2024 NBA Draft Recap: Round 2

Round Two of the 2024 NBA Draft featured a litany of moves involving future and current NBA players. In short order, we review the transactions, prospect snippets and team strategy in our 2024 NBA Draft second round recap.

SMART WATCH

The Marquette Golden Eagles tied for second in the Big East this past season after winning the conference in 2022-23. As a result, head coach Shaka Smart was named the 2023 Big East Coach of the Year.

Team success often equates in draft picks for successful programs.

For the first time since 2012 (Jae Crowder, Darius Johnson-Odom), the Golden Eagles had two players drafted in the same class. Both of the school’s second-round picks reached its final destination in circuitous fashion.

Enter the Portland Trail Blazers.

Point guard Tyler Kolek -the NCAA’s leader in assists- landed with the New York Knicks after the Portland Trail Blazers picked him 34th overall. In exchange for the rights to Kolek, the Knicks gave up three future second-round picks to Portland.

And who could have guessed that Portland and Marquette would stay linked?

The Trail Blazers then selected Kolek’s All-Big East teammate -PF Oso Ighodaro- 40th overall. Shortly thereafter, Ighodaro went on a ride to which the likes of few have seen.

First, the Trail Blazers swapped Ighodaro to the Oklahoma City Thunder for its 52nd overall pick (Quinten Post). The Thunder then sent Ighodaro to the New York Knicks in exchange for the 38th overall pick (UC Santa Barbara PG Ajay Mitchell). The Knicks (after briefly reuniting Ighodaro with Kolek) subsequently traded his rights to the Phoenix Suns for the 51st (Melvin Ajinca) and 56th (Kevin McCullar, Jr.) overall picks.

The Knicks then traded the 51st overall pick (Ajinca) to the Dallas Mavericks for the 58th and final pick of the draft (Ariel Hukporti).

Did you get all of that?

Hopefully.

Ultimately, Ighodaro landed with the Phoenix Suns.

In the end, a success story for the Marquette Golden Eagles.

NBA ACADEMY AFRICA

In what ranks as a huge success for NBA Academy Africa technical director Roland Houston, the organization had its first ever draft pick. Power forward Ulrich Chomche was selected 57th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. The pick was made by the Grizzlies for the Toronto Raptors.

We got an opportunity to watch Chomche play during the 2022 Jerry Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. His length and ability to defend multiple positions stands out. Blessed with a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan, he can alter shots when closing out to shooters. Sufficient in either on-ball or switch scenarios, the 6-foot-11-inch forward simply needs more repetitions on the offensive end. Chomche (5.4 points per game for REG BBC in 2023), should gain valuable experience in NBA Summer League action.

There is a strong possibility that fellow NBA Academy Africa teammate Thierry Darlan becomes a future draft pick. Darlan played with the NBA G League Ignite this past season and averaged 5.4 points per game. He withdrew his name from this year’s draft prior to the deadline.

THUNDEROUS APPEAL

The Western Conference’s number one seed made it clear this offseason that staying put was not an option.

It started with the trade for Chicago Bulls defensive specialist Alex Caruso. In exchange, Thunder general manager Sam Presti gave up former sixth overall pick Josh Giddey. Giddey faded in the team’s Western Conference semifinals exit versus the Dallas Mavericks.

The Thunder drafted Serbian-born injured point guard Nikola Topic with the 12th overall pick in this year’s draft. He will not play in 2024-25 due to injury. The addition of Caruso gives Topic -a skilled passer and ball handler- time to heal. Plus, Caruso is eligible for an extension during the upcoming campaign.

As mentioned previously in our Smart Watch, Presti worked the phone lines during the draft with 5G efficiency. He further supplemented the “stash” pick of Topic by trading back up into the first round.

How?

He gave up a myriad of second round picks (over a combination of years) for the New York Knicks’ 26th overall pick. The subsequent selection of Weber State guard Dillon Jones gives them another Luguentz Dort-type body on its roster. Jones can guard a multitude of positions with his combination of bulk and quickness. We alluded to his 23-rebound performance against Northern Colorado in late February.

Arguably, however, the Thunder made an even bigger mark on the draft’s second night.

Previously, we referenced its acquisition of the 40th overall pick (Oso Ighodaro). They swapped that pick with the New York Knicks in exchange for the 38th overall pick (Ajay Mitchell). The Belgian-born Mitchell was the Big West Conference Player of the Year in 2023-24. He serves as yet another insurance policy for Topic.

