The 2024 NBA Draft took place today in Brooklyn, with the Atlanta Hawks holding the first overall pick. French player Zaccharie Risacher was selected as the first pick, marking the second consecutive year that a French player has been chosen first overall. Additionally, the Washington Wizards picked another French player, Alex Sarr, as the second overall pick, highlighting the prominence of French talent in recent NBA drafts.
Day One Highlights
The first round of the draft was held at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver delivered a brief speech before the Hawks went on the clock with the first overall pick. They chose Zaccharie Risacher from France.
Zaccharie Risacher: First Overall Pick
- Age: 19
- Height: 206 cm
- Weight: 88 kg
- Position: Wing
- Strengths: Three-point shooting, playmaking, defense
- Weaknesses: Lack of self-creation in offense, slender build
Born in Spain, Risacher moved to Lyon, France, at the age of three. He possesses a unique combination of three-point shooting and playmaking ability, along with excellent defensive awareness. However, he faces challenges in developing his offensive self-creation and building a stronger physique to compete in the NBA.
Alex Sarr: Second Overall Pick
- Age: 19
- Height: 213 cm
- Position: Center
- Strengths: Defense, athleticism
- Weaknesses: Limited offensive skills
The Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr, a 213 cm tall center, as the second overall pick. Sarr, who started playing basketball at age four and joined Real Madrid’s youth team in 2019, played for the Perth Wildcats in Australia last year. He averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. His height and athleticism give him a significant defensive presence, although he still needs to develop his offensive game.
Reed Sheppard: Third Overall Pick
- College: University of Kentucky
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Stats: 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 steals per game
- Three-Point Shooting Percentage: 52.1%
The Houston Rockets chose Reed Sheppard, a sharpshooter from the University of Kentucky, with the third overall pick. Sheppard played 33 games for Kentucky this year, showcasing his versatility with strong stats across the board. His quick release and high shooting point make him a valuable asset, especially alongside the Rockets’ dynamic backcourt duo of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet.
Draft Overview
| Rank | Team | Player | Country | Position | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawks | Zaccharie Risacher | France | Wing | Shooting, Defense | Offensive Creation, Build |
| 2 | Wizards | Alex Sarr | France | Center | Defense, Athleticism | Offensive Skills |
| 3 | Rockets | Reed Sheppard | USA | Shooting Guard | Shooting, Versatility | TBD |
The 2024 NBA Draft showcased the rising talent from France, with Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr making headlines as the top two picks. This draft highlights the growing influence of international players in the NBA and sets the stage for an exciting upcoming season.
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