A
Sometimes less is more. The Bulls came into the draft with one pick, stuck there, and made it count. Buzelis was a great value for them at 11. I love taking an upside swing on a young player who already has some pro experience. Bonus points for him being from Chicago as well.
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Cleveland Cavaliers: A-
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20th - Jaylon Tyson: A-
Just like I said with the Bulls, sometimes less is more. Cleveland needed some help on the wing, and they did a great job at addressing that need by taking Tyson. He’s a versatile older prospect who should be able to contribute as a piece off of the bench immediately. Way to not overthink things Cavs!
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Dallas Mavericks: B+
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51st - Melvin Ajinca: B-
Trades: A
Receives #51 for Petteri Koponen and #58: A
I honestly should have gave the Mavs an A+ for trading a retired player who is now coaching in order to move up a few spots in the second round. In all seriousness, Melvin Ajinca was a fine pick. They clearly like him if they’re were willing to move up to get him. Realistically, someone picked this late probably never cracks the regular rotation. If someone does it though, a versatile wing with pro experience wouldn’t be a bad bet.
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Denver Nuggets: B+
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22nd - DaRon Holmes II: A-
Trades: B
Receives #22 for #28, #56, and 2 future SRPs: B
What a draft for Denver. DaRon Holmes was rumored to be their guy coming into the draft, and they moved up to ensure they got him. He gives them even more versatility in their front court and should be a welcome upgrade over Deandre Jordan.
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Detroits Pistons: A
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5th - Ron Holland: A-
37th - Bobi Klintman: B+
Trades: A+
Receives #37 and Wendell Moore Jr for #53: A+
There’s a case to be made that the Pistons had a better draft than just about any other team. Holland (my #1 prospect) was a steal at 5. Just getting him would have been a great draft, but getting Wendell Moore while also moving up in the draft was high way robbery. Klintman was a great upside pick, and is 100% better than anyone they could have gotten at 53.
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Golden State Warriors: B
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52nd - Quentin Post: B
Trades: B
Receives Lindy Walters III for #52: B+
Receives #52 for cash considerations: B
Doing something is almost always better than doing nothing. Walters is a nice and cheap depth add. Then somehow getting 52 back was interesting to say the least. Quentin Post is actually a really interesting pickup as well. I could see him being a nice 3rd big man in the not so distant future.
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Houston Rockets: A+
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3rd - Reed Sheppard: A
Trades: A+
Receives AJ Griffin for #44: A+
The Rockets are probably the run away favorite as the winners of the draft. Reed Sheppard was a no brainer pick. Instant impact, lots of upside, and he fits well with their current core. Adding AJ Griffin too was an unbelievable add. I’m not sure where either of them slides into the rotation, but having too much talent is a great problem to have!
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Indiana Pacers: B
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35th - Johnny Furphy: B
49th - Tristen Newton: B+
50th - Enrique Freeman: C+
Trades: B+
Receives #35 for #36 and cash considerations: B+
The Pacers had a pretty good draft. They didn’t get any real difference makers, but did a good job of grabbing some depth pieces. Newton could play some minutes at PG if they were in a pinch, and Furphy is a nice upside swing.
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Los Angeles Clippers: B
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46th - Cam Christie: B
Christie was a pretty good value for the Clippers in the second round. He’s a project for sure, but I would be surprised if it didn’t end up being a rotation player sooner rather than later. It should help that he’s got some good vets to learn from with the Clippers.
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Los Angeles Lakers: A
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17th - Dalton Knecht: B
55th - Bronny James: A+
Knecht was a great snag for the Lakers. I’m not a super fan of him like some, but the value was there for him at 17. He should be able to contribute immediately and will definitely benefit from playing alongside LeBron. As sick as I am of hearing about it, Bronny and LeBron playing on the same team is a pretty cool story. If I’m being honest Bronny is for sure a project, but he really does have the tools to develop into a solid rotational piece.
