The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft has come to a close, and it's a historic night for French basketball prospects. French players ascended to several top spots, underscoring the global talent pool that continues to enrich the league.
Top Picks Shine in the First Round
The Atlanta Hawks emerged as trendsetters by selecting Zaccharie Risacher, a highly touted small forward from France, as the No. 1 overall pick. Risacher's selection marks a significant milestone and sets an optimistic precedent for other international players aspiring to make it big in the NBA.
Hot on Atlanta’s heels, the Washington Wizards used their No. 2 pick to draft Alex Sarr, a towering center also hailing from France. Sarr's prowess in the paint and versatility as a big man make him an invaluable asset to the Wizards' future ambitions. With these top selections, the influence of French talent in the NBA becomes increasingly palpable.
Breaking the international streak, the Houston Rockets picked Reed Sheppard from Kentucky as their No. 3 overall choice. Sheppard brings exceptional court vision and dynamic scoring ability, qualities that could greatly enhance the Rockets' backcourt.
The San Antonio Spurs followed suit by selecting shooting guard Stephon Castle from Connecticut at the No. 4 spot. Known for his defensive tenacity and sharpshooting, Castle is expected to add a new dimension to the Spurs’ offensive schemes.
At No. 5, the Detroit Pistons chose Ron Holland, a promising small forward from G League Ignite. Holland's agility and scoring versatility make him a compelling fit for the Pistons' emerging roster.
Intriguing Picks in Mid to Late First Round
The momentum continued with the Charlotte Hornets securing power forward Tidjane Salaun at the No. 6 spot. Another French talent, Salaun’s rebounding and interior scoring are poised to bolster the Hornets' frontcourt.
Following this, the Portland Trail Blazers opted for Donovan Clingan, a center from Connecticut, at the No. 7 pick. Clingan's defensive strength and presence in the paint could address the Trail Blazers’ need for a reliable big man.
The Minnesota Timberwolves shook things up by drafting point guard Rob Dillingham from Kentucky with the No. 8 pick. Dillingham's leadership and playmaking skills are set to energize the Timberwolves' backcourt.
Then, the Memphis Grizzlies went with Zach Edey, a center from Purdue, at No. 9. Edey’s shot-blocking and rebounding abilities will be instrumental in fortifying the Grizzlies’ defensive structure.
The Utah Jazz concluded the top ten picks by selecting Cody Williams, a small forward from Colorado. Williams' athleticism and two-way capabilities make him a valuable addition to the Jazz's roster.
Further down the draft order, the Chicago Bulls picked power forward Matas Buzelis from G League Ignite with the No. 11 pick. Buzelis is expected to bring a blend of size and skill that aligns well with the Bulls' strategic approach.
With the No. 12 pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder went international once again by selecting Serbian point guard Nikola Topic. Topic's playmaking flair and ball-handling skills enhance the Thunder's perimeter options.
The Philadelphia 76ers added shooting guard Jared McCain from Duke with the No. 16 pick, bolstering their wing depth with his scoring and defensive potential.
Continuing the trend of targeting outside shooters, the Los Angeles Lakers picked Dalton Knecht from Tennessee at No. 17, aiming to amplify their offensive firepower.
The New Orleans Pelicans, looking to fortify their interior presence, selected center Yves Missi from Baylor at No. 21. Missi's defensive acumen and rebounding proficiency are expected to complement the Pelicans' style of play.
Rounding out the first round for key selections, the New York Knicks picked small forward Pacome Dadiet at No. 25. Dadiet’s athleticism and perimeter versatility should be a noteworthy addition to the Knicks’ lineup.
Excitement Builds for the Second Round
In a notable first, the NBA has decided to split the second round into a separate day, adding a new layer of anticipation for teams and fans alike. High-profile names such as Bronny James, Kyle Filipowski, and Justin Edwards are still on the board, promising further excitement and intrigue in the draft proceedings.
The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft has not only highlighted the growing international presence within the league but also underscored the expansive talent and potential that teams are eager to harness. As the second round looms, the basketball community remains on the edge of their seats, eager to witness which prospects will complete their respective teams' draft classes and make their marks in the NBA.