History was made with the first father-son combination in NBA history, but it wasn’t exactly heartwarming. More like, it is what it is.
Obviously, the Los Angeles Lakers were always going to draft Bronny James with the 55th pick. It was a smart move to secure the younger James as an inexpensive insurance policy to retain potential free agent LeBron James in L.A.
Obviously, the cost wasn’t a concern for the Lakers, especially considering the typical return on the 55th pick is minimal. The main goal was to keep LeBron in L.A., even if no one from the Lakers would openly admit it.
Moreover, it was no surprise that James was available for the Lakers to choose with that pick. Agents usually have limited influence on a player’s landing spot, especially in the second round. But this situation was unique.
Many wondered what would happen if another team selected Bronny and tried to hold him hostage, potentially forcing the Lakers to overpay. It would have been amusing if the Boston Celtics, picking one spot ahead of the Lakers, had picked him.
However, Bronny wasn’t a valuable hostage because he had options. He could have played overseas, signed a one-year tender and waited it out, or even sat out, knowing that the Lakers would always be there for him. Few 55th picks have that luxury.
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As for what’s next, the focus will soon shift to Bronny James’ NBA Summer League games. Despite the hype surrounding him, the reality is that he is a long way from being a standout player, like many other 55th picks who struggle to make it in the league.
Let’s move on to some key takeaways from the two-day NBA Draft extravaganza:
Luxury tax avoidance, Part 1
With the tax aprons of the new collective bargaining agreement dominating the offseason news, it’s easy to overlook the traditional luxury tax. A few NBA teams, like Sacramento, are taking steps to avoid it by making strategic trades.
Sacramento managed to get under the tax line by trading with Toronto, which also helped them add a quality player while reducing their salary burden.
For Toronto, the trade provided additional assets from previous deals, showcasing the creative use of trade exceptions to benefit the team.
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Luxury tax avoidance, Part 2
In Portland, a salary dump and acquisition allowed the Trail Blazers to get out of the tax while acquiring a quality player in Deni Avdija. The move involved some sacrifice in terms of future draft picks, but it positioned the Blazers well for the future.
Malcolm Brogdon is headed to D.C. (Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
This move allowed the Blazers to maintain their competitiveness while preparing for the future, signaling a balanced approach to team building.
Luxury tax avoidance, Part 3
The Hawks addressed their financial concerns by trading AJ Griffin to Houston, positioning themselves favorably in relation to the luxury tax line. With strategic moves and smart decisions, the Hawks managed to secure their financial stability in the short term.
Apron avoidance
Denver is making strategic moves to avoid exceeding the luxury tax threshold, positioning themselves close to the limit. By carefully managing their assets and future picks, the Nuggets are navigating the complex financial landscape of the NBA.
Boldest move
Minnesota made a bold move by acquiring Rob Dillingham with the eighth pick, demonstrating their commitment to building a competitive team. Despite some financial implications, the Timberwolves are focused on strengthening their roster and creating a winning culture.
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This draft had questions
The NBA Draft raised questions with its focus on lower-tier players and strategic trades, rather than blockbuster moves. It wasn’t the most exciting draft, and many teams opted for safe picks and financial planning rather than bold acquisitions.
Weirdest pick
The Milwaukee Bucks’ selection of A.J. Johnson at No. 23 was questionable, given that he was likely to be available later in the draft. The pick didn’t align with the team’s win-now strategy, and Johnson’s development may not fit the Bucks’ immediate needs.
AJ Johnson drives to the basket during a National Basketball League playoff game. (Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images)
The Bucks’ decision to choose Johnson over more immediate contributors or trade opportunities is puzzling and could impact the team’s competitiveness.
Most divisive pick
Zach Edey’s selection by Memphis generated mixed opinions, with concerns about his defensive capabilities and fit with the team’s playing style. Edey’s potential impact on the Grizzlies’ fast-paced game and defensive alignment remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding his NBA debut.
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Best value
Utah made the most of their draft picks by selecting highly-ranked players later in the draft. Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier have the potential to contribute immediately and become key players for the Jazz, offering excellent value for their draft positions.
Worst value
Orlando made a questionable decision for the second year in a row by selecting Tristan da Silva at No. 18, despite his low ranking and age. Da Silva’s lack of standout qualities and advanced age are concerns, making him a risky pick for the Magic.
(Top photo of Zach Edey: Grace Hollars / IndyStar / USA Today; top photo of Bronny James: Jeff Haynes / NBAE via Getty Images)