Not a bad day at the office for the Thunder.

2024 NBA Draft Recap, Round 2
Selection	Team	Position/School	‘Nasty’ Take:	Trade details
31. Jonathan Mogbo	Toronto Raptors	6’6” 217 SF-San Francisco, Missouri State	Mogbo averaged a double-double for San Francisco in 2023-24 and was it any surprise? His nearly 9’1” standing reach is noteworthy for a 6-foot-6 small forward. Mogbo could project as an instant rim-runner and defender. The 22-year old attempted just two three-point shots this past season.
32. Kyle Filipowski	Utah Jazz	6’11 229 PF-Duke	Filipowski says he models his game after Lauri Markkanen and there are similarities. The Jazz’s rebuild continues to impress with the additions of Cody Williams, Collier and now Filipowski. The 2022-23 ACC Rookie of the Year was a consensus All-American in 2023-24. The 6-foot-11-inch forward shot nearly 35% from three-point range and averaged 1.5 blocks per game. He fills their need for size.
33. Tyler Smith	Milwaukee Bucks	6’11 224 PF-G League Ignite	Smith describes himself as a weak side shot blocker and capable switch defender. On the offensive side of the ball, he became the G League Ignite’s most versatile option. Athletically, he impressed at the NBA Combine with a 2.99 second clocking in the NBA shuttle run. The lefty projects as a stretch four with decent three-point skill (36.4% in 2023-24).
34. Tyler Kolek	Portland Trail Blazers (pick made for NY Knicks)	6’1 197 PG-Marquette	Kolek’s feel for the game stood out when we watched him in person versus NC State during the NCAA Sweet 16. Described as a basketball junkie, he led the NCAA in assists (7.7 APG). The left-hander’s ability to create for others enhances the Knicks backcourt off the bench. Kolek shot 39% from three-point range and 85% at the line.	Portland Trail Blazers traded the draft rights of Kolek to the New York Knicks for three future second-round draft picks.
35. Johnny Furphy	San Antonio Spurs (picked for Indiana)	6’7 189 SG-Kansas	The former Australian Rules football player brings similar aggression to basketball. The All-Big 12 Freshman averaged five rebounds in just 24 minutes per game. He had a 23-point, 11-rebound performance against Cincinnati in late January.	The Pacers traded up one spot to take Murphy in exchange for handing San Antonio the 36th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
36. Juan Nunez	Indiana Pacers (picked for San Antonio)	6’5 G-ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)	Nunez has experience playing against top-level competition and could find a role off the bench as a pick-and-roll specialist. The Spanish native was a German BBL champion and Spanish league champion in 2022.	The Spurs traded back one spot to take Nunez in exchange for handing Indiana the 35th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
37. Bobi Klintman	MInnesota Timberwolves (pick made for Detroit Pistons)	6’9 212 SF-Australian (NBL) Cairns Taipans, Wake Forest	Klintman is a solid shooter who averaged five points and four rebounds for Wake Forest in 2022-23. Klintman’s range and versatility could expand the Pistons variance of possibilities on the defensive end. Blessed with a 6’11” wingspan and 8’10.5” standing reach, Klintman clouds passing lanes on that end of the floor.	The Detroit Pistons acquired the 37th overall pick and SG Wendell Moore, Jr. in exchange for the 53rd overall pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
38. Ajay Mitchell	New York Knicks (pick made for Oklahoma City Thunder )	6’4” 197 PG-UC Santa Barbara	The 2023-24 Big West Player of the Year finished his career with a 36-point, nine rebound, five-assist performance against Cal State Northridge. He exceeded the 30-point mark four times this past season. His 6’6” wingspan does rank as a minor concern.	The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired the draft rights of Mitchell from the New York Knicks in exchange for the 40th overall pick (Oso Ighodaro)
39. Jaylen Wells	Memphis Grizzlies	6’6 1/2″ 206 SF-Washington State, Sonoma State	Wells was intent on showing his versatility during his lone season at Washington State. Aside from hitting 42% of his three-point shots, he scored double figures in 19 of his final 22 contests. This while averaging under 30 minutes per game for the Cougars.
