The 2024 NBA Draft’s first round concluded with much excitement and some unexpected twists. The Atlanta Hawks made headlines by selecting France’s Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick, marking a major achievement for the young forward. Risacher’s impressive length and defensive versatility make him a player ready to make an immediate impact. His ability to facilitate and contribute offensively beyond just being a catch-and-shoot threat earned him high praise.
The Washington Wizards secured the second pick, selecting Alex Sarr, who was thrilled to join the team. Sarr’s defensive prowess, particularly in protecting the rim, combined with his fluid jumper and potential to extend his range beyond the three-point line, makes him a valuable asset.
At No. 3, the Houston Rockets chose Reed Sheppard, a guard known for his exceptional three-point shooting accuracy. Despite being slightly undersized, Sheppard’s high basketball IQ and versatility as a combo guard promise a bright future in the NBA.
The San Antonio Spurs picked Stephon Castle fourth. Castle, recognized as one of the best defensive guards in college basketball, showed considerable improvement in his three-point shooting during the pre-draft process. His potential as an elite two-way player is expected to complement the Spurs’ existing roster.
The Detroit Pistons selected Ron Holland with the fifth pick. Holland’s performance in the G League, where he averaged 19.5 points and 6.7 rebounds, highlights his potential despite occasional turnover issues. His size and athleticism offer room for growth, especially in his off-ball movement.
Tidjane Salaun was the sixth pick by the Charlotte Hornets. Salaun’s development over the past season, particularly his increased physicality and improved play in the lane, adds depth to the Hornets’ wing positions.
The Portland Trail Blazers chose Donovan Clingan at No. 7. Clingan’s versatility as a 7-foot-2 center, capable of both running the rim and executing various pick-and-roll plays, positions him as a long-term starter in the NBA.
Rob Dillingham, picked eighth by the Minnesota Timberwolves via the Spurs, is known for his ability to drive and create plays. Despite concerns about his size, Dillingham’s dynamic playmaking skills make him an exciting addition to the Timberwolves.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Zach Edey at No. 9. Edey’s dominant post-up game and rebounding skills stand out, though his defensive mobility remains an area for improvement.
Rounding out the top ten, the Utah Jazz chose Cody Williams. Williams, a defensive wing with the ability to guard multiple positions, needs to work on his ball-handling but shows advanced development for his age.
Other noteworthy selections include Matas Buzelis by the Chicago Bulls at No. 11. Buzelis’s versatility and size at 6-foot-9, coupled with his ability to handle the ball, make him a valuable prospect despite shooting under 30% from beyond the arc during his season with Ignite.
Nikola Topić, chosen by the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 12, brings excellent passing skills and size at the point guard position, though his recovery from a partially torn ACL requires patience from the team.
Devin Carter, picked 13th by the Sacramento Kings, impressed during the pre-draft process with his athleticism and defensive capabilities, making him a strong addition to the Kings’ roster.
The Wizards, picking 14th through a trade with the Blazers, selected Carlton Carrington. Carrington’s late growth spurt and potential as a quick-twitch point guard with decent shot creation skills offer considerable upside.
The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft showcased a diverse array of talent and potential. Teams like the Hawks, Wizards, and Rockets made strategic picks that could shape their futures. As the draft moves into its second round, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these young players develop and contribute to their new teams.
The complete list of 1st round draft picks are as follows:
- Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, SF, from France, played for JL Bourg (France)
- Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr, C, from France, played for Perth Wildcats (Australia)
- Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn): Reed Sheppard, SG, from the United States, played for Kentucky (Fr.)
- San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, SG, from the United States, played for UConn (Fr.)
- Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland, SF, from the United States, played for G League Ignite (NBA G League)
- Charlotte Hornets: Tidjane Salaün, SF, from France, played for Cholet Basket (France)
- Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, C, from the United States, played for UConn (So.)
- San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto, traded to Minnesota): Rob Dillingham, PG/SG, from the United States, played for Kentucky (Fr.)
- Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Edey, C, from Canada, played for Purdue (Sr.)
- Utah Jazz: Cody Williams, SG/SF, from the United States, played for Colorado (Fr.)
- Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, from the United States / Lithuania, played for G League Ignite (NBA G League)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from Houston): Nikola Topić, PG, from Serbia, played for KK Crvena zvezda (Serbia)
- Sacramento Kings: Devin Carter, SG, from the United States, played for Providence (Jr.)
- Portland Trail Blazers (from Golden State to Memphis to Boston, traded to Washington): Carlton Carrington, SG, from the United States, played for Pittsburgh (Fr.)
- Miami Heat: Kel’el Ware, C, from the United States, played for Indiana (So.)
- Philadelphia 76ers: Jared McCain, PG, from the United States, played for Duke (Fr.)
- Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht, SF, from the United States, played for Tennessee (Sr.)
- Orlando Magic: Tristan da Silva, PF, from Germany / Brazil, played for Colorado (Sr.)
- Toronto Raptors (from Indiana): Ja’Kobe Walter, SG, from the United States, played for Baylor (Fr.)
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson, SF, from the United States, played for California (Jr.)
- New Orleans Pelicans (from Milwaukee): Yves Missi, C, from Cameroon, played for Baylor (Fr.)
- Phoenix Suns (traded to Denver): DaRon Holmes II, PF, from the United States, played for Dayton (Jr.)
- Milwaukee Bucks (from New Orleans): AJ Johnson, SG, from the United States, played for Illawarra Hawks (Australia)
- New York Knicks (from Dallas, traded to Washington): Kyshawn George, SG, from Switzerland / Canada, played for Miami (Fr.)
- New York Knicks: Pacôme Dadiet, SF, from France, played for Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
- Washington Wizards (from L.A. Clippers to Oklahoma City to Dallas, traded to Oklahoma City via New York): Dillon Jones, SF, from the United States, played for Weber State (Sr.)
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr., SG, from the United States, played for Illinois (Sr.)
- Denver Nuggets (traded to Phoenix): Ryan Dunn, SF, from the United States, played for Virginia (So.)
- Utah Jazz (from Oklahoma City to Indiana to Toronto): Isaiah Collier, PG, from the United States, played for USC (Fr.)
- Boston Celtics: Baylor Scheierman, SG/SF, from the United States, played for Creighton (Sr.)
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license and was created by Yoann210.
