The top name heading into Round 2 was Bronny James who was selected No. 55 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers to play with his NBA icon dad. LeBron James has commented consistently over the past several years that he'd like to play with his son before he retires, and heading into his 22nd NBA season, the NBA's all-time leading scorer has gotten his wish.
During the second round broadcast, ESPN's Bob Myers reported that James family agent Rich Paul is telling teams Bronny doesn't want to play for not to draft him, or he'll go play in Australia instead.
"Rich Paul is calling teams, don't take Bronny James ... if you take him, he's going to Australia." 😳
Lakers select Bronny James with 55th pick in NBA Draft
LeBron "Bronny" James Jr. is taking his talents to … Los Angeles, as many expected.
James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, was drafted by his father's Lakers with the 55th overall pick pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Thursday, after going unselected in the first round.
The 6-foot-3 guard out of the University of Southern California has been a major talking point in this draft. While a lot of the hype may come from his last name, his game has steadily developed over the years to prepare him for this moment.
Kari Anderson
Undrafted center PJ Hall signs with the Denver Nuggets
In the first bit of post-draft action, Clemson center PJ Hall, who went undrafted, has signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets, per The Athletic's Shams Charania. Hall was a potential second-rounder, but Denver did not have a pick in the second round.
Undrafted Clemson big man PJ Hall has agreed to a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets, per his agent Matt Bollero of ProMondo Sports. Hall had significant second-round interest, but chose Denver, which didn’t have a second, as his best situation.
Dallas Mavericks select Ariel Hukporti with 58th and final pick of NBA Draft
Pre-Draft Rank: 66
School: Germany
Height: 6' 11"
Weight: 246
Yahoo Sports Staff
With the No. 57 pick, the Grizzlies selected Ulrich Chomche and are trading him to Toronto
Chomche will be a draft-and-stash player with how much development he needs. He has turnover tendencies when getting the ball off the block and will need to get a little more physical in the paint.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Knicks take Kevin McCullar with No. 56 pick
The Kansas guard was unable to participate in any of the combine drills or pre-draft workouts because of a knee injury. He already underwent surgery and told reporters at the combine that there is no structural damage. McCullar was one of the best scoring guards in college basketball and, when fully healthy, can contribute right away.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Boston Celtics select Anton Watson with No. 54 pick
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 72
School: Gonzaga
Height: 6' 8"
Weight: 228
The 23-year-old out of Gonzaga was a productive role player at 6-foot-8 over the course of four years. His physicality in the post picked up this past season and he averaged 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds.
Yahoo Sports Staff
The Pistons selected Cam Spencer at No. 53, and are trading him to the Grizzlies
Draft Grade: B-
Pre-Draft Rank: 59
School: Connecticut
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 205
Spencer wasn’t great at the combine and got a little lost during the 5-on-5 scrimmages, but his body of work at UConn speaks for itself. He is an ultra competitor who can eventually be that glue guy on a team or bring some age and experience from a winning culture to a second unit.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Golden State Warriors select Quinten Post for Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 52
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 61
School: Boston Coll.
Height: 7' 0"
Weight: 235
The Thunder decided to add some size next to Chet Holmgren with the 7-foot center originally from the Netherlands who played four years at Boston College. He runs the floor well and is a great addition playing with or as a backup to Holmgren.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Knicks take Melvin Ajinca at No. 51, and will ship him to the Mavericks
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 55
School: France
Height: 6' 8"
Weight: 218
Ajinca is a draft-and-stash player out of France but showed promising upside during the LNP Pro A playoffs last month, averaging 11.5 points per game.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Indiana Pacers select Enrique Freeman with 50th overall pick
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 40
School: Akron
Height: 6' 7"
Weight: 206
One of the best stories in college basketball, Freeman went from being a walk-on at Akron to a starter. He was one of the best players at the Portsmouth Invitational, was invited to the G League combine and then got called up for the NBA Draft Combine. His strength when he has the ball in the lane, and also how well he moves off the ball, cutting, flashing and slipping screens, makes him an intriguing pick for the Pacers.
Kari Anderson
Dever sends veteran guard Reggie Jackson to Charlotte
The Denver Nuggets are trading veteran guard Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Nuggets are also sending three unprotected second-round picks to the Hornets, per Wojnarowski, but it is not currently clear what Denver is receiving in return.
Denver is trading Reggie Jackson to Charlotte with three unprotected second-round picks, source tells ESPN.
Pacers take Tristen Newton with No. 49 overall pick
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 65
School: Connecticut
Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 195
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Newton is a winner and went through hot shooting streaks at UConn this year. He was the best guard on the court during the NCAA championship game against Purdue, and even though he's a little undersized, he makes up for it with his shot creation off the bounce and moves that keeps the defense guessing.
