The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft has come to a dramatic close, and it was a night that will be remembered for the exceptional talent emerging from France. The spotlight was firmly on the French prospects as several of them occupied top spots, redefining the narrative of international talent in the league.
French Dominance at the Top
The Atlanta Hawks made waves with their selection of Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick. The small forward from France had been at the center of much pre-draft speculation and he lived up to the hype, being chosen as the premiere talent of the class.
Following closely, the Washington Wizards secured Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick. Sarr, a talented center also hailing from France, has been touted for his dominant presence in the paint and his potential to be a defensive anchor for the Wizards.
American Prospects Make Their Mark
While French players dominated the early selections, American prospects were not far behind. The Houston Rockets picked Reed Sheppard from Kentucky as the No. 3 overall pick, adding a versatile and skilled guard to their roster.
With the No. 4 overall pick, the San Antonio Spurs chose Stephon Castle from Connecticut. Castle, a shooting guard, is expected to bring a blend of scoring prowess and defensive tenacity to the Spurs' backcourt.
The Detroit Pistons opted for Ron Holland of the G League Ignite as the No. 5 pick. Holland, a small forward, brought his high-energy playstyle and scoring ability to the forefront, making him an attractive choice for the Pistons.
Varied Talents Rounding Out the Top 10
In a series of strategic picks, the Charlotte Hornets selected power forward Tidjane Salaun at the No. 6 spot. Salaun's versatility and strong rebounding skills made him a valuable addition. The Portland Trail Blazers continued this trend by selecting Donovan Clingan, a center from Connecticut, at No. 7. Clingan's impressive size and shot-blocking ability are expected to make an immediate impact.
The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Rob Dillingham, a point guard from Kentucky, with the No. 8 pick. Dillingham's playmaking ability and quickness are highly regarded, making him a key piece for the Timberwolves' future. The Memphis Grizzlies, seeking to solidify their frontcourt, selected Zach Edey from Purdue at No. 9. Edey's dominant presence in the post will be a significant asset for Memphis.
Rounding out the top 10, the Utah Jazz picked Cody Williams, a small forward from Colorado. Williams' dynamic scoring ability and athleticism are expected to inject energy into the Jazz lineup.
Mid-First Round Surprises and Picks
The Chicago Bulls made a strategic selection at No. 11 with Matas Buzelis from the G League Ignite. Buzelis, a power forward, is known for his shooting ability and court vision, attributes that will benefit the Bulls significantly.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's selection of Nikola Topic, a Serbian point guard, at No. 12 demonstrated their continued commitment to international scouting and development. Topic's skills as a floor general are highly anticipated.
Ahead of expectations, the Philadelphia 76ers secured Jared McCain from Duke at the No. 16 spot. McCain's shooting and defensive capabilities are expected to contribute immediately. Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers picked Dalton Knecht from Tennessee at No. 17, banking on his scoring ability and versatility as a shooting guard.
Late First-Round Trends
As the first round progressed, the New Orleans Pelicans added to their depth by selecting Yves Missi, a center from Baylor, at No. 21. Missi's rebounding and shot-blocking skills are poised to be significant for the Pelicans.
The New York Knicks closed out their first-round selections with Pacome Dadiet, a small forward, at No. 25. Dadiet's all-around game and potential to develop into a well-rounded player made him an attractive choice for the Knicks.
A New Draft Format
In a break from tradition, the NBA decided to split the second round into a separate day for the first time. This new format allows for more focus and attention on the talents picked in the second round, providing an opportunity for these players to bask in the spotlight.
Big names like Bronny James, Kyle Filipowski, and Justin Edwards still remain on the board, promising an exciting continuation of the draft. As teams prepare for the second round, the anticipation and excitement continue to build.