The 2024 NBA Draft was discussed in a dismissive way, with many scouts and executives disappointed by the lack of top-end talent. It remains to be seen if those who questioned the caliber of the 2024 prospects were right. However, the draft class was still historic. For the first time, three French players were selected in the lottery.
Former JL Bourg forward Zaccharie Risacher was the No. 1 pick, selected by the Atlanta Hawks. Former Perth Wildcats center Alex Sarr was the No. 2 pick, selected by the Washington Wizards. Last, former Cholet Basket forward Tidjane Salaun was the No. 6 pick, selected by the Charlotte Hornets. Like Wizards wing Bilal Coulibaly, the 2023 No. 7 pick, this trio was able to capitalize on the Victor Wembanyama-generated fascination with French prospects.
Hawks’ Zaccharie Risacher, French Connection Killing Preseason
Of course, Wembanyama isn’t the first French player to get drafted.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (2008) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (2013) are just a couple first-round picks who came straight from France to the NBA. Former Hawks star Dominique Wilkins —the 1982 No. 3 pick —was the first player born in France to be drafted in the NBA. Former Boston Celtics great Bob Cousy — the 1950 No. 4 pick—is the first French du sang to play in the NBA.
However, there has never been this much interest in the region. As a result, Wembanyama, Coulibaly, Risacher, Sarr, and Salaun bear a significant responsibility. In many ways, they’re the advance guard for what could be an influx of French players.
Wembanyama, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, is already shouldering his load by displaying MVP-caliber talent. Coulibaly, who played alongside Wembanyama with Metropolitans 92 and the French national team, hasn’t had nearly as much success. Nonetheless, he already looks like he could have a long NBA career just based on his defensive prowess.
What about the new(est) blood though?
Zaccharie Risacher
Risacher just wrapped up his first NBA preseason game. For perhaps the first time since being drafted, he looked like he was worthy of being the No. 1 pick.
No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher gets loose for 18 PTS on 7-for-9 from the field in his #NBAPreseason debut! pic.twitter.com/oIhBdehQqX
— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2024
Prior to the draft, Risacher was regarded as a 3-and-D player who could impact the game similarly to Klay Thompson. As it turns out, Risacher is probably a bit more like Batum than Thompson. Though both are strong shooters and defenders, Batum is more versatile.
Like Batum, Risacher has shown that he can be part of his team’s connective tissue using his size, skill, IQ and feel. His synergy with his teammates could be the secret ingredient to his success early on. It was only one game but it was a great first impression against the type of NBA talent he can expect to face in the regular season.
Alex Sarr
Sarr might have been the No. 1 pick had he wanted to work out for the Hawks. Instead, he’s with the rebuilding Wizards, which could be best for him considering he primarily wants to play power forward. After a demoralizing Summer League, it was also apparent that his team would need patience to unlock his potential.
However, in his first preseason action, he looked far better than he did in Las Vegas.
Former @NBLNextStars prospect and no.2 pick Alex Sarr put together a strong performance for the Wizards in today’s #NBAPreseason clash 💪
He amassed 15 points, including 3/4 from deep, and 4 assists! pic.twitter.com/wlrcDhPlUb
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) October 7, 2024
Sarr wasn’t flawless, but he was shooting the 3-ball well, covering ground defensively, and making plays for others. There are still questions of whether he’s more of a four or a five. Nonetheless, he’s pretty much the perfect big man for the modern NBA; long, athletic, and skilled.
Tidjane Salaun
There may have been more questions about Salaun than any prospect.
He looked the part of a stretch four who could play high-level defense. However, he hadn’t necessarily displayed top-10 talent. Him being selected as high as he was, especially by the Hornets, was surprising. After all, Charlotte needs more help in the backcourt than the frontcourt.
Yet, Salaun has put together two pretty solid preseason games, averaging 13.0 points per game while shooting 58.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Tidjane Salaun is 7-of-12 from three through two preseason games
Here are all of those makes: pic.twitter.com/Vjn8lFFcF8
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) October 9, 2024
After converting just 10.0 percent of his three-point attempts in Summer League, this should be a real confidence boost for both him and the franchise.
