The 2024 NBA Draft's first round has reached its conclusion, with French basketball prospects taking center stage and securing several top spots in a historic showing. The Atlanta Hawks made a statement by selecting small forward Zaccharie Risacher from France as the No. 1 overall pick, marking a significant milestone for international players and highlighting France's growing influence in the sport.
French Prospects Shine at the Top
The Washington Wizards followed suit by locking in their future with the second overall pick, selecting Alex Sarr, a highly touted center from France. This marks the first time in recent memory that the top two picks hailed from France, underscoring the nation's robust basketball development programs. As the evening progressed, French talent continued to shine, with multiple players making their way into the top spots.
At the third pick, the Houston Rockets turned their attention to domestic talent, choosing Reed Sheppard, a promising guard from Kentucky. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs opted for Stephon Castle, a sharpshooting guard from Connecticut, securing their fourth overall pick. Rounding out the top five, the Detroit Pistons selected Ron Holland, a versatile small forward from G League Ignite.
Diverse Picks Mark the Middle of the First Round
The Charlotte Hornets took Tidjane Salaun, a power forward, with the sixth pick, adding more international flair to the draft. The Portland Trail Blazers followed by choosing Connecticut center Donovan Clingan at No. 7, betting on his size and skills to make an immediate impact. The Minnesota Timberwolves addressed their backcourt needs by selecting Rob Dillingham, a dynamic point guard from Kentucky, with the No. 8 pick.
Completing the top ten, the Memphis Grizzlies secured Zach Edey, a towering center from Purdue, while the Utah Jazz opted for Cody Williams, a small forward from Colorado. Both teams added significant depth to their lineups, focusing on players who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Key Selections in the Latter Half of the Round
The momentum continued as the Chicago Bulls picked up Matas Buzelis, a power forward from G League Ignite, at No. 11. Next, the Oklahoma City Thunder added international spice to their draft night by selecting Serbian point guard Nikola Topic with the 12th pick. As picks rolled in, several notable college stars found new homes, including Philadelphia 76ers' pick of Jared McCain from Duke at No. 16 and the Los Angeles Lakers' selection of Dalton Knecht, a shooting guard from Tennessee, at No. 17.
Further down the draft board, the New Orleans Pelicans used the No. 21 pick to acquire Yves Missi, a center from Baylor, aiming to strengthen their frontcourt. The New York Knicks rounded out their first-round selections by picking small forward Pacome Dadiet at No. 25, adding yet another international talent to the evening's highlights.
A Precedent-Setting Draft
In a notable change, the NBA decided to split the second round into a separate day for the first time, adding a unique twist to this year’s draft proceedings. This separation aims to give second-round prospects more individual attention and better opportunities to showcase their value. Notable names like Bronny James, Kyle Filipowski, and Justin Edwards remain on the board, ready to grab the attention in the next phase of the draft.
As the first round closes, teams and fans alike reflect on a night filled with surprises, international dominance, and prospects' dreams turning into reality. The anticipation now shifts to the second round, where more thrilling picks and future NBA stars await their call.