40. Osasere Ighodaro	Portland Trail Blazers	6’9 1/2” 222 PF/C-Marquette	Ighodaro made his mark as a strong, well-built rebounder and defender. He can operate effectively off screens cutting to the basket and defend at a relatively high rate. He was effective when the team asked him to switch and guard smaller players in school. As a passer, he produces as well. He posted 16 points, six rebounds and eight assists vs. UConn in early March.	The Trail Blazers swapped the 40th overall pick (Ighodaro) to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 52nd overall pick (Quinten Post). The Thunder then traded the 40th overall pick (Ighodaro) to the New York Knicks for the rights to the 38th overall pick (aforementioned Ajay Mitchell). Then the Knicks traded the 40th overall pick (Ighodaro) to the Phoenix Suns for the 51st (Melvin Ajiena) and 56th (Kevin McCullar, Jr.) overall picks.
41. Adem Bona	Philadelphia 76ers	6’10 235 PF-UCLA	The Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year was a former soccer player in Nigeria. Bona used his 7’4” wingspan to block four or more shots in five different contests. He improved his free throws by nearly 12 percentage points in 2023-24.
42. KJ Simpson	Charlotte Hornets	6’1 187 PG-Colorado	The All-Pac-12 selection averaged 20 points per game in 2023-24. In addition, he averaged nearly six rebounds and almost five assists per game. Simpson’s clutch performances extended to the 2024 NCAA Tournament, when he hit a baseline pull-up game-winning jumper with 1.7 seconds remaining versus Florida.
43. Nikola Djurisic	Miami Heat (pick made for Atlanta Hawks in exchange for cash)	6’7 209 SF-Mega Basket	Djurisic’s advanced feel resulted in him receiving Euroleague NGT Finals MVP honors in 2022. Both of his parents were professional athletes and those bloodlines showed up at the NBA Combine. His 3.12 three-quarter court sprint was only topped by his 2.92-second NBA shuttle.
44. Pelle Larsson	Houston Rockets	6’6 212 SG-Arizona, Utah	The Swedish native began his career at Pac-12 rival Utah before settling in at Arizona the last three seasons. Larson can shoot off the dribble and finish at the rim through contact. But the Heat traded for him due to his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, where the team ranked 12th in the the league (37%) a year ago.	The Miami Heat acquired the draft rights for Larsson in exchange for the Draft rights for Nikola Djurisic (Pick No. 43). As a result, the Hawks traded former first-round pick AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets.
45. Jamal Shead	Sacramento Kings (pick made for Toronto Raptors)	6’0 201 PG-Houston Cougars	Shead -a consensus All-American known for his defense- could find a role as a glue player off the bench. No player defined a team’s success more than Shead, whose defense was sorely missed in the team’s Sweet 16 loss to Duke after he injured his ankle. Prior to the injury, the Cougars suffocated the Blue Devils. Shead earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in back-to-back years in two different conferences (AAC, Big 12). The shooting needs to pick up from depth.	Earlier in the day, Jalen McDaniels (Toronto Raptors) was traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, the draft rights to Shead (45th overall pick) and a second round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft
46. Cameron Christie	Los Angeles Clippers	6’4 1/2” 190 SG-Minnesota	His brother, Max, plays for the LA Lakers and was selected 11 picks earlier just two drafts prior (2022). As a shooter who excels off the catch, Christie can also win as a slasher. But he does not need a lot of room to get off his shot due to a quick release on his jumper. The team needed an infusion of youth and Christie fits the bill.
47. Antonio Reeves	Orlando Magic (made the pick for New Orleans Pelicans)	6’5 187 SG-Kentucky, Illinois State	The quickness is a question mark on the defensive end. But the Pelicans picked Reeves for his ability to hit shots from beyond the arc. He connected on 45% of his three-point attempts this past season. And he won’t stop shooting. He went 3-of-17 from three-point range against Kansas in November of 2023 and still posted 24 points and eight rebounds. It’s been a theme dating back to his days at Illinois State.
48. Harrison Ingram	San Antonio Spurs	6’6” 234 SF-North Carolina, Stanford	The second-team All-ACC selection began his career at Stanford before settling in at North Carolina. He was a primary ball handler there but played more off the ball at UNC this past season. Ingram handled a number of responsibilities for the team on both ends of the floor, including playing a stretch four for the team in certain sets. While he stands 6-foot-6, Ingram possesses a seven-foot wingspan.
