5 Winners From Night 1 Of The 2024 NBA Draft

On Draft night, it is difficult to label anyone as a clear 'winner' or 'loser' right away. We have limited knowledge about how well each prospect will perform in the NBA, so our evaluations of draft choices are subjective.

Basically, we won't know who the true champions are for about 5 years. It won't be determined right now, not on the most important day for these players.

However, there are some teams that may be feeling satisfied with their performance on the first night of the 2024 NBA Draft, at least on the surface.

Let's sort through them.

In New York City on June 26th, Rob Dillingham happily celebrates being selected as the eighth overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2024 NBA Draft. The exciting moment took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. (Image credit: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

New additions: Rob Dillingham, brought in through a trade, and Terrence Shannon Jr.

Exchange: 2031 draft selection without protection + swap of 2030 first-round selection (top-1 protection)

Taking big risks should always be rewarded. In a surprising move during the NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded up to select Rob Dillingham from Kentucky in the top 10. This decision fills an immediate need for the Timberwolves, as Dillingham's scoring ability and offensive skills could provide a boost off the bench for the team. However, this trade was also made with the future in mind. With Mike Conley nearing the end of his career at 37 years old, the Wolves needed to find a long-term replacement to play alongside Anthony Edwards in the backcourt, and they believe they have found that in Dillingham. Only time will tell how this all plays out, but the bold move is definitely commendable. Additionally, choosing Shannon with the 27th pick was another risky but potentially rewarding move. Despite his legal issues, the Timberwolves investigated the situation and believe Shannon has potential as a player.

In the city of New York, on June 26th, Alex Sarr was selected as the second overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft. He shook hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver during the event held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. A photo was taken by Sarah Stier/Getty Images.

Signed: Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, and Malcolm Brogdon, along with the pick that is the second most favorable in 2029 and two additional second-round picks.

When starting a rebuild, it is important to gather as much young talent as possible. After only winning 15 games last season, the Wizards are adding to their team with three rookies from the 2024 draft. Sarr, a French player who previously played in Australia's NBL, is a versatile big man who can potentially shoot from long range and score a lot of points. His long arms make him an interesting defender who could become a strong player on both ends of the court in the future. Much of what Sarr brings to the team is based on potential, but the Wizards can be patient and let him develop in his own way. In addition to Sarr, the team has also acquired Carrington, a dynamic guard with scoring abilities, and George, a wing player known for his defense and three-point shooting. With players like Bilal Coulibaly, Sarr, Carrington, and George, the Wizards' rebuilding process is starting to take shape.

Chicago, Illinois - On May 17, Zach Edey talked to reporters at the NBA Draft Combine at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Grizzlies really wanted Donovan Clingan in the draft but he decided to go to Portland instead. However, they were able to get Edey, who is a great consolation prize and fits in well with their team. Just like Steven Adams did in Memphis by setting screens and grabbing rebounds to help Ja Morant, Edey can do the same. He was dominant in college basketball and although his offensive game may need some work in the NBA, there is no pressure for him to be as dominant as he was in college right away. He is a great screener and rebounder, which should help the team right away while he continues to develop his offensive and defensive skills.

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 26: Isaiah Collier (right) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver (left) after being selected as the 29th pick by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2024 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

New members: Cody Williams and Isaiah Collier

There were rumors that the Jazz wanted to trade up to get another pick in the top 20, but it didn't happen. However, they were still able to get two very talented players. Williams is a forward from Colorado who is great at driving to the basket and finishing. His length and athleticism will work well alongside the Jazz's young players like Markkanen, Taylor Hendricks, and Keyonte George. Collier, a guard from USC, was expected to be a top 5 pick but didn't quite meet expectations in his one year of college. Despite this, the Jazz see potential in him as a player who can attack the basket and create plays for his teammates. Getting both of these highly sought-after players in the first round must have made the Jazz feel like they got away with a steal.

The San Antonio Spurs: A Dynasty In The Making

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Stephon Castle (R) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) ... [+] after being selected as the fourth overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Received: Stephon Castle plus a 2031 First Round Pick from Minnesota and the ability to swap first round picks in 2030 (with protections for the top pick).

This trade on draft night has the potential to benefit both teams involved. The Spurs selected Castle as the fourth overall pick, and he seems to be a perfect fit with players like Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. Castle has the skills to excel as a top defender in the professional league, although he still needs to improve on the offensive side of his game. Playing alongside Wembanyama will allow him to showcase his talents. Additionally, the Spurs also gained two valuable first-round picks from Minnesota. These picks could be used in the future to attract another star player once Wembanyama reaches his peak performance.