The first two-day NBA Draft in history is in the books. After Wednesday night’s Round 1 gave us some surprises, some trades and some Lakers buzz, Thursday night’s Round 2 promised even more of all of those things.
It didn’t exactly promise Bronny James. But the son of the greatest active player was indeed selected, at No. 55 overall by his father’s Lakers. Kyle Filipowski, Kevin McCullar Jr., Jamal Shead and Johnny Furphy were some other notable names selected on Day Two.
We are here to guide you through all 58 picks with grades from CBS Sports NBA Draft analysts Adam Finkelstein (in Round 1) and Kyle Boone (Round 2).
2024 NBA Draft grades, Round 1
by Adam Finkelstein
1. Atlanta Hawks: SF Zaccharie Risacher, France
It’s solid but unspectacular, but that’s what you expect in this draft. Risacher is a 3-and-D prototype, which you’d hope for more from a No. 1 overall pick, but that’s what you’re getting in this class. The better course of action would have been to trade down, but that option didn’t seem to present itself to the Hawks. Grade: B
2. Washington Wizards: C Alex Sarr, France
This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him. Many thought he was the best prospect in this draft because he’s an exceptionally mobile 7-footer who can play on the perimeter. But the worry is his lack of physicality. He’s going to need to put on 20-plus pounds of muscle to do what he wants on the floor. And I also don’t fully trust the shooting from 3, which will be a key skill for him to hit on. Grade: B+
3. Houston Rockets (via Nets): PG Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Sheppard exceeded all expectations at Kentucky and became one of the most efficient freshmen in the country. Now he goes to the Rockets, a team that was seen as having interest in several players but chooses to add to their young backcourt with much-needed marksman shooting. At worst, he’s an extraordinary role player, but you’d hope for a higher ceiling at third overall. I worry about the extreme shooting being an outlier since he wasn’t as good in high school, and I worry about his size on defense. … But I’ve been wrong about him before. Grade: B
4. San Antonio Spurs: SG Stephon Castle, Connecticut
Castle was an outstanding multi-positional defender for the national champion Huskies and flashed offensive skills as a creator. I have questions about the fit in San Antonio. He’s 6-6, and while some believe he could be a point guard, he played the 3 at UConn and was better off on the weak side slashing. The shooting is the real issue, and the Spurs need shooting around Wembanyama. He’s ultra-versatile, but if he’s not a shooter, does it work? Grade: B-
5. Detroit Pistons: SF Ron Holland, G League Ignite
Holland was the No. 1 recruit in the country last year but had an up-and-down season with the Ignite. His talent is obvious because of his defensive ability on the perimeter and his motor. He does a lot of great things and was my favorite prospect in the class. The issue is the fit: The Pistons desperately need shooting, and Holland’s shot is not where it needs to be to help there. Grade: B
6. Charlotte Hornets: PF Tidjane Salaun, France
Salaun is 18 years old, has a terrific build, a high motor and shooting potential on top of it, especially on a Charlotte team that needs a 4 man more than anything else. It’s contrary to a lot of people’s takes, but he has terrific potential with his physical tools. Grade: B+
7. Portland Trail Blazers: C Donovan Clingan, Connecticut
This is a best-case scenario for Portland. There was real talk that he could go No. 1. There were teams trying to trade up for him. But the Blazers always wanted him, and he fell to them at 7. He’s a defensive monster with his size, rebounding and shot-blocking, but we don’t talk enough about the offensive potential with his slip passes and ability to put it on the floor. And I believe that shooting could be around the corner. Grade: A
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Spurs and Raptors): PG Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
This is a really high-risk, high-reward pick for Minnesota, which traded for the pick during the draft from the Spurs. Dillingham is a dynamic offensive talent but comes with questions, particularly about his size and defense. He was rated in the bottom 1% for most of the season as a defender — until he fell to the 0% by the end of it. The things he can do with a basketball cannot be taught, but he needs to get his body to an NBA level. But it’s worth noting that he makes a lot of sense as a secondary creator next to Anthony Edwards, one of the true rising stars of the league. Grade: B
9. Memphis Grizzlies: C Zach Edey, Purdue
This is a pick where beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nobody cares what Edey did in college in terms of Edey’s decorated trophy case. But they do care about your rate of improvement — and Edey improved every single year. He’s massive, so big that it can actually hurt him on defense because he will be attacked on ball screens. But he’s massive, he’s a worker and he’s improving every single day. And he fits: Edey is the best screener in the draft, and Ja Morant loves running a pick-and-roll. Grade: B
10. Utah Jazz: SF Cody Williams, Colorado
Williams is one of the more notable high-risk/high-reward prospects in this draft.
