Hawks create Zaccharie Risacher the second consecutive Frenchman chosen as No. 1 in the NBA draft
It is for the first time the draft has been conducted for through consecutive years with the number. 1 pick being a player who attended the American college.
By Associated Press
Jun 27, 2024 04:11 AM
NEW YORK (AP) — First, Victor Wembanyama, now Zaccharie Risacher.
Nowadays, American college players have to wait for their chance to be selected in this year’s NBA draft. This is someone else’s chance to be at the top.
Vive la France!
The Atlanta Hawks took Risacher with the number. one pick on Wednesday night. France got three players into the top six players on a night that was historic for the nation.
“That’s incredible,” Risacher said. “We attempt represent the country. I’m so glad to be participant in it. It is evident that there are many more players joining.”
Risacher isn’t as imposing or impressive as the massive height or excitement of Wembanyama the imposing center who traveled into San Antonio last year and won the Rookie of The Year award.
However, the Hawks considered him to be the top option in what was viewed as a draft devoid of the best talent.
The forward aged 19 was awarded the award for the most promising young player during the French League last season and overcame his fellow frenchman Alex Sarr in the race to be the best pick.
The moment he did it the feat, it created NBA the draft record for all time. It was the first occasion the draft has been held for consecutive years without the number. 1 pick being a player who attended one of the American college.
“Shows how much talent that we have in France,” Sarr said. “Really thrilled for Zach. I think the national team is going be a great team.”
Sarr finished second to his team Washington Wizards after playing last year in Perth in the Australian National Basketball League.
It was reported that the Hawks could only have a 3percent chance that they would win the lottery, which would earn them the number. 1 selection, and there was no obvious option to make once they had. The majority of mock drafts were split by Risacher and Sarr and Atlanta also picked UConn central Donovan Clingan.
Houston created Kentucky freshmen Reed Sheppard the No. 3 pick. A player who was a one-and-done in college had been the top pick for 13 consecutive seasons from 2010 to 22 before Wembanyama ended the streak.
Now, the draft is in French regulation.
Stephon Castle, a two-time champion national Huskies have now won two consecutive freshmen in college when San Antonio picked Castle at No. 4. It was the Spurs second of their selections inside the top 10. They also had the number. 8 selection, though they sold the rights to that selection, Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham to Minnesota.
However, the Spurs have a hold on Castle who made an exchange of numbers with Wembanyama and is now able to give passes to him in order to help him change between Dan Hurley in his old home to Gregg Popovich in his new one.
“I was playing for the greatest coaching staff in the college game. And transitioning into the NBA and playing with a legendary coach such as Coach Pop, it’s a blessing,” Castle said.
The Detroit Pistons took Ron Holland of the G League Ignite with the fifth selection prior to the Hornets picked Tidjane Salaun who last year played in the French club Cholet Basket in France.
“I believe the basketball scene in France has improved, and that’s the reason why we’re here for this lottery,” Saluan said.
Clingan who took home titles both times in Storrs He then made it to Portland at the number. 7.
The draft was changed to the two-night form this year. The initial round to be held on the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the second round being held on Thursday in the ESPN Seaport District studios.
The room was crowded with many unknown faces heading towards the NBA from other leagues or from other nations. One player who could be among the most famous wasn’t in the space: Zach Edey, the two-time AP Player of the Year at Purdue and was drafted as No. 9, by Memphis.
Another All-American the Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht, went lower than expected, following a drop from a lottery selection that was expected and being drafted by his current position with the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 17.
The Knicks were able to pick back-to-back players in the final round as they sped towards the end however, their fans had more to celebrate with the choices they made prior to the draft. New York made a deal to buy Mikal Bridges of Brooklyn on Tuesday. They then they convinced OG Anunoby to agree to remain with the team for five-year deal that is worth around $210 million.
Bronny James was not selected at the start of the draft however LeBron James’s son did have an individual of his USC teammates selected shortly before the end of the night and Isaiah Collier going to Utah with the number. 29 selection.
The first round was concluded with the NBA winner Boston Celtics taking Baylor Scheierman from Creighton.
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