2024 NBA Draft Round 2 Grades Analysis and picks

The 2024 NBA Draft concluded on Thursday and the Pacers the 76ers, Pacers as well as the Jazz as among those teams who performed well in the second round.

By Raphielle Johnson

Jun 28, 2024 04:04 AM

 

By Raphielle Johnson

In 2024, the NBA Draft has concluded, and there was a plethora of transactions on day 2. Because of that, Round 2 grade will be focused on the team that ultimately signed the player rather than the team they were selected by. The players like Johnny Furphy, Kyle Filipowski along with Tyler Kolek remained on the list despite being provided with first-round projections by numerous analysts. They weren’t the only good selections on Day 2 and now let’s look at the numbers.

RELATED: 2024 NBA Draft Round 1 Grades

Atlanta Hawks: B+

Nikola Djurisic (43)

Djurisic continued his impressive year with KK Mega Bemax with a impressive performance in the NBA Draft Combine, boosting his worth to draft experts. He is a versatile offensive arsenal, generating the opportunity for others and himself, while showing the potential to improve to become a better perimeter shooter. A talented creator of the size of a man is a good decision for the Hawks in particular in the event that they decide to trade Murray for Dejounte in the summer. Atlanta made one step up to pick Djurisic and then sent the 44th selection the 44th pick to Miami through Houston.

Boston Celtics: B-

Anton Watson (54)

Watson improved significantly in his final 2 seasons with Gonzaga in which he averaged 14.5 per game, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists as well as 1.5 steals per contest while an eighth-year senior. He was a good finisher, but didn’t offer the most shot-from-the-perimeter Watson’s versatility on defense is the biggest selling aspect. The likelihood of him having the chance to contend for a spot in the rotation depends on the fate of Sam Hauser, who has an option to play in the team next season. If Boston is able to keep Hauser, Watson may not be a big factor on the field, fantasy-wise.

Charlotte Hornets: B-

KJ Simpson (42)

Alongside the Hornets choosing Simpson at the 42nd selection the team also acquired Reggie Jackson and three future second-rounders from the Nuggets. The team has a very crowded backcourt, particularly in the position of point guard which includes LaMelo Ball Tre Mann, as well as Vasilije Micic signed to play the upcoming season. Moving Jackson will help in removing the stalemate, but it creates a challenge for Simpson to make immediate impact as a an integral part of the 2nd team. Simpson is an outstanding offensive player However, the absence in size as well as defensive concerns are the main reasons Simpson was expected to be a second round pick.

Dallas Mavericks: C

Melvin Ajinca (51)

New York picked this player for the Mavericks which sent the 58th overall selection the Mavericks’ 58th overall pick to New York. Ajinca has just turned 20 years older on the 24th of June and the 2023-24 season with Saint-Quentin (France) is his debut professional experience. Take that into consideration with Dallas’ cap situation since the team has to get rid of money in order to sign Derrick Jones Jr., and it’s unlikely that Ajinca could make a difference in the NBA the upcoming season. But, he’s an athlete that the team could follow in the event that they decide to store the player overseas.

Detroit Pistons: B+

Bobi Klintman (37)

The selection was initially a part of Minnesota and the Pistons making the 53rd pick towards the other direction (Memphis would eventually get the pick). Klintman’s performance in Australia was a huge success as his control and the ability to attack defenses during transition was improved in comparison to his time in Wake Forest. There’s still a lot to be done on his ability to complete in traffic however he’ll have the time to tackle the problems in Detroit. In light of the moment in the draft when they got Klintman and the absence of good bigs to go with Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren This was a great decision in the direction of the Pistons.

Golden State Warriors: B-

Quinten Post (52)

The 52nd pick was a well-traveled pick, but was picked by the team who initially had the pick. Golden State used the pick to pick Post, the 7-foot pivot of Boston College who was one of the top big men in the ACC during the season of his debut, when Post showed a consistent ability to get beyond the 3-point line to become a threat to pick and pop. Post isn’t the best athletic player in the rookie class, however his offensive capabilities were enough to be worth ignoring at the time of the selection process. Golden State will have Draymond Green, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Kevon Looney on contract for the in the coming season, which means that Post’s chances of playing might be limited.

