NBA Draft 2024: Second-round picks that can have an impact
MVPs, All-NBA, All-Defense- you never know what you can find in a second-round draft pick.
This includes guys like Nikola Jokic, Jalen Brunson, and even this year, GG Jackson. There’s always uncertainty with second-round picks, but it’s clearly proven that there’s no such thing as a longshot with taking a guy in the second round.
I felt that this year’s draft was undermined by a large group of people. Many quickly realized how good this draft was when guys like Kyle Filipowski, Tyler Smith, and Tyler Kolek were still on the board after round one.
That said, I feel this draft has multiple guys in the second round who can actually impact their teams from day one.
Tyler Kolek, Marquette ---> New York Knicks [No.34]
This is a pick that I loved by the Knicks brass. It had been rumored that the organization was blown away by Kolek in pre-draft, so much so that the team traded up early in the second round to draft the former Marquette star.
Kolek will now have the opportunity to learn and play behind star guard Jalen Brunson, who went 33rd overall in his draft class. I see many similarities between Kolek and Brunson. Both are high-IQ guards who can score the ball on all three levels, but most importantly, at will.
I think the main takeaway from this pick is that Kolek can handle New York and the culture the Knicks are building. It isn’t easy for anybody to play there, but he has the dog and the juice to play in that environment.
Kolek is a player who could’ve gone in the first round, but expect this to be added juice for any opportunity he gets in his rookie season. Also, keep an eye on him at the Vegas summer league.
Adem Bona, UCLA ---> Philadelphia 76ers [No. 41]
I was honestly surprised Bona was on the board for this 41st overall selection, but it’s one that 76ers fans should be thrilled about.
When you talk about a high-motored, explosive big man who can learn and play behind Joel Embiid, Bona is the ideal fit for that. The reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year is 6-foot-8 with a near 7-5 wingspan and a terrific athlete.
Bona can defend at a high rate in the paint and guard at the perimeter. His size and high motor skills make him a threat offensively. I think his offense will improve at the NBA level to complement his already elite-level defensive game.
He plays with much energy and grit and will do all the dirty work on a basketball floor. Do you think about an ideal backup for Joel Embiid? The 76ers found him on day two of the NBA draft.
Harrison Ingram, North Carolina ---> San Antonio Spurs [No.48]
This was a player that I was surprised to see available with the 48th overall pick, but one that Spurs fans and people in the organization are grateful for: UNC’s Harrison Ingram. Ingram is a Texas-grown kid and is the perfect fit to play under Coach Pop.
Ingram is 6-foot-5, 234 pounds, with a 7’0 wingspan. When you think of a guy who plays bigger than he actually is, that’s Ingram for you. A guy who can play a small-ball four, Ingram will give you his all on the defensive end.
In addition, he’s got a crafty offensive game and knocked down nearly 39% of his three-point attempts. He plays with a lot of versatility, and many of his former teammates will commend him for his energy and passion for the court.
Ingram blew Teams away on and off the floor during the pre-draft process. Hence my being surprised he was available. That said, I believe he will be able to build a long-career in the NBA, which will begin in San Antonio.