The 2024 NBA Draft kicked off with a splash of international flavor as the Atlanta Hawks selected French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick. Risacher, who most recently played for JL Bourg-en-Bresse in France’s top professional league, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. He averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 32 games last season. The 19-year-old, who stands at 6-foot-9 and weighed 195 pounds at the draft combine, became the latest European prospect to make a significant impact on the NBA.
Following Risacher’s selection, the Washington Wizards followed suit by taking another French player, Alexandre Sarr, with the second overall pick. The 19-year-old Sarr spent the 2023-24 season with the Perth Wildcats of Australia’s National Basketball League, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 27 games. He has leaned on his brother, Oklahoma City Thunder center Olivier Sarr, for guidance as he transitions to the NBA.
The draft saw a mix of college stars and international prospects taken in the top five. Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard went to the Houston Rockets at No. 3, while UConn’s Stephon Castle landed with the San Antonio Spurs at No. 4. Rounding out the top five was Ron Holland II of G League Ignite, who joined the Detroit Pistons. Sheppard, who played just one season for Kentucky, averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 33 games. Castle also had a standout freshman season, helping UConn win their second consecutive national title with averages of 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
Holland’s lone season with the Wildcats was marked by impressive scoring and all-around contributions, averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 steals in 14 games. The draft continued with the selection of another Frenchman, Tidjane Salaun, by the Charlotte Hornets at No. 6. The Portland Trail Blazers then grabbed big man Donovan Clingan, a two-time champion with the Huskies, at No. 7. San Antonio selected guard Rob Dillingham out of Kentucky with the eighth overall pick, who is reportedly being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Purdue center Zach Edey, a two-time National Player of the Year, was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 9. Edey’s dominant season saw him average 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. The 2024 NBA Draft showcased a diverse range of talent, with international prospects and college stars making their mark on the league.
