2024 NBA Draft: Atlanta Hawks select Zaccharie Risacher with first ...

The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft was held Wednesday, 26 June at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as 30 young players heard their names called and had dreams actualized under the bright lights in New York City.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver, 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center

Picture by Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesTop 5 picks of the 2024 NBA Draft 1. Atlanta Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher, Forward, JL Bourg

Risacher played for JL Bourg in France's LNB Élite league last season, displaying solid ball handling ability, upside as a playmaker and a good feel for the game. He has a fluid jumpshot and is a good athlete who finishes well around the rim. The 19-year-old is a good team defender, displaying his basketball intelligence and competitiveness to go with a 6-foot-9 frame. Risacher averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.8 steals per game last season.

The Hawks have decisions to make regarding personnel surrounding Risacher, but it's clear that Atlanta believes he can be a franchise cornerstone.

Zaccharie Risacher, 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center

Picture by Sarah Stier/Getty Images2. Washington Wizards

Alex Sarr, Center, Perth

Sarr spent the last season playing for the Perth Wildcats of Australia’s NBL where he averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 1.3 blocks in 17.2 minutes per game. Standing at 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, the 19-year-old possesses impressive agility and mobility for a big man. Paired with his athleticism and defensive instincts, he has the potential to be a day-one impact defender in the NBA. His offensive game needs development, but Sarr has flashed the potential to score at all three levels.

Sarr and Bilal Couliably now headline Washington’s core moving forward.

Alex Sarr, 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center

Picture by Sarah Stier/Getty Images3. Houston Rockets (via BKN)

Reed Sheppard, Guard, Kentucky

Widely considered one of the best shooters in the draft, Sheppard has a quick release and was remarkably efficient from long range, shooting 52.1% on 4.4 attempts per game. He is more than capable of running a team’s offense and is a skilled passer who enjoys getting his teammates involved. Defensively, the 20-year-old makes up for his smaller frame with great footwork and anticipation. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game last season.

The marksman will provide an immediate boost to a Rockets' offense that struggled to find consistency from deep last season.

Reed Sheppard, 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center

Picture by Sarah Stier/Getty Images4. San Antonio Spurs

Stephon Castle, Guard, Connecticut

Standing at 6-foot-6, Castle is a big guard with a tight handle and an uncanny ability to create his own shot, which was on full display during UConn’s national championship run. He has a quick first step, excels at creating space and has the strength to finish effectively in the lane. Even with his shot creation ability, he is a willing playmaker and can likely be a lead guard in the NBA. The 19-year-old can guard multiple positions on defense, giving him the potential to have an immediate two-way impact. Castle averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game last season.

San Antonio is investing in Castle to be the dynamic lead guard that Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs’ lacked last season.

Stephon Castle, 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center

Picture by Sarah Stier/Getty Images5. Detroit Pistons

Ron Holland II, Forward, G-League Ignite

Holland is an elite athlete who often utilizes his high-end speed and leaping ability to relentlessly attack the rim. The 18-year-old has a solid handle allowing him to get into the lane where he excels at finishing through contact. He also leverages his driving ability to create for others, showing flashes of playmaking upside. Holland has developed his ability to create space, but needs to become more consistent as a jump shooter to unlock his isolation scoring potential. He averaged 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.1 steals per game last season.

The 6-foot-7 forward now joins a talented Detroit nucleus featuring Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.

Ron Holland II, 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center

Picture by Sarah Stier/Getty Images2024 NBA Draft Results: Picks 1-30 Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, Forward, JL Bourg Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr, Center, Perth Houston Rockets (via BKN): Reed Sheppard, Guard, Kentucky San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, Guard, Connecticut Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland II, Forward, G-League Ignite Charlotte Hornets: Tidjane Salaun, Forward, Cholet Basket Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, Center, Connecticut San Antonio Spurs (via TOR and SAS): Rob Dillingham, Guard, Kentucky (Traded to Minnesota) Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Edey, Center, Purdue Utah Jazz: Cody Williams, Forward, Colorado Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, Forward, G-League Ignite Oklahoma City Thunder: Nikola Topic, Guard, KK Crvena Zvezda Sacramento Kings: Devin Carter, Guard, Providence Portland Trailblazers (via GS): Carlton Carrington, Guard, Pittsburgh (Traded to Washington) Miami Heat: Kel'el Ware, Center, Indiana Philadelphia 76ers: Jared McCain, Guard, Duke Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht, Forward, Tennessee Orlando Magic: Tristan Da Silva, Forward, Colorado Toronto Raptors (via IND): Ja'Kobe Walter, Guard, Baylor Cleveland Caviliers: Jaylon Tyson, Forward, California New Orleans Pelicans (