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.<\/p>\n
Former JL Bourg forward Zaccharie Risacher<\/a> was the No. 1 pick, selected by the Atlanta Hawks. Former Perth Wildcats center Alex Sarr<\/a> was the No. 2 pick, selected by the Washington Wizards. Last, former Cholet Basket forward Tidjane Salaun<\/a> was the No. 6 pick, selected by the Charlotte Hornets. Like Wizards wing Bilal Coulibaly<\/a>, the 2023 No. 7 pick, this trio was able to capitalize on the Victor Wembanyama<\/a>-generated fascination with French prospects.<\/p>\n Of course, Wembanyama isn\u2019t the first French player to get drafted.<\/p>\n Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum<\/a> (2008) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert<\/a> (2013) are just a couple first-round picks who came straight from France to the NBA. Former Hawks star Dominique Wilkins<\/a> \u2014the 1982 No. 3 pick \u2014was the first player born in France to be drafted in the NBA. Former Boston Celtics great Bob Cousy<\/a> \u2014 the 1950 No. 4 pick\u2014is the first French du sang<\/em> to play in the NBA.<\/p>\n 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\u2019re the advance guard for what could be an influx of French players.<\/p>\n Wembanyama, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, is already shouldering his load by displaying MVP-caliber talent<\/a>. Coulibaly, who played alongside Wembanyama with Metropolitans 92 and the French national team, hasn\u2019t had nearly as much success. Nonetheless, he already looks like he could have<\/a> a long NBA career just based on his defensive prowess.<\/p>\n What about the new(est) blood though?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher gets loose for 18 PTS on 7-for-9 from the field in his #NBAPreseason<\/a> debut! pic.twitter.com\/oIhBdehQqX<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nHawks\u2019 Zaccharie Risacher, French Connection Killing Preseason<\/h2>\n
Zaccharie Risacher<\/h3>\n
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