Grade: C+
Johnson, a five-star recruit, opted to play overseas instead of for Texas. Despite his high potential, he still has some room for improvement. Grade: C+
24. Washington Wizards (via Knicks): SG Kyshawn George, Miami
The Wizards traded up for George, a European-born player with upside potential but lacking in production. He will need to make significant strides to succeed in the NBA. Grade: C+
25. New York Knicks: SF Pacome Dadiet, France
Dadiet is a big wing with a solid shooting touch, but he is likely to stay in Europe for the time being. Grade: C+
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Knicks): SF Dillon Jones, Weber State
Jones is a versatile player with potential, fitting OKC’s profile. If he can improve his defense and shooting, he could have a bright future. Grade: B
27. Minnesota Timberwolves: SF Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois
Shannon brings offensive firepower but will need to adjust to a new role in the NBA. Despite some challenges, his talent and polish are evident. Grade: B+
28. Phoenix Suns (via Denver Nuggets): PF Ryan Dunn, Virginia
Dunn is a defensive standout with room to grow offensively. If he can develop his shooting, he could have a long career in the NBA. Grade: B
29. Utah Jazz (via Thunder): PG Isaiah Collier, USC
Collier’s passing skills are his strength, but he will need to work on his shooting and defense. If he can improve in those areas, he has the potential to succeed. Grade: B
30. Boston Celtics: SF Baylor Scheierman, Creighton
Scheierman is a great fit for the Celtics, with his ability to create and shoot. He could thrive playing alongside Tatum and Brown. Grade: A-
2024 NBA Draft grades, Round 2
31. Toronto Raptors (via Pistons): PF Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco
Mogbo is a versatile forward with great passing skills and rebounding ability. Grade: B
32. Utah Jazz (via Wizards): C Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Filipowski is a steal in the second round, bringing versatility and size to the Jazz. Grade: A+
33. Milwaukee Bucks (via Trail Blazers): C Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
Smith is a solid shooter but has questions defensively. The Bucks may need time to develop him. Grade: C+
34. New York Knicks (via Trail Blazers): PG Tyler Kolek, Marquette
Kolek is a valuable backup with elite passing skills. Grade: A
35. Indiana Pacers (via Spurs): SF Johnny Furphy, Kansas
Furphy is a versatile prospect with shot-making ability. Great value for the Pacers. Grade: A
36. San Antonio Spurs (via Pacers): PG Juan Nunez, Spain
Nunez is a crafty point guard with passing vision, a good fit for the Spurs. Grade: A
37. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): PF Bobi Klintman, Sweden
Klintman adds shooting and size for the Pistons, a smart pick. Grade: B
38. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Knicks): PG Ajay Mitchell, UC Santa Barbara I appreciate the risk taken on talent here, as this player has the ability to drive downhill, create opportunities, and shoot from anywhere on the floor. However, I personally would have waited a bit longer to select him. Grade: B-
39. Memphis Grizzlies (via Nets): SF Jaylen Wells, Washington State
Wells is a intriguing choice at this stage in the draft, transitioning from Division II Sonoma State to Washington State in the Pac-12. He showed strong 3-point shooting at Wazzu and has the potential to be a valuable 3-and-D wing for the Grizzlies. Grade: B
40. Phoenix Suns (via Knicks): C Oso Ighodaro, Marquette
The Suns picked up Ighodaro in a trade with the Knicks, adding a versatile forward with athleticism and defensive skills. While he needs to improve his shooting, he has shown promise in other areas of his game. Grade: B
41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Bulls): C Adem Bona, UCLA
Bona could be a solid frontcourt option for the Sixers alongside Joel Embiid, bringing energy, length, and impact around the rim on both ends of the floor. Grade: A-
42. Charlotte Hornets (via Rockets): PG KJ Simpson, Colorado
Simpson has impressed with his speed and scoring ability, but questions remain about his defense and size. It may be a challenge for him to find a consistent role in the league. Grade: C