49. Tristen Newton	Cleveland Cavaliers	6’4 1/2” PG-UConn, ECU	Age (23) may have actually hurt Newton’s stock a bit. After all, the 2024 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player was a consensus All-American. In addition, he averaged 6.6 rebounds per game and 6.2 assists. His outside shooting declined as a senior, but he averaged five more points per game.	Denver traded Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets for three unprotected second round picks.
50. Enrique Freeman	Indiana Pacers	6’7 212 SF-Akron	Freeman had an impressive NBA Combine showing that supplemented a 2023-24 MAC Player of the Year campaign. Freeman was a four-time All-MAC defender. His enormous 7’1” wingspan served as a big reason. Was any performance better than the one he had against Ohio in the 2024 MAC tournament? Freeman put up 24 points, 21 rebounds and seven blocked shots.
51. Melvin Ajinca	New York Knicks (made pick for Dallas Mavericks)	6’8 214 SF-Saint-Quentin	Another Frenchman? Yes. This time one with NBA bloodlines. And Ajinca is a left-hander with a smooth stroke and NBA-ready frame. He uses it (body) to create separation on step-back jumpers and flashes upside as a catch-and-shoot artist.	The New York Knicks dealt the 51st overall pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the 58th and final pick of the draft.
52. Quinten Post	Portland Trail Blazers (traded to Golden State)	7’0 244 C-Boston College	Post possesses soft hands and positive footwork around the basket. While not an explosive athlete, his efficiency shines after catching entry passes on the low block. Post sets physical screens at the top of the key and uses ball fakes to protrude his size versus defenders.	The Golden State Warriors paid cash to the Portland Trail Blazers for the rights to the 52nd overall pick (Post), which had previously been acquired from Oklahoma City in exchange for the 40th overall pick.
53. Cam Spencer	Memphis Grizzlies (from Detroit Pistons)	6’3 202 SG-UConn, Rutgers, Loyola (Md.)	Spencer often found his spots on the floor at UConn. How much so? To the tune of 14.3 points per game as a senior. A career 42-percent three-point shooter, Spencer has just enough creativity off the dribble-drive to make up for less than stellar first-step quickness.
54. Anton Watson	Boston Celtics	6’8 225 SF-Gonzaga	Watson cuts to the basket with savvy and finishes on the offensive boards with bulk. The former Zag averaged over seven rebounds per game this past season. His lower body strength often pushes offensive players off the low block as a defender. He can shoot in pick-and-pop situations, but may need to speed up his delivery.
55. Bronny James	LA Lakers	6’1 210 G-USC	In one of the 2024 NBA Draft’s best moments, James gets an opportunity to play with his father in Los Angeles. After going into cardiac arrest on July 24, 2023, James -a former four-star recruit- made a miraculous recovery to get in the rotation for USC in 2023-24. Blessed with a 40 1/2” vertical jump and solid handle, the former McDonald’s All-American impressed with his play during the 2024 NBA Combine.
56. Kevin McCullar, Jr.	Phoenix Suns (pick made for NY Knicks)	6’5 208 SF-Kansas, Texas Tech	McCullar, Jr. plays even longer than his size would indicate. And that is with a 6’9” wingpsan. A knee bone bruise curbed his final campaign and upended the Jayhawks season. Want proof? There were 18-7 with him and 4-4 without him. The injury issues date back to high school.	The New York Knicks traded the 40th overall pick (Ighodaro) to the Phoenix Suns for the 51st and 56th overall picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Knicks traded up
57. Ulrich Chomche	Memphis Grizzlies (pick made for Toronto Raptors)	6’11 PF-NBA Academy Africa	The Cameroon native blocks shots and uses his 7’4” wingspan to guard everyone on the floor. He becomes the first ever player from NBA Academy Africa to get drafted. We got an opportunity to view him in the 2022 Jerry Tarkanian Classic and there is a still a bit of rawness to his game.
58. Ariel Hukporti	New York Knicks (from Dallas Mavericks thru Boston via Charlotte)	6’11 245 PF/C-Germany	A mobile player who blocks shots and runs the floor with relative effectiveness, Hukporti largely remains a work in progress. The German native has durability concerns but averaged 6.3 rebounds per game in just over 14 minutes through three games for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.	The Knicks traded the 51st overall pick (Ajinca) to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the draft rights to the 58th overall pick (Hukporti), Petteri Koponen and cash considerations.

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