The 2024 NBA Draft will kick-off this Thursday, June 27th (Manila time), at the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn. It will be a two-day event for the first time in league history as Rounds 1 and 2 will be split apart, with the latter happening on Friday. 

While many are lukewarm on the available talent in this year’s pool, as evident in having no consensus top pick, there’s still no shortage of intrigue in the lead-up. Besides, it seems like we hear such concerns every couple of years, yet in the end, no one can really predict how good or bad a draft class will be, regardless of how many “can’t-miss” prospects it has.

Let’s now list down and discuss five things to watch out for in the draft:

The Hawks and the first overall pick

Not only is the first overall pick unknown, we’re also unsure as to who will really take it. The Atlanta Hawks, who catapulted nine spots in the draft lottery to win the top pick, are in an interesting spot. They already have a competitive core in Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Boganovic, and Clint Capela, as well as a young stud in Jalen Johnson, so they are in a dilemma: do they package the no. 1 pick to get more pieces, or do they just use it to further the talent in the team? Do note that everyone previously mentioned outside of Johnson has been rumored to be in the trading block.

Frenchman Zaccharrie Risacher is currently the projected top pick on many boards. He’s a versatile 6’9 forward who may be able to fit in the 2, 3, and 4 spots, thanks to his shooting, athleticism, good upper body strength, and overall ability whenever in the open floor. 

Risacher’s fellow Frenchman Alexandre Sarr, a rim protector with  good potential to be a true two-way threat, is also seen as a potential no. 1 overall pick. However, he did not workout for the Hawks and seems to prefer going to the Washington Wizards at no. 2. As such, we shouldn’t be surprised if Atlanta takes Sarr and forces Washington to trade up.

Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan

After years of being treated like secondary prospects, big men are starting to make a comeback. Two of the best and most popular giants in college basketball–Zach Edey of Purdue University and Donovan Clingan of back-to-back national champions University of Connecticut–are both projected to be taken in the first round.

It’s for good reason too. The 7’4 Edey won the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024, and collectively put up 23.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks on 61.6% shooting in those seasons (also led the nation in points and rebounds in 2024). The 7’2 Clingan, meanwhile, is the defensive anchor of the best team in NCAA hoops, ranking fifth in the antion in blocks (86) and eighth in blocks per game (2.5).

Clingan is mocked highest at no. 3 with the Houston Rockets, although some are speculating that he’s a darkhorse no. 1. Edey, on the other hand, is projected in the late first round, but could also enter the lottery picks.

The Spurs’ No. 4 and No. 8 picks

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most intriguing teams in the lottery as they are already expected to take a considerable step in the 2024-25 season. They have Hall-of-Fame coach Gregg Popovich still at the helm, guiding two-way swingman Devin Vassell, and of course, insane young talent Victor Wembanyama, who’s potential knows no boundaries.

The no. 4 and no. 8 selections will be crucial as both could play a significant role in officially dawning a new era of Spurs basketball. San Antonio has countless routes to take, and they can take every which way thanks to Wemby’s malleable style of play.

Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Ron Holland, Donovan Clingan, are the best guys to take at no. 4, while Tidjane Salaun, Cody WIlliams, Dalton Knecht, Devin Carter, and JaKobe Walter are the likely guys at no. 8.

The Lakers’ No. 17 pick

The Lakers kept their 2024 first-round pick thanks to the New Orleans Pelicans deferring their claim next year. However, it remains to be seen if they will use it to bolster the youth movement or package it for a veteran.

The team’s first-rounder last season, Jalen Hood-Schifino, rode the bench in 2023-24, and while they may give him more chances next season, the front office may now be weary to gamble on another youngster. They’ll have interesting talent available at no. 17 regardless, with Edey being one of the strong possibilities.

One of the vets the Lakers are reportedly eyeing in exchange for the pick is Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, who has averaged 20 or more points per game in three of his last four seasons.

Bronny James

And lastly, Bronny James. Yes, we know. He’s a 6’1 guard who averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists per game on 36.6% shooting in one season of college basketball, and that he played for a USC team that wasn’t even close to making the tournament. Yes, his last name carried him into becoming a prospect. Yes, his lauded ‘defense’ may possibly be overrated, and that it’s not ideal to draft an undersized guard primarily for defensive purposes. We acknowledge that.

Having said all of that, he simply is one of the most anticipated picks of the draft. Whoever selects James Jr. is drawing a massive amount of eyeballs, regardless if it’s the Lakers or not. As we know, it may even possibly sway James Sr. into going into that team, and we know that wherever Sr. goes, seemingly endless influence, expectations, and attention follows.

You have to admit: whether you like Bronny and/or LeBron, you will tune in to see who drafts ‘Junior.’