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Memphis Grizzlies: B+
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9th - Zach Edey: C+
39th - Jaylen Wells: B+
53rd - Cam Spencer: B+
Trades: A
Receives #53 for #57: A
Receives ? for #57: N/A
When I first saw the Edey pick I absolutely hated it, but since then it has slowly been growing on me. He for sure has some deficiencies in his game, but maybe being so dominant at other things makes up for them. My issue is more so where they took him. You’re telling me you couldn’t have move back 5-10 picks and still got him? Wells was a solid pick who could sneak his way into the back end of the rotation. Spencer is a nice depth piece who I could see feeling the Konchar role in a year or two.
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Miami Heat: B
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15th - Kel’el Ware: B
44th - Pelle Larson: B
Trades: B
Receives #44 and cash considerations for #43: B
I really dig this draft for Miami. Ware was a nice pick value wise, but I’m interested to see how he fits with Bam. Larson is a pretty typically Miami Heat pick. He’s a good shooter and playmaker who has the potential to play three positions at the next level.
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Milwaukee Bucks: A-
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23rd - AJ Johnson: C+
33rd - Tyler Smith: A+
Have you ever heard the saying, “Sometimes it’s better to be luck than good”? That 100% applies to the Bucks 2024 draft. AJ Johnson has tons of upside, but was for sure a reach at 23. Naturally, the Bucks were rewarded by Tyler Smith (a top 10 prospect for me) falling into their laps at 33. His shooting and potential defensive versatility could be a nice fit next to Giannis and Co.
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Minnesota Timberwolves: A-
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8th - Rob Dillingham: A+
27th - Terrence Shannon Jr: B
Trades: B
Receives #8 for a 2030 FRP pick swap and a 2031 FRP: A+
Receives #53 for #37 and Wendell Moore Jr: C-
Receives #57 for #53: B-
Receives ? for #57: N/A
The Timberwolves put on a draft day clinic. The trade with the Spurs which allowed them to land Rob Dillingham was an unbelievable value. Him and Ant should be a terrifying backcourt pairing for years to come. Terrance Shannon Jr was a great snag in the late first round as well. Some of the trades they made involving SRPs were less than ideal, but I get the draw of cutting salary and saving some money on the luxury tax bill.
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New Orleans Pelicans: B+
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21st - Yves Missi: B-
47th - Antonio Reeves: A
Trades: B+
Receives #47 for two future SRP pick swaps: B+
Pretty solid draft for the Pelicans. Missi is a project, but he could easily be there big man of the future. The fit with Zion is a bit shaky, but I think it will all work out. Reeves was an incredible value in the back half of the second round.
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New York Knicks: B+
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25th - Pacome Dadiet: B-
34th - Tyler Kolek: B+
56th - Kevin McCullar Jr: A+
58th - Ariel Hukporti: C+
Trades: B
Receives #26 and #51 for #24: A-
Receives 5 SRPs (between 2025 and 2027) for #26: D+
Receives #34 for future SRPs: A
Receives #40 and cash considerations for #38: B
Receives #51 and #56 for #40: B
Receives Petter Koponen and #58 for #51: B
The Knicks were one of the more active teams during the draft. Most of their trades were honestly pretty good. Dadiet was a nice upside swing to take late in the first round even if there were better options on the board. Kolek and McCullar were both great values who can contribute immediately. I’m not sure what to make of Hukporti, but if we’re being honest he might never touch the floor.
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Oklahoma City Thunder: C+
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12th - Nikola Topic: C-
26th - Dillon Jones: C+
38th - Ajay Mitchell: C
Trades: B
Receives #26 for 5 future SRPs (between 2025 and 2027): B
Receives #38 for #40 and cash considerations: B+
Receives #52 for Lindy Waters III: B-
Receives cash considerations for #52: B
The Thunder were another team that was pretty active during the draft. I really liked most of the trades they made. I wish Unfortunately I can’t say the same about the players they selected though. Topic and Mitchell were both slight reaches, but my main issue with selecting them was their position. If there is one spot OKC is set at it’s in the backcourt. Just a real head scratcher for me. Dillon Jones was a good pick positionally, but there were just a handful of other guys I would have preferred.
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Orlando Magic: B
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18th - Tristan Da Silva: B
Trades: B
Receives two future SRP pick swaps for #47: B
Tristan Da Silva was a great pickup for the Magic. It’s not a sexy pick, but he should be an immediate contributor for them on the wing. Picking up some pick swaps for 47 doesn’t really move the needle for me though.
