In less than a month, the NBA season will officially tip-off, and the race to the Larry O’Brien will begin. For this most recent draft cycle, a handful of franchises addressed specific issues by adding possible missing pieces to their lineup. Whether it was Minnesota securing another ballhandler and their lead guard of the future or the Lakers picking up a much needed floor spacer, these rookies are looking to come in and contribute to winning basketball immediately.
Dalton Knecht: Many wondered why Knecht fell so far on draft night, but according to NBA teams, his age was a concern. That didn’t stop the Los Angeles Lakers from taking a chance on him whose best days are ahead. Los Angeles is currently in win-now mode, and after finding success with Austin Reaves who was also 23 at the start of his rookie season, a similar instant impact with Knecht could be envisioned too. In the previous two drafts, they selected younger players (Max Christie & Jalen Hood-Schifino), who are both still finding themselves in the league. The Lakers are always in the mix to contend whenever LeBron and AD are available. Ever since their title in 2020, the roster has gone through numerous changes as far as the surrounding personnel and coaching staff around their franchise players are concerned. Shooting has been a major issue for the Lakers, and Knecht can immediately address that issue. Last season at Tennessee, he shot 39.7% from 3 on 6.5 attempts per game. On his catch and shoot three point attempts, he connected on 42.3% of those. Knecht’s role will scale back substantially compared to his previous role at Tennessee in terms of overall usage and shot attempts which means he must maintain his efficiency to seek additional opportunities within the offense. I expect his role with the starting unit compared to the reserves to differ simply because of LeBron and AD’s involvement and roles offensively require the ball to be in their hands more often. In a reserve lineup with AD and no LeBron, Knecht’s freedom and room to create within the offense will increase. With the superstar roles flipped, Knecht’s role with LBJ along with other reserves may be more spotting up and cuts to the rim. LeBron’s ability to see the floor and distribute in different roles along with AD being an elite roller/providing vertical spacing will further enhance Knecht’s shooting. His valued shooting combined with his ability to make plays off the dribble when ran off the line will relieve pressure from LBJ and AD offensively.
Rob Dillingham: The Timberwolves addressed their backup guard/ball handler issues by securing Rob Dillingham as their lead guard of the future in the 2024 draft. He brings a dynamic, uptempo play style to Minnesota with his quick first step and shifty handle. He is an extremely tough cover for the opposing team and his ability to bend defenses and draw in multiple defenders will allow for guys like Edwards and KAT to get easier opportunities to score. His added rim pressure will potentially set up lob attempts for Gobert too. His lack of size is not nearly a concern because of his high activity and effort defensively on the ball compounded with the length and athleticism in the Timberwolves’ frontcourt department. Dillingham’s shot creation for himself and others as well as his explosive shooting makes him a potential matchup nightmare, especially when paired with Edwards. His creativity as a ball handler and change of direction in transition will help unlock that part of the offense. Under veteran guard Mike Conley, Dillingham has the chance to be groomed and developed into one of the better rising, young guards this league has to offer.
Zach Edey: For most, Edey was an easy lock for the top 10 in the draft, but for others, his defense in space was an area for concern. Defensively as far as team fit goes, Memphis is perfect for him. Jaren Jackson Jr. (JJJ) is an elite rim protector and versatile defender. Vince Williams Jr. has disruptive length to bother wings and guards alike, as well as elite perimeter isolation defense. Marcus Smart is a previous DPOY and provides impactful POA defense. Edey’s fit both defensively and offensively with JJJ specifically is the most ideal, rather than pairing him with Brandon Clarke, due to lack of spacing. JJJ’s effectiveness defensively as a roamer and anchor will aid Edey and force tough shots in the paint. More teams are leaning towards traditional 4-5 lineups in terms of size, but still positionless personnel. Now either both bigs or one of them usually have the ability to shoot, defend the PnR, and defend in space. As far as defensive schemes go, we will have to wait and see how Edey will be used, but with those pieces around him, he’ll have more room for error early on. At 7-5 with a 7-11 wingspan his rim pressure will bend defenses. He’ll naturally create space for the offense in his role offensively with Ja as a screener & roller, which will put the defense at a disadvantage consistently.
Stephon Castle: Castle was one of the more defensively sound prospects in this past draft cycle and his size, technique, and IQ will allow him to serve in many roles considering how versatile he is on that end. Standing at 6’6” with a 6’9” wingspan, his impact will be seen immediately next to another elite defensive player with Sochan by his side and Wemby anchoring the Spurs defense. Whichever role he serves in defensively, there will be more room for error and chances to take risks with all the length and athleticism he is surrounded by. His role offensively hasn’t been set in stone since the arrival of Chris Paul, but he did have some success as the lead guard during Summer League. I expect his role in lineups with CP3 to remain as a slasher/secondary ball handler. His ball-handling responsibilities won’t be as substantial compared to SL, so I envision his role to look similar to Bruce Brown’s during his tenure in Denver. His scoring opportunities will mainly come in transition, off cuts, attacking closeouts, and in the short roll as the screener. As his decision-making and jump shot beyond the arc continue to improve, his role will continue to grow within the Spurs system alongside their franchise player, Victor Wembanyama.
