With the 2024 NBA Draft set to get under way Wednesday (June 26) to Thursday (June 27) at Barclays Center, draft experts have Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher (6'8"; 205 pounds) as the current favorite (-480 odds) to be the first overall player selected by the Atlanta Hawks.
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In the LNB Pro A France league, Risacher averaged 10.1 points (35.2% 3PT) and 3.8 rebounds.
Alex Sarr (left); Zaccharie Risacher (right)
Then, the Washington Wizards, who hold the No. 2 overall draft spot, will more than likely select the other French prospect, 7-foot-1 skilled rim protector Alex Sarr (225 pounds).
In the Australian NBL league, Sarr averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
When looking at the rest of the board, many consider the most well-rounded shooter in the draft, Reed Sheppard (6'2"; 185 pounds), as the third pick going to the Houston Rockets.
At Kentucky, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points (52.1% 3PT), 4.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
The San Antonio Spurs have the fourth pick, and the seemingly best-fit guard to pair with last year's No. 1 overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, would be Stephon Castle (6'6"; 210 pounds), who has great defensive upside.
At UConn, Castle averaged 11.1 points (26.7% 3PT), 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
With the fifth pick, the Detroit Pistons may lean towards taking a shooter, who can space the floor, and this means Matas Buzelis (6'8"; 210 pounds), the supersized combo forward, could be picked with the No. 5 selection.
In the NBA G League, Buzelis averaged 14.1 points (27.3% 3PT) and 6.6 rebounds.
The Charlotte Hornets may look to draft Dalton Knecht (6'6"; 215 pounds), who is a scoring threat and best player in the SEC last season. The 23-year-old, five-year college standout out of Tennessee could be paired in the backcourt alongside LaMelo Ball and last year's No. 2 overall pick, Brandon Miller.
During his senior year, Knecht averaged 21.7 points (39.7% 3PT) and 4.9 rebounds.
To note, Donovan Clingan (7'2"; 280 pounds), who currently has the second-best odds to go No. 1 overall (+550 odds), may find himself falling to seventh. Reportedly, the UConn big man is rumored to be the Portland Trail blazers guy, as they need size and rim protection in the frontcourt.
During his sophomore season, Clingan averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks.
As for the most popular player in the draft, Bronny James, son of 2003 first overall pick LeBron James, there are many questions on which team will take a chance on the 19-year-old out of USC.
James Jr. averaged 4.8 points (26.7% 3PT), 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals in 19.4 minutes per game throughout his one-and-done season.
Rich Paul, LeBron/Bronny's agent says, "I don't care about him [Bronny] going to the Lakers, or Phoenix, or about what number he gets picked. It's about fit."
Our latest mock draft has Bronny joining his dad with the Lakers 👀@DraftExpress and @JeremyWoo's full two-round mock is on @ESPNPlus 🔗 https://t.co/TLwOoZmxkH pic.twitter.com/MNEdLf2qNQ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 26, 2024
While on the Gilbert Arenas show, the Klutch Sports business mogul gave insight to what Bronny revealed to him as what's most important, "I just want to hear my name called."
Rich Paul to Bronny: "What's important to you?"
Bronny: "I just want to hear my name called"Rich Paul on Bronny's thoughts entering the NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/Leiz8hTZaj
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) June 24, 2024
Related: Rich Paul Talks Bronny James 2024 NBA Draft Stock