Houston Rockets: B

Pelle Larsson (44)

Houston is ranked in the lowest three of the NBA with regards to offensive scoring (20) as well as 3-point percent (23rd) and 3-point percentage (23rd), which are two areas in which Larsson could help players out. He scored nearly 43% from the three-point line in the last season he played at Arizona as well. Larsson is built with the athleticism to be able to compete with an outside defense. The problem for Larsson could be that Houston has plenty of athletic and young wings, which can make it challenging for Larsson to be able to play rotation in his first season as an rookie. But, it was an excellent move by the Rockets that acquired the draft pick of Miami through Atlanta.

Indiana Pacers: A

Johnny Furphy (35)

Tristen Newton (49)

Enrique Freeman (50)

The Pacers enjoyed a great day 2. Rick Carlisle’s team was successful in the postseason because of its depth. In the second round they Pacers gained three new players that could be valuable in the future. Furphy has been predicted by many to finish at least the middle of the first round was available at number. 35. He has a substantial upside. In the case of Newton and Freeman both are experienced collegians that are more prepared than Furphy to make a quick impact. Doug McDermott and Obi Toppin are released this season and Jalen Smith has a player option which could open more space for newcomers. Additionally, Newton could serve as security since Andrew Nembhard is extension-eligible this summer (he is an unrestricted free agent in the summer of next year if there’s no agreement).

LA Clippers: C+

Cam Christie (46)

Christie is the Clippers one of the picks in the selection, but the team is deciding to go for Christie’s “upside.” He’ll turn 19 in July, and will need to improve his strength prior to the start of next season. His 3-point shooting ability and athleticism is ideal however Christie doesn’t appear to be someone who can make an impact immediately. The good thing to players with the Clippers will be that the team don’t have to worry about him being with Kawhi Leonard. Paul George (should he remain) as well as Norman Powell are on the roster.

Los Angeles Lakers: C+

Bronny James (55)

No one was surprised when the Lakers chose James as the 55th pick overall. Bronny is going to need time to get his feet under him and gain a lot of games should be played from the G League. Perhaps there will be the time in this season that Bronny will be playing with LeBron’s father LeBron however, Bronny should not be included in draft fantasy leagues.

Memphis Grizzlies: B+

Jaylen Wells (39)

Cam Spencer (53)

Through their 2nd-round selections The Grizzlies included an athletic wingspan and very competitive guard who is able to shoot from the perimeter with a hefty rate. Alongside the advantages is his contribution being an athletic player, Wells was an excellent shooter in his first season at Washington State when his playing time grew. For Spencer his only season at UConn culminated in the national championship, and he is thought to be to be among the best catch-and-shoot shooters in this category. While Memphis was 29th in 3-point percentages last season is partly due to injuries that the team suffered and injuries, they finished 22nd in the 2022-23 season. The need to address this issue in the offseason is crucial for the Grizzlies and the addition to the team of Wells and Spencer could assist.

Milwaukee Bucks: C

Tyler Smith (33)

In the first round of its selection, Milwaukee effectively bet on the positives with its choice of Smith. Smith’s draft prospects improved considerably in the early part of last season, with G League Ignite, with speculation that he could be a first round pick. Smith fell into the second round and could play the majority of his time during the G League next season. Even even if Milwaukee was to participate in free agency, and even change certain pieces of Giannis Antetokounmpo as well as Damian Lillard, any acquired newcomers will likely be veteran players who are ready for “win now.”

New Orleans Pelicans: B

Antonio Reeves (47)

Although there are a few concerns about his speed Reeves his shot, he’s one of the top perimeter shooters in the league. Although New Orleans was ranked at the top of 3-point scoring this season, they ranked 24th in the number of attempts per game, and 18th in shoots. A catch-and-shoot player who is a reliable option was a smart move particularly when you consider Zion Williamson being the Pelicans most effective offensive option. At the age of 24 Reeves may be viewed by many as having a limited chance of success however that shouldn’t be a problem for New Orleans, as the Pelicans intend to challenge for the title.

