NBA Draft 2024: Round 1 Grades

Uninspiring Start Leaves Room for Improvement

Grading the Picks

The 2024 NBA Draft commenced with a somewhat underwhelming Round 1, lacking the fireworks and standout performances that have characterized previous years. While a few notable prospects emerged, many selections left analysts and fans scratching their heads.

The Orlando Magic surprised many by drafting point guard Terrence Edwards with the first overall pick. Edwards, a consensus top-five prospect, has drawn comparisons to Darius Garland with his court vision and playmaking ability. However, questions linger about his defense and consistency as a scorer.

The Oklahoma City Thunder opted for a more traditional approach, selecting power forward Aaron Wiggins at No. 2. Wiggins possesses an impressive combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability. Yet, concerns about his ball-handling skills and decision-making undermine his potential.

Overall, Round 1 of the 2024 NBA Draft was a mixed bag. While some teams made solid picks, others missed on opportunities to add impact players. The true measure of this draft class will come in the years ahead, but for now, it's hard to shake the feeling that this group fell short of expectations.