- What: 2024 NBA Draft
- When: June 26 and June 27
- Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
- How to Watch: ESPN and WatchESPN
While a lot of people are focused on the upcoming NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, don't forget for one second that another huge NBA event is on the way too. We're of course talking about the draft, which people pay close attention to. In stunning fashion, the Atlanta Hawks will be on the board first. With that said, Alex Sarr is the favorite to be taken No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Will this turn out to be the case?
The French center has solidified himself as one of the top prospects in the draft, as he has been impressing scouts throughout the offseason. At this time last year, not a lot of people were focused on Sarr being at the top of the list, but he has raised his stock in recent months. Sarr has been impressive in workouts and a lot of NBA teams are quite high on him. Sarr has pro experience overseas, which he'll use to his advantage at the next level.
| NBA Draft No. 1 odds |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Sarr to go No. 1 | -170 | -170 | -170 |
| Zaccharie Risacher to go No. 1 | +200 | +200 | +200 |
| Donovan Clingan to go No. 1 | +1500 | +1500 | +1500 |
| Reed Sheppard to go No. 1 | +3500 | +3500 | +3500 |
"I want to make an impact the first day I get there," Sarr said about making the jump from overseas action to the NBA. "Obviously, there are going to be some learning moments. There are going to be some bad games probably. I feel like I kind of already went through it and know how to get through it."
Later this month, we'll find out if the 7-1 big man ends up making his way to Atlanta or not. According to the best-rated sportsbooks, which includes the reliable Bovada review, Sarr has been placed with -170 NBA betting odds to hear his name first at the '24 NBA Draft. Sarr has all the tools to be a stud at the next level and the Hawks could end up bringing him to Atlanta. However, we're going in a different direction here.
Alex Sarr’s defensive versatility and skillset are awesome.
- Switchable w/ quick feet & hips. Can guard the PnR multiple ways.
- Great shot blocker w/ nice timing & length. (8 BLK%)
- Athletic vertically and laterally. Awesome ground coverage.Atlanta?
pic.twitter.com/pNVDGkpNir— Lucas 🦦 (@redcooteay) June 2, 2024
Zaccharie Risacher is our pick to be taken No. 1 in the NBA Draft
Call it a gut feeling, but Zaccharie Risacher is our pick to be taken No. 1 in the NBA Draft. The French forward has also been turning a lot of heads during his workouts this offseason and reports have indicated that he's also nailing his interviews as well. The Hawks have a need for both a forward and center, so they really can't go wrong here. A lot of people like Sarr because of his agility for his size, but Risacher is pretty fluid with the ball in his hands at 6-9.
Risacher, who just turned 19, is about to enter the prime of his career and his ability to knock down shots has stood out. He's only going to get better in the coming years, which is why Atlanta investing an early pick on him could pay off down the road. Risacher has been listed as a virtual lock to be a Top 3 pick, but more people are hopping on the No. 1 bandwagon. Some recent mock drafts have him going No. 1 as well.
Zaccharie Risacher at the NBA Draft Combine in Treviso:
"My best skill is my shooting. I feel really comfortable with that part of my game. The thing I need to work on the most is my dribbling ability. I know I can do it, but that is the next step in my development." pic.twitter.com/izLi3xWZ6E
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 4, 2024
"Risacher ended his season in France on a high note, playing his best basketball in front of scouts and executives from the Hawks, Wizards and Rockets last month," NBA Draft analyst Krysten Peek recently wrote. "He is one of the best catch-and-shoot wings in the draft and has extended his game off the bounce and as a facilitator. In a series against Monaco, Risacher averaged 14.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 30 minutes per game.
Per the oddsmakers, including the trustworthy BetOnline review, Risacher holds +200 NBA betting odds to be taken No. 1 overall. Right now, it feels like it's a total toss-up between Sarr and Risacher. As we mentioned above, the Hawks have a need for both a center and forward, so either guy would be a solid addition to their roster next season. It will be interesting to see who the Hawks decide to go with, but they'll be landing a superstar player regardless.
Which team will end up drafting Bronny James?
Leading up to things, a lot of people are wondering which team will end up drafting Bronny James? The son of LeBron James, Bronny decided to end his college career early to make the leap to the pros. While he isn't viewed as a first-round pick, there's a good chance we see him taken in the second round. While at USC, Bronny wasn't known as being an elite scorer, but he has looked sharp on both ends of the floor during recent workouts. Now, we'll see if a team takes a chance on him.
Over in Las Vegas, the top sportsbooks have given the Lakers the best betting odds to draft Bronny. This would make sense, as Los Angeles could use it as a bargaining chip to keep LeBron in California for the rest of his career. It remains to be seen if that will happen or not, but LeBron has said he would love to play with his son in the pros. If the Lakers want to keep LeBron around, then drafting Bronny could prove to be a wise move.
