2024 NBA Draft Winners & Losers: Which Teams Nailed Their Picks?

2024 NBA Draft Winners & Losers, The 2024 NBA Draft was one of the most unpredictable in years, with surprise picks, blockbuster trades, and franchise-altering decisions. Teams either walked away with future superstars or head-scratching selections that could haunt them for years.

In this comprehensive breakdown, we analyze:
✔ Biggest steals and reaches of the draft
✔ Teams that crushed their picks (and those that failed)
✔ Top rookie breakout candidates
✔ How this draft reshapes the NBA’s future

Let’s dive into the 2024 NBA Draft winners and losers!

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2024 NBA Draft Overview

2024 NBA Draft Winners & Losers, Held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, this year’s draft featured:

• Zaccharie Risacher going #1 to the Atlanta Hawks

• Alex Sarr landing with the Washington Wizards at #2

• Reed Sheppard surprisingly falling to the Rockets at #3

• Bronny James being selected in the second round

Several teams made aggressive moves, while others played it safe. Here’s who came out on top—and who didn’t.

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Biggest Winners of the 2024 NBA Draft

1. Houston Rockets (A+ Grade)

✅ Picked Reed Sheppard (No. 3) & Dalton Knecht (No. 16)

• Sheppard was the best shooter in the draft (52% from 3 in college).

• Knecht gives them an instant-scoring wing.

• Added two NBA-ready contributors without giving up future assets.

2. San Antonio Spurs (A Grade)

✅ Selected Stephon Castle (No. 4) & Rob Dillingham (via trade, No. 8)

• Castle is a perfect fit next to Victor Wembanyama (elite defender, playmaker).

• Dillingham adds explosive scoring off the bench.

• Spurs now have the best young core in the NBA.

3. Washington Wizards (B+ Grade)

✅ Landed Alex Sarr (No. 2) & Kyshawn George (No. 14)

• Sarr has DPOY potential with his rim protection.

• George is a 6’8″ playmaker who could be a steal.

• Finally, a real rebuild plan in D.C.

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Biggest Losers of the 2024 NBA Draft

1. Detroit Pistons (D Grade)

❌ Reached on Ron Holland (No. 5)

• Holland is raw and turnover-prone (4.5 TOs per game in G League).

• Missed out on Sheppard or Castle, who were better fits.

• Another questionable move for a struggling franchise.

2. Portland Trail Blazers (C- Grade)

❌ Took Donovan Clingan (No. 7) over more dynamic talent

• Clingan is a solid center, but Portland already has Deandre Ayton.

• Passed on Rob Dillingham and Tidjane Salaun, who had higher upside.

• Failed to add shooting, their biggest weakness.

3. Los Angeles Lakers (C Grade)

❌ Bronny James at No. 55 (Was It Just for LeBron?)

• Bronny has potential but is not NBA-ready.

• Missed chances to add win-now players.

• PR move over basketball decision?

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Top 5 Steals of the Draft

1. Reed Sheppard (No. 3 to Rockets) – Best shooter in the class.

2. Rob Dillingham (No. 8 to Spurs via trade) – Elite scorer off the bench.

3. Tidjane Salaun (No. 6 to Hornets) – High-ceiling forward.

4. Devin Carter (No. 13 to Kings) – Defensive menace.

5. Kyshawn George (No. 14 to Wizards) – Playmaking wing.

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Which Rookies Will Have the Biggest Impact in 2024-25?

1. Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks)

• Immediate starter with his 3-and-D skills.

• Could be Rookie of the Year if he shoots well.

2. Reed Sheppard (Rockets)

• Perfect fit in Houston’s young core.

• Best rookie shooter since Steph Curry?

3. Stephon Castle (Spurs)

• Wembanyama’s new backcourt partner.

• Lockdown defense + playmaking.

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How This Draft Changes the NBA’s Future

• Spurs & Rockets are now playoff contenders.

• Hawks & Wizards finally have cornerstone pieces.

• Pistons & Blazers may regret their picks in 3 years.

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Final Draft Grades for All 30 Teams

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What’s Next?

• Summer League (July 2024) – First look at rookies.

• Free Agency (June 30) – Teams fill remaining gaps.

• 2024-25 Season – Which rookies will shine?

For more NBA draft analysis, visit NBA NewsZ—your #1 source for breaking news, trades, and expert insights.