The 2024 NBA Draft saw French basketball talent making a significant impact, with the top two picks, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year all hailing from France. This marks a historic moment for French basketball, highlighting the country’s growing influence on the global stage.
The Atlanta Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher as the number one pick. The 6-foot-9 forward impressed scouts with his versatile play, averaging 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds last season. Risacher’s basketball pedigree is notable, as his father, Stephane Risacher, was a silver medalist in the 2000 Olympics with the French national team. Zaccharie’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a promising addition to the Hawks’ roster.
Following Risacher, the Washington Wizards picked Alex Sarr at number two. The 7-foot, 224-pound center from Bordeaux, France, had a standout season with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL’s Next Stars program. Sarr averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 17.3 minutes per game over 27 league games.
His defensive prowess was on full display during the 2023 NBA G League Fall Invitational, where he blocked a total of 12 shots in two games against the NBA G League Ignite, including a dominant 26-point, 10-rebound, six-block performance. Sarr’s size and defensive abilities are expected to make an immediate impact for the Wizards.
Victor Wembanyama, the previous year’s top pick for the San Antonio Spurs, had a stellar rookie season, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game.
His impressive performance earned him the Rookie of the Year title, cementing his status as a generational talent. Wembanyama’s all-around game and shot-blocking ability have drawn comparisons to some of the NBA’s greats, making him a cornerstone for his team’s future.
Rudy Gobert, a veteran French player, won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the top defense in the league. His ability to control the paint and alter shots remains unparalleled, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best defensive players in NBA history.
The draft further highlighted France’s basketball depth with the Charlotte Hornets selecting Tidjane Salaun at number six, and the New York Knicks picking Pacome Dadiet at number 25. Salaun, a versatile forward, and Dadiet, a promising young talent, both bring unique skills and potential to their respective teams.
This influx of French talent underscores the country’s development programs and the increasing globalization of the NBA. French players are no longer just participants but key contributors and stars in the league.
With the success of players like Wembanyama and Gobert, and the high expectations for Risacher and Sarr, the future looks bright for French basketball. The NBA’s growing French contingent is poised to leave a lasting legacy on the sport, both in the United States and worldwide.
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