Ryan Dunn: Phoenix lacked in size and versatility defensively last season and Dunn fills in both gaps for them. Arguably the best overall defensive prospect in this draft class, he has the quickness to stay in front of ballhandlers and be a disruptor along the perimeter, but he also has the ability to effectively defend bigger forwards and some bigs due to his unique athleticism and instincts. This allows Durant to guard more wings and forwards while continuing to serve his role as a roamer instead of taking a major toll by being tasked to match against traditional bigs. Dunn’s elite defensive skillset will help with PHX’s deficiencies on that end as well as aid their lack of size and athleticism in the frontcourt too. Offensively, Dunn isn’t nearly as skilled as he is defensively, especially in the half-court offense. His overall offensive skillset is poor in almost all areas whenever the ball is in his hands. He lacks the ability to create due to his shaky handle, and his poor jump shooting from all areas hinders his game as well. Dunn does provide value in transition with his finishing. Last season PHX ranked 16th in transition ppg, but with the addition of Tyus Jones and Monte Morris in the backcourt, fastbreak buckets for guys like Dunn will occur more often. In the half-court offense, he moves well away from the ball on cuts to the rim and he provides vertical spacing because of his special athleticism. In lineups with PHX’s big three, his role offensively will mainly have him utilized as a screener and cutter. PHX was ranked in the top five in isolation frequency last season, but I expect ball screens, ball movement, and player movement this upcoming season. They found success when implementing Spain PnR actions into their offense last season as well. This mutual relationship could pay dividends for both the Suns and Dunn especially if his development improves on the offensive side.
Kel’el Ware: Miami locked in what some believe could pan out to be the best big selection in the entire draft. Ware was a highly recruited prospect coming out of high school and committed to Oregon, but after a poor freshman season and a lack of synergy with the coaching staff, he transferred to Indiana. His sophomore season was much more dominant and he showed many glimpses of what people expected the previous season. For years, Miami has rolled with their star player, Bam Adebayo, at the center position. Defensively, he is one of the best defenders in the league, but he only stands at 6’9”, and their overall starting lineup lacks size. Adding Ware not only increases positional size at that spot but moves Adebayo to his natural position at the 4. His duties offensively won’t change much, as he has thrived in the point forward role throughout the years with the offense funneling through him mostly. Ware gives the Heat an additional post-scoring threat and vertical spacing as well as another defensive anchor + paint protection which will enhance Adebayo even more defensively. His inconsistent motor does pose a question of how he will fit in with “Heat Culture.” His maturity and erratic effort will have to improve coming into an organization like Miami. Although his talent supersedes his flaws at times, there is minimal room for controllable faults when competing for the Heat.
Baylor Scheirerman: In the last pick of the first round, the Celtics selected Scheirerman out of Creighton. Coming fresh off a title, Boston is still seeking ways to improve their roster. With five years of college experience, his skillset and playstyle match Boston’s current aspirations to repeat in 2025. He perfectly fits the Celtics mold when it comes to positionless basketball. He has the ability to shoot off the catch and off the bounce, create downhill, and distribute for others. He contributes positively to team defense and rebounds well enough to make an impact on that end. For the past few seasons, the Celtics have lacked in impactful wing depth outside of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Bringing in a Swiss Army knife like Scheirerman off the bench allows for the Celtics to have another big wing in the lineup who can fit seamlessly into their scheme whether it’s him spotting up for threes or initiating the offense. He will bring a unique look to the offense in lineups with the J’s because of his size, shooting, and playmaking. Three wing lineups aren’t as common in the NBA, but Scheirerman’s ability to mesh within the offense without disrupting the flow will make his transition to the next level much smoother.
Jaylon Tyson: The Cavs bring in additional outside shooting and offensive versatility with their first round selection, Jaylon Tyson. Standing at 6’6”, Tyson has the ability to play both guard and wing offensively. At Cal, he served as lead guard mostly initiating the offense and creating for everyone, including himself. This role specifically won’t be as prevalent within the Cavs offense because they already have two dynamic ball handlers in Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Ever since the arrival of Mitchell and the emergence of Garland, the Cavs have lacked in shot creation and playmaking in the wing department. Tyson gives them more offensive versatility and another potential scoring option to complement their talented backcourt. His consistency as a shooter and overall defender must improve to earn a spot in the rotation though. Tyson’s positioning, effort, and struggles against quicker ball-handlers defensively are the three main areas of concern on that end. Although he is not extraordinarily explosive off the dribble, he uses his bigger frame to get to his spots and finish through contact at the rim. His change of pace and direction along with his ball control and physicality makes him an intriguing rookie to keep an eye on.
Keshad Johnson: Johnson is my undrafted sleeper pick and his development within the Heat organization is something to keep an eye on. He is a gritty, high motor competitor and his play style and personality mesh perfectly with “Heat Culture.” Johnson’s athleticism combined with his defensive playmaking & IQ as a modern-day tweener makes his development so intriguing to watch for. He has the lateral quickness to contain wings and some smaller ballhandlers, but also possesses the strength, technique, and positioning to defend bigs too. Defensively, he can come in and provide an immediate impact, but his offensive skillset is limited in several areas at his position which is why I expect him to spend most of, if not the entire 2024-2025 season in Sioux Falls, SD polishing that part of his game. His shooting inconsistencies, ball-handling struggles, and indecisive decision-making within the half-court offense are why I see him spending additional time in the G-League. Johnson presenting himself as a more consistent and confident outside shooter will better his chances at success when he is called up.