The conclusion of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft marked a historic moment for French basketball, as French players dominated the top spots. Leading the way was Zaccharie Risacher, selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the No. 1 overall pick. Risacher, a small forward, has been lauded for his versatile play and defensive prowess, making him a prime choice for the Hawks, who are looking to bolster their lineup.
The Washington Wizards followed up with the No. 2 pick, securing Alex Sarr, a highly-touted center also hailing from France. Sarr's impressive size and skill set have made waves, and he is anticipated to make an immediate impact. In the No. 3 spot, the Houston Rockets pivoted to College basketball, choosing Reed Sheppard from Kentucky. Sheppard, known for his quick scoring ability, will aim to inject some offensive firepower into the Rockets' roster.
At No. 4, the San Antonio Spurs selected Stephon Castle, a shooting guard from Connecticut. Castle's strong defensive skills and shooting accuracy caught the Spurs' attention, making him a valued addition. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons rounded out the top five by picking Ron Holland, a small forward from G League Ignite, recognized for his athleticism and scoring versatility.
French Influence Permeates the Draft
The Charlotte Hornets kept the French theme alive with the No. 6 pick, selecting power forward Tidjane Salaun. Salaun's energy and physical play are expected to provide the Hornets with much-needed dynamism. The Portland Trail Blazers took Donovan Clingan, a center from Connecticut, with the No. 7 pick. Clingan's formidable presence in the paint and his shot-blocking abilities make him an exciting addition to Portland's roster.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, selecting at No. 8, acquired point guard Rob Dillingham from Kentucky. Known for his playmaking skills and court vision, Dillingham is seen as a promising young point guard in the league. The Memphis Grizzlies, at No. 9, picked Zach Edey, a center from Purdue. Edey's size and rebounding capabilities are expected to bolster the Grizzlies' interior defense. Completing the top ten, the Utah Jazz selected Cody Williams, a small forward from Colorado, whose scoring versatility and defensive potential have garnered praise.
Top Collegiate Talent in the Mix
The Chicago Bulls, with the No. 11 pick, selected power forward Matas Buzelis from G League Ignite. His agility and ability to stretch the floor as a forward have made him a coveted prospect. At No. 12, the Oklahoma City Thunder went international, selecting Serbian point guard Nikola Topic. Topic's playmaking and leadership qualities are expected to contribute significantly to the Thunder's rebuilding efforts.
Noteworthy later selections included the Philadelphia 76ers picking shooting guard Jared McCain from Duke with the No. 16 pick and the Los Angeles Lakers taking shooting guard Dalton Knecht from Tennessee at No. 17. Both players are known for their scoring abilities and are anticipated to fill crucial roles on their respective teams. The New Orleans Pelicans, selecting at No. 21, chose center Yves Missi from Baylor, whose defensive prowess and potential have piqued interest. The New York Knicks rounded out the notable picks by selecting small forward Pacome Dadiet with the No. 25 pick. Dadiet's all-around game and athleticism will be a welcome addition to the Knicks' roster.
A Novel Draft Format
This year, the NBA took a novel approach by splitting the second round into a separate day. This new format aims to give second-round picks more exposure and attention, distinguishing them from the packed schedule of the first round. Notable names like Bronny James, Kyle Filipowski, and Justin Edwards remain on the board, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the draft. As teams prepare for the next phase, the focus will be on these promising talents and how they fit into the evolving landscape of the NBA.