The 2024 NBA Draft’s first round took place on Wednesday night. This year’s draft wasn’t considered the best in recent memory, and there wasn’t a “generational talent” at the top of the board like there was last year. But teams were still looking to improve their immediate and long-term futures, and young men were realizing their life-long dreams.
Here’s how the first round played out:
1–1–Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, SF, France
Zaccharie Risacher is a 6-foot-9-inch wing who can shoot and handle the ball. His selection makes this the second consecutive year that a player from France was the first overall pick in the NBA draft. This move helps the Hawks by adding another dimension to their offense. They’ve been involved in big trade rumors already this summer.1–2–Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr, PF, France
Yes, French players went with the top two picks. Alex Sarr, who was considered a potential No. 1 overall pick, is a legit 7-footer who can handle the ball, pass, and shoot from outside the paint. He’s mobile and quick around the rim. Washington needs help, and Sarr brings versatility to their lineup.1–3–Houston Rockets: Reed Sheppard, SG, Kentucky
Finally, a college player comes off the board. Reed Sheppard lit it up from beyond the arc in his freshman season at Kentucky. He was an efficient scorer in college who will need to work on his athleticism in the NBA.1–4–San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, PG, UConn
Stephon Castle was a star as a freshman on UConn’s national championship team with his lock-down defense and competitive fire. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, he has better size than many teenagers entering the NBA. He guarded the opposing team’s best most nights in college.1–5–Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland II, SF, G League Ignite
Detroit has disappointed the past few years despite having high picks. In Ron Holland, they land a long shooter who can fill it up. He’s an aggressive, versatile wing. The G League showed some flaws in his game and he was streaky at times, but he’s a scorer who will be asked to help the Pistons improve.