Yahoo Sports Staff
San Antonio Spurs select Harrison Ingram at No. 48
Draft Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Rank: 46
School: N. Carolina
Height: 6' 7"
Weight: 225
Ingram was the glue guy for North Carolina during his junior season and showed significant improvement from his first two seasons at Stanford. He can step out and knock down 3s or play inside during small-ball lineups. The Spurs adding Ingram to the rebuild is huge for some supplementary size alongside Victor Wembanyama or an option on the wing.
Yahoo Sports Staff
With the No. 47 overall pick, the Orlando Magic selected Antonio Reeves out of Kentucky
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 63
School: Kentucky
Height: 6' 6"
Weight: 195
Reeves is a bucket-getter and was the leader on a Kentucky team that was loaded with a ton of young talent. He's clutch in high-pressure situations (averaging 45% from 3-point range) and even though he's 23, Reeves has found ways to improve and add to his game every year.
Kari Anderson
Orlando Magic sending No. 47 to New Orleans
The Orlando Magic are trading pick No. 47 to the New Orleans Pelicans, per multiple reports. In return, the Magic are receiving two future pick swaps — 2030 and 2031 — per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Pelicans took Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves with the pick.
The Magic are trading No. 47 to New Orleans for two future pick swaps (2030 and 2031), per source.
LA Clippers select Cameron Christie with 46th pick
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 34
School: Minnesota
Height: 6' 6"
Weight: 190
Christie was receiving late first-round buzz during the pre-draft process but he fell to the second round due to his inconsistency during the season and limitations as a playmaker. He shot 39% from 3 and has upside as a perimeter shooter but will need some time to develop.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Jamal Shead goes No. 45 overall to Sacramento, with a proposed trade on the table to send him to Toronto
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 43
School: Houston
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 200
Shead is one of the toughest guards in this draft class and was the floor general for four very successful years at Houston. He can pick up full court on defense and be a menace on ball screens, fighting through everything. At the draft combine, he wasn't 100% healthy yet, coming back from an ankle injury, but was still the best point guard on the court during 5-on-5 scrimmages. He has all the tools to have a very long NBA career as a primary guard.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Houston Rockets select Pelle Larsson at No. 44
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 58
School: Arizona
Height: 6' 6"
Weight: 215
Larsson is a four-year college player who contributed at a high level offensively, averaging 20.1 points at Arizona. His passing rate isn't great, dishing out under two assists per game, but his size at 6-foot-6 and shooting potential translates well for the Heat.
Kari Anderson
Miami Heat trade No. 43 to Atlanta
The Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks are flipping the No. 43 and No. 44 picks, per multiple reports. The Heat used No. 43 to select Nikola Djurisic on behalf of the Hawks, and will receive cash from Atlanta in the deal.
Miami gets No. 44 -- one slot back -- and cash from Atlanta, sources said. https://t.co/LObCZ1HsUw
The Miami Heat select Nikola Djurisic with the No. 43 overall pick, and he's headed to Atlanta
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 38
School: Belgium
Height: 6' 7"
Weight: 209
Durisic tested the NBA waters last year during the pre-draft process and took the feedback from NBA teams seriously, improving his shot selection and finish around the rim. He's still a bit turnover prone (3.2 per game) but he finds creative ways to score and has solid size at the guard position at 6-foot-7.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Charlotte Hornets select KJ Simpson at No. 42
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 45
School: Colorado
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 189
Simpson is a speedy point guard who plays bigger than his 6-foot-2 frame. He's tough in the lane, has improved his 3-point jumper and is a guy who can come in right away and can lead the second unit. He's a little undersized and the Hornets have invested in a lot of guards in the last two drafts, but he's so tough and a hard worker who can be a backup point guard to LaMelo Ball.
Yahoo Sports Staff
With the 41st pick, the 76ers select Adem Bona
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 52
School: UCLA
Height: 6' 10"
Weight: 245
Bona showed more promise as a pick-and-roll big during the 5-on-5 scrimmages at the combine but still needs to be a bit more patient defensively. He can come in and play right away alongside Jared McCain in the second unit with his size and strength on the block combined with McCain's outside shooting.
Kari Anderson
No. 40 passes to Phoenix Suns after more trades
It's been a round-robin kind of night: After starting with the Portland Trailblazers, the No. 40 pick passed to the New York Knicks and finally landed with the Phoenix Suns, per multiple reports. With the pick, the Suns selected Marquette center Osasere "Oso" Ighodaro.
The Knicks now have the No. 51 and No. 56 picks after the trade with Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns select Osasere Ighodaro with 40th overall pick
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 57
School: Marquette
Height: 6' 11"
Weight: 235
Ighodaro played alongside a dynamic point guard in Tyler Kolek at Marquette and has excellent footwork in the pick-and-roll. During pre-draft workouts, teams were most impressed with his passing and how well he holds down the paint against stronger players in the post.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Per ESPN's Bob Myers, Bronny James will head to Australia if he's not picked by a team he wants to play for
"Rich Paul is calling teams, don't take Bronny James ... if you take him, he's going to Australia." 😳
Jaylen Wells heads to Memphis with the 39th overall pick
Pre-Draft Rank: 47
School: Washington St.