New York Knicks: B+

Tyler Kolek (34)

Kevin McCullar Jr. (56)

Ariel Hukporti (58)

Kolek was among the players that were believed to have been targetted by the Knicks in the initial round however they waited until the second round to acquire their man. His potential as a fantasy rookie is not known until the dust has settled from the news of Mikal Bridges trade, and the changes the Knicks take to gain room in their cap to keep Isaiah Hartenstein potentially. Kolek is among the most effective players of the class that was selected, particularly in a pick-and-roll situation. In terms of the other two second-round selections, McCullar could provide additional depth forward at a cheap cost, but it’s also worth considering whether Hukporti will be shipped overseas the next time around.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B

Ajay Mitchell (38)

Yes it’s true that the Thunder picked a playmaker in their first-round selection in Nikola Topic. He’s currently recovering from a tear in his ACL, and the likelihood is that Topic will not be playing this season. The Thunder made a second-round selection on Mitchell who is a talented player who has a great feel for the game. The perimeter shot requires some improvement however, the Thunder possess enough talent on the perimeter to keep an eye on Mitchell’s progress.

Philadelphia 76ers: A

Adem Bona (41)

I am awestruck by this selection for Philadelphia. Although Paul Reed remains under contract but his 2023-24 season was not impressive, especially considering the praise he received during the offseason. In Bona the 76ers took on an elite defender who never slows down. His offensive game might require some improvement but Philadelphia will surely benefit from his skills in rebounding and defense. Given Reed along with Joel Embiid in the lineup It could prove challenging for Bona to have a significant impact on fantasy leagues this season. It’s still worth watching during Summer League, especially considering the history of injuries to Embiid.

Phoenix Suns: A-

Oso Ighodaro (40)

Phoenix obtained this selection from Portland and could bring immediate rewards. Alongside his skills as a defender Ighodaro is a great passer for a large and could also function in the role of a hub for offensive play. Based upon what Suns decide to do to tackle the point guard position, and whether or whether center Drew Eubanks returns, Ighodaro may have immediate fantasy value ahead of the starting Jusuf Nurkic.

San Antonio Spurs: B-

Juan Nunez (36)

Harrison Ingram (48)

San Antonio acquired Nunez’s draft rights from the Pacers It’s reasonable to ask if he’ll actually be in the San Antonio San Antonio team in the coming season. In the beginning of June, reports surfaced that the point guard had agreed to a contract to sign a contract with FC Barcelona. There’s no official announcement yet, but Nunez’s chance of making the impact he’s hoping for in San Antonio this season could be minimal at most. For Ingram He’s a competent shooter who rebound well and is able to defend his position. Ingram may not be like the height that the typical NBA wing is (measured at 6 feet 5 inches in the combination) However, his strengths of his game are sufficient to overpower this “weakness.” Regarding immediate benefits, Ingram will be a more appealing option for deeper fantasy leagues over Nunez.

Toronto Raptors: B+

Jonathan Mogbo (31)

Jamal Shead (45)

Ulrich Chomche (57)

It’s no surprise that the Mogbo and Shead choices are the reason why Toronto’s second-round selection is as good in the first place. The former is too small for a center position, but using wingspan in conjunction with lateral strength is the way he compensates for his lack of height. Mogbo is expected to improve his offensive arsenal However, there are a few ways that the Raptors are able to use. For Shead even though the Raptors have acquired Davion Mitchell, who was a part of the Kings but the previous Houston Cougar is a winner who can bring more value to the table as shooter. The value Shead bring to the table shouldn’t be ignored particularly for a team that is rebuilding. For Chomche is the newest player in the class and isn’t turning 19 until December 30. It’s possible the Raptors look to stash him overseas so the young center can get additional professional experience/competitive reps.

Utah Jazz: A

Kyle Filipowski (32)

The ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported that off-court problems contributed to Filipowski being eliminated from the first round, however the talent on court cannot be disregarded. The 7-footer who comes from Duke can play center or power forward and his ability to shoot from the perimeter can make him a great partner to Walker Kessler. The 32-year old Filipowski will be difficult to pass up and the Jazz might have found themselves one of the top picks from this draft.