As the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft comes to a close, there’s no denying the international flavor that this year’s event has brought to the forefront. In a draft that saw French prospects capturing the limelight, the Atlanta Hawks made a splash by selecting small forward Zaccharie Risacher from France as the No. 1 overall pick. This move set the tempo for the evening, ushering in a series of notable selections that highlighted the depth and breadth of emerging basketball talent from around the globe.
The Washington Wizards followed suit with their second overall pick, securing Alex Sarr, a towering center also hailing from France. French players dominated the top spots, underscoring the nation's growing influence and development in producing top-tier basketball talents. With Sarr's selection, the Wizards appear to be aiming to solidify their interior defense and rebounding prowess, adding a significant piece to their roster.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets turned their attention stateside, selecting Reed Sheppard from Kentucky as the No. 3 overall pick. Sheppard's versatility and scoring ability have been well-documented, making him a valuable addition to a young Rockets squad looking to rebuild and compete in the Western Conference.
The San Antonio Spurs kept the momentum going by selecting shooting guard Stephon Castle from Connecticut with the No. 4 overall pick. Castle's sharpshooting and defensive capabilities make him a dynamic player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. The Spurs hope that Castle's talents will mesh well with their existing roster, providing a much-needed scoring punch.
At No. 5, the Detroit Pistons selected Ron Holland, a small forward from G League Ignite. Holland's experience in the G League has prepared him well for the professional stage, giving the Pistons a polished and ready-to-contribute player. His athleticism and playmaking ability are expected to fit seamlessly into Detroit’s game plan.
European and College Stars Shine
The Charlotte Hornets added power forward Tidjane Salaun to their roster with the No. 6 pick. Salaun, another French prospect, brings size and agility to the Hornets' frontcourt, offering both defensive resilience and offensive versatility. This selection further underscores the growing impact of French training programs on the NBA talent pipeline.
Next, the Portland Trail Blazers chose center Donovan Clingan from Connecticut with the No. 7 pick. Clingan's size and skill set at the center position provide the Blazers with a strong interior presence. His ability to defend the paint and score efficiently around the rim should bolster Portland's frontcourt depth.
The Minnesota Timberwolves selected point guard Rob Dillingham from Kentucky at No. 8. Dillingham’s ability to orchestrate the offense and manage the tempo of the game makes him an intriguing addition to a team that has been on the lookout for a reliable floor general.
At No. 9, the Memphis Grizzlies opted for Zach Edey, a center from Purdue. Edey's dominant college career has prepared him well for the professional ranks, where his size and shot-blocking ability can immediately impact the Grizzlies' defensive schemes.
The Utah Jazz picked small forward Cody Williams from Colorado at No. 10, a player known for his scoring touch and defensive tenacity. Williams’ all-around game is expected to fit well within the Jazz's system, providing them with an additional offensive weapon.
Rounding Out the Top Fifteen
The Chicago Bulls, with the 11th pick, selected power forward Matas Buzelis from G League Ignite. Buzelis’ combination of size and skill makes him a versatile asset who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, who took the 12th pick, Serbian point guard Nikola Topic brings international experience and playmaking flair to the team. Topic's ability to facilitate and score will be vital for the Thunder as they continue to develop their young core.
The Philadelphia 76ers chose shooting guard Jared McCain from Duke at No. 16, securing a player known for his perimeter shooting and defensive intensity. McCain’s arrival is expected to bolster the 76ers' backcourt depth.
The Los Angeles Lakers, at No. 17, selected shooting guard Dalton Knecht from Tennessee. Knecht’s scoring ability and competitive edge are anticipated to be valuable assets in the Lakers' quest to reclaim their status as championship contenders.
Rounding out some notable picks, the New Orleans Pelicans selected center Yves Missi from Baylor at No. 21, bringing in a player who can provide rim protection and rebounding tenacity. The New York Knicks, with the 25th pick, selected small forward Pacome Dadiet, an athletic and versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the court.
Looking Ahead to the Second Round
For the first time, the NBA has decided to hold the second round of the draft on a separate day, highlighting the depth of talent in this year’s class. This strategic change aims to give more focus and recognition to players selected in the latter stages of the draft. Notable names still available include Bronny James, Kyle Filipowski, and Justin Edwards, all of whom are expected to generate significant interest from teams looking to find hidden gems.
With the first round now in the records, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these newly drafted players integrate into their respective teams and what impact they will have on the upcoming NBA season. The anticipation for the second round remains high as teams strategize their next moves.