Height: 6' 8"
Weight: 205
Wells transferred from a Division II program to Washington State. Even though he’s a bit of a late bloomer, he showed more confidence in Power 5 competition and has upside.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Knicks select Ajay Mitchell at No. 38 (traded to Thunder)
Pre-Draft Rank: 51
School: UCSB
Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 190
Mitchell averaged 20 points while shooting 40% from 3 during his junior year at UC Santa Barbara. He’s a big guard who is solid in the pick-and-roll option.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Bobi Klintman goes No. 37 overall
Pre-Draft Rank: 30
School: Sweden
Height: 6' 9"
Weight: 212
Klintman has good size as a pick-and-pop big and improved his decision making and physicality during his one season in Australia’s National Basketball League. He still has room to grow into his frame and has a budding 3-point shot.
Kari Anderson
Detroit and Oklahoma City both trade up for No. 37 and No. 38
It's a double Woj bomb: The Detroit Pistons and the Oklahoma City Thunder are trading up for picks No. 37 and No. 38, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Per Woknarowski, the Minnesota Timberwolves are trading the No. 37 pick to Detroit after drafting Swedish forward Bobi Klintman.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are sending the No. 38 pick to the Thunder, after selecting Belgian guard Ajay Mitchell.
Minnesota is trading No. 37 to Detroit, which is targeting Bobi Klintman, source tells ESPN.
Nunez has improved a lot at point guard since the FIBA World Cup last year playing for Spain. He still lacks a second burst when taking players off the dribble and getting downhill, but passes well and has good size for a draft-and-stash point guard.
Yahoo Sports Staff
San Antonio Spurs select Johnny Furphy with 35th pick
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B-
Pre-Draft Rank: 25
School: Kansas
Height: 6' 9"
Weight: 202
Furphy elected to stay in this draft after reportedly turning down a lucrative NIL deal to return to Kansas, leading many to believe he left the combine with a promise in the first round. That wasn't the case, but Furphy is an excellent option with how well he shoots and his added size on the perimeter. Scouts were impressed with his high release and quick twitch jumper but he's a year removed from being impactful in the NBA and needs further development, which could be a reason why he fell to the second round.
The Knicks (via the Blazers) select Tyler Kolek at No. 34
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 24
School: Marquette
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 195
The senior has the best assist ratio out of any guard in the draft. He is a smart player who plays to his strengths, finishing on the left side of the rim every chance he can. Expect him to be off the board at 31 to Toronto, a steal for the first team picking in the second round. Kolek can come in right away and contribute with his passing ability and how crafty he is in the lane. He averaged 15.3 points and led all college players in assists with 7.7 per game.
Smith improved significantly during his season with the Ignite and has great size with an inside-out game that translates to the NBA. He shot the 3-ball well all season and improved his motor. Still just 19 years old, he's a bit more of a raw prospect but can flourish in the right situation. He can bring some added size alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and can space the floor as an inside-outside scorer.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Jazz take Duke star Kyle Filipowski with second pick in Round 2
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Rank: 21
School: Duke
Height: 7' 0"
Weight: 248
The fact that he fell to the Jazz in the second round is a gift. It gives the Jazz the freedom to play big at times with multiple 7-footers on the court or Filipowski can help anchor the frontcourt with the secondary unit.
Jonathan Mogbo heads to the Toronto Raptors with the first pick in the second round
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 42
School: San Francisco
Height: 6' 8"
Weight: 225
This is a scouting team win for Toronto recognizing that their star player Scottie Barnes and Mogbo grew up together and work out together during the offseason. Bringing in instant chemistry to slide alongside Barnes is a step in the right direction. Mogbo was a fast riser during the pre-draft process with how well he played during the combine, his work off the pick-and-roll and great touch that extends off the block. He was a walking double-double this past season, averaging 14.2 points and 10.1 rebounds at San Francisco.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope declines $15.4 million option for free agency
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is declining his $15.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season and will become a free agent, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/AIwYopCyDI
Toronto sends Jalen McDaniels to the Sacramento Kings in a player trade
The Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings participated in a draft-day trade, with Toronto sending six-year forward Jalen McDaniels to Sacramento in exchange for guard Davion Mitchell and forward Sasha Vezenkov, per multiple reports. Neither team exchanged picks in the trade.