43. Atlanta Hawks (via Heat): SF Nikola Djurisic, Serbia
The Hawks acquired Djurisic from the Heat, adding a crafty scorer with size and potential for development. He could be a valuable project for Atlanta as they continue to rebuild. Grade: A
44. Miami Heat (via Rockets): SG Pelle Larsson, Arizona
Larsson is a dynamic wing with shooting ability and playmaking skills. He had a strong season with Arizona and could provide a boost to the Heat’s backcourt. Grade: B+
45. Toronto Raptors (via Kings): PG Jamal Shead, Houston
Toronto lands a steal with Shead, a defensive-minded point guard with playmaking abilities. He may need to adjust to the NBA game, but his skills could earn him a role as a backup. Grade: A
46. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers): SG Cam Christie, Minnesota
Christie has tremendous potential with his shooting and size, and could have been a first-round pick in the future. The Clippers get a great value with this selection. Grade: A+
47. New Orleans Pelicans (via Magic): SG Antonio Reeves, Kentucky
Reeves brings scoring and shooting to the Pelicans, but may need to improve in other areas to solidify his place in the NBA. Grade: B+
48. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers): SF Harrison Ingram, North Carolina
Ingram falls to the Spurs, who benefit from his toughness, shooting, and versatility. He should fit well in San Antonio’s system. Grade: A
49. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers): PG Tristen Newton, Connecticut
Newton brings scoring and playmaking to the Pacers as a backup point guard option. He could develop into a valuable contributor with time. Grade: B
50. Indiana Pacers (via Pelicans): PF Enrique Freeman, Akron
Freeman is a dominant rebounder with size, but needs to work on his shooting and ball security. He could be a solid role player for the Pacers. Grade: C+
51. Dallas Mavericks (via Knicks): PF Melvin Ajinça, France
Ajinça adds defensive versatility and size to the Mavericks, but must improve his offensive consistency to make an impact in the NBA. Grade: C-
52. Golden State Warriors: C Quinten Post, Boston College
Post provides size and shooting as a stretch big for the Warriors. He may struggle defensively, but could contribute in specific roles. Grade: C+
53. Memphis Grizzlies (via Pistons): SG Cam Spencer, Connecticut
Spencer brings scoring and shooting to the Grizzlies, fitting their preference for proven college producers. He should be a solid addition to their roster. Grade: B The Boston Celtics made an interesting move by selecting PF Anton Watson from Gonzaga with the 54th pick in the draft. Despite not being a top-100 prospect, Watson is described as an undersized forward with five seasons of experience at Gonzaga. This pick receives a grade of C-.
The Los Angeles Lakers added SG Bronny James from USC with the 55th pick, reuniting him with his father LeBron James. Bronny is known for his defensive skills, high basketball IQ, and strong work ethic. Despite facing challenges last season, he is seen as a promising player with potential. This selection earns a grade of B.
The New York Knicks secured SF Kevin McCullar Jr. from Kansas with the 56th pick, a steal considering he was a top-40 prospect. McCullar is praised for his versatility, rebounding, defensive prowess, and improved shooting. This pick is graded as an A.
The Toronto Raptors traded for the 57th pick and chose C Ulrich Chomche from Cameroon, making him the first NBA Academy Africa product to be drafted. Chomche is a 6-foot-10 big man with a long wingspan and raw potential. While he is still developing as a player, his athleticism and tools give him upside. This selection receives a grade of C+.
Lastly, the New York Knicks used the final pick in the draft to select German center Ariel Hukporti. Hukporti had a productive season in the NBL, showcasing his rebounding and rim-running abilities. With his energy and athleticism, he adds depth to the Knicks’ frontcourt. This pick is graded as a B. sentence: “The cat sat lazily in the sunbeam, purring contentedly.”
Rewritten sentence: The lazy cat sat in the sunbeam, purring happily.