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Philadelphia 76ers: B
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16th - Jared McCain: B-
41st - Adem Bona: B+
I applaud the 76ers for staying in their original draft spots and sticking and picking their guys. I’m a big fan of both of the prospects they picked, but I’m not entirely sure how they fit on the team. McCain seems a little redundant since you already have another small perimeter oriented guard in Maxey. Bona could have an immediate role due to his energy alone, but the 76ers already has Paul Reed who has that role locked down.
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Phoenix Suns: B+
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28th - Ryan Dunn: B+
40th - Oso Ighodaro: B+
Trades: B+
Receives #28, #56, and 2 future SRPs for #22: A-
Receives #40 for #51 and #56: B+
The Suns really impressed me in the draft. It’s no secret that they’re lacking depth and defense, and they did a really good job of addressing those needs. With a few nice FA signings they could be a much improved team from last year.
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Portland Trailblazers: A-
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7th - Donovan Clingan: B
Trades: A
Receives Deni Avdija for Malcolm Brogdon, #14, and a 2029 FRP: A+
Receives future SRPs for #34: C
It’s no secret that Clingan wasn’t my favorite player, but if I’m being honest Portland isn’t a half bad landing spot for him. Being able to pick up Deni Avdija at a fair price was another fantastic deal for them. The only poor move they made in my eyes was moving #34 for some future SRPs.
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Sacramento Kings: B+
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13th - Devin Carter: A-
Trades: B+
Receives Jalen McDaniels for Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, and #45: B+
At first, the Devin Carter pick was a real head scratcher for me. I knew he would be an upgrade over Davion Mitchell, but I didn’t understand them taking a guard when they were already pretty good there. The trade for McDaniels was able to give me a little clarity. I think it was a bit of an overpay, but grabbing some forward depth and freeing up minutes for Devin Carter makes it more than worth it.
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San Antonio Spurs: B-
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4th - Stephon Castle: B
36th - Juan Nunez: B-
48th - Harrison Ingram: B+
Trades: C
Receives a 2030 FRP pick swap and a 2031 FRP for #8: D
Receives #36 and cash considerations for #35: B
If it weren’t for them trading Rob Dillingham for some middle schoolers, the Spurs would have had a great draft. Castle wasn’t who I would have picked at #4, but there’s no doubt he was a solid pick. Nunez was a bit of a reach, but I like the idea of brining in high level playmaker. Harrison Ingram is a guy who I’ve been a fan of going back to his freshman year at Stanford, so naturally I like them brining him in as well.
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Toronto Raptors: A-
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19th - Ja’Kobe Walter: B-
31st - Jonathan Mogbo: B-
45th - Jamal Shead: A-
57th - Ulrich Chomche: A
Trades: A+
Receives Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, and #45 for Jalen McDaniels: A+
Receives #57 for ?: N/A
This is potentially the most stereotypical Raptors draft possible. They clearly focussed on taking guys with + wingspans who have lots of upside. Their draft selections were fine, but the real star of the draft for them was brining in Davion Mitchell. Him orJamal Shead being paired in the backcourt with IQ has the potential to be one of my favorite backcourts in the NBA. Walter, Mogbo, and Chomche are all guys who I think have starter level upside, so you can’t knock those picks.
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Utah Jazz: A
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10th - Cody Williams: B
29th - Isaiah Collier: A+
32nd - Kyle Filipowski: A+
What a draft. If Cody Williams at 10 is your worst pick then you know you’ve done something right. Collier and Flip were both fantastic values where they were selected. All 3 of the guys they selected should be great additions to what was already a really promising young core.
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Washington Wizards: B+
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2nd - Alex Sarr: A-
14th - Bub Carrington: A-
24th - Kyshawn George: B
Trades: B
Receives #24 for #26 and #51: A-
Receives Malcolm Brogdon, #14, and a 2029 FRP for Deni Avdija: C+
The Wizards have gotta be really happy about getting Sarr at 2. I’m not a fan of the Deni trade, but getting Bub Carrington makes it somewhat worth it. Trading up with the Knicks to secure a high upside wing in George was a nice move to close out their draft.