The Raptors are sending Jalen McDaniels to the Kings in the deal, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/7wsl5cI2sx
The story could be short and simple with the Los Angeles Lakers selecting the 19-year-old at pick No. 55 and eventually playing him with his father, LeBron James. However, the possibility exists for some drama, complications and even pettiness with Bronny getting drafted. Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel outlined one of the juicier scenarios in his latest column:
If Bronny hasn’t been selected Thursday afternoon, wouldn't it make sense if you are the Boston Celtics, sitting at 54, to take him away from the Lakers and demand a 2025 second-round pick (or even a player or more picks) in return? The Lakers are the one franchise that has extra reason to value him, after all.
Presumably a second-round pick next year is better than the 55th pick in the worst draft in decades. Plus you’d get to hassle your archrival. What’s the risk? This could be “Curb Your Enthusiasm” spite-store-type stuff.
Imagine Bronny James being a key figure for a new chapter in the vaunted Lakers-Celtics rivalry. "LeBron's son held hostage by NBA champions!" Stay tuned.
Kari Anderson
Houston Rockets receive AJ Griffin from Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks are sending forward AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. In return, the Hawks receive the No. 44 pick in today's draft.
ESPN Sources: The Atlanta Hawks are trading F AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets for the 44th pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Griffin, 20, was a 2022 first-round pick out of Duke. pic.twitter.com/IhjHKnCxCd
Oklahoma City sending Lindy Waters III to Golden State
In another day-of trade, Oklahoma City is sending forward Lindy Waters III to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the No. 52 pick, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Oklahoma City is trading Lindy Waters III to Golden State for No. 52 pick, sources say.
Detroit and Minnesota complete trade ahead of the second round
The first trade of Day 2 of the NBA Draft is here, with the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly sending guard Wendell Moore Jr. and the No. 37 pick to the Detroit Pistons, per The Athletic's Shams Charania. In exchange, Detroit is giving the Timberwolves the No. 53 pick.
The NBA Champion Boston Celtics closed the 1st Round by selecting Baylor Scheierman
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 32
School: Creighton
Height: 6' 7"
Weight: 205
Scheierman's shot creation and size as a perimeter player is what shot him inside the first round. He's a four-year player out of Creighton and averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game as a senior.
With the 30th pick of the NBA Draft, the @celtics select Baylor Scheierman!
The first USC player is off the board -- not Bronny James -- but Isaiah Collier, is headed to the Utah Jazz with the No. 29 pick
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Rank: 18
School: USC
Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 210
The fact that Collier fell so far in the draft after entering this past college season as the No. 1 high school recruit is shocking. The biggest gap in his game is his outside jumper and his turnovers during his one year at USC. Where he does excel is in the open court, and he has great body control around the rim. With the spacing and pace of the NBA game, he could be a steal for the Jazz.
Isaiah Collier is selected 29th overall by the @utahjazz in the 2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!
ACC All-Defense selection Ryan Dunn from Virginia is headed to Phoenix with the No. 28 pick
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B
Pre-Draft Rank: 41
School: Virginia
Height: 6' 8"
Weight: 216
Dunn was the best perimeter defender in college basketball this season with his length at 6-foot-8 and averaging 2.3 blocks and just under two steals per game during his sophomore season at Virginia. The biggest hole in his game is his 3-point shooting where he made only 20% of his attempts from deep this past season.
Ryan Dunn is selected 28th overall by the @nuggets in the 2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!
Illinois' Terrence Shannon Jr. headed to Minnesota
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: A
Pre-Draft Rank: 33
School: Illinois
Height: 6' 6"
Weight: 225
Shannon is a three-level scorer who has improved his 3-point shot over the course of his college career, finishing his senior season at Illinois shooting 36.2% from deep. He's an older, experienced guard at 23 who can come in right away and contribute for Minnesota.
With the 27th pick of the NBA Draft, the @Timberwolves select Terrence Shannon Jr. (@Sn1per_T)!
2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm LIVE on ABC & ESPN!
Pacome Dadiet goest to the Knicks at No. 25, the 4th French player taken in Round 1
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 22
School: France
Height: 6' 8"
Weight: 210
Dadiet is one of the youngest players in the draft, still just 18 years old, and will be a draft-and-stash development project for the Knicks. His size and strength at 6-foot-8 along the perimeter is what first stands out when he plays, and he's showing more signs as a poised playmaker off the wing, finishing his season in Germany for Ratiopharm Ulm on a high note.
Pacome Dadiet is selected 25th overall by the @nyknicks in the 2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!
Kyshawn George goes No. 24 overall and is headed to Washington
Yahoo Sports Commentary
Draft Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Rank: 11
School: Miami (FL)
Height: 6' 8"
Weight: 205
George hit a late growth spurt two years ago and shot up from 6-foot-3 to 6-8. He still passes like a point guard but is playing more along the perimeter. His 3-point shot is what's most intriguing, shooting 41% from 3 off the bench during his one year at Miami.
Kyshawn George is selected 24th overall by the @nyknicks in the 2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!