They had a good time 12 European players chosen al first round of the 2024 NBA draftwith the France to act as the host with four selections.
The first overall pick of the Atlanta Hawks it fell as expected on Zaccharie Risachera Bourg winger who also became the second Frenchman to be called first in the draft, after Victor Wembanyama in 2023. Risacher is also the fourth non-American player ever chosen with the first overall call in the NBA draft, after Wembanyama and after Yao Ming (Rockets) in 2002 and the blue Andrea Bargnani (Raptors) in 2006.
Zaccharie Risacher was awarded in 2023-24 with the Euroleague Rising Star Award and is the son of former French international Stephane Risacher. After him Washington Wizards they focused, here too with few surprises, on the talent of the big man Alex Sarr, which played in Perth, Australia. With pick number 6 he Charlotte Hornets they selected Tidjane Saluanfrom Cholet and player of the year in the Basketball Champions League last year.
Lithuanian (but raised in the USA) Mat Buzelis was call number 11 of the Chicago Bullswhile another highly anticipated European such as Nikola Topicguard of Red Star Belgrade, was called at number 12 by Oklahoma City Thunder, who evidently regretted having traded Vasilije Micic to Charlotte in exchange for Gordon Hayward in February… Topic was injured before the draft and will probably miss the entire 2024-25 NBA season, as anticipated by Sam Presti. The Swiss Kyshawn George was chosen by Washington Wizards with call number 24.
France made it 4 with Pacome Dadietproduct of Ratiopharm ULM and chosen with number 25 by New York Knicks.
On the “extra-European” front, the Orlando Magic have selected the German of Brazilian origin with call number 18 Tristan Da Silva, senior from Colorado. Another highly anticipated player, the Canadian Zach Edey two-time NCAA MVP in 2023 and 2024 with Purdue, he ended up at the Memphis Grizzlies with the ninth overall pick. The freshman Yves Missifrom Cameroon, was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 21st first pick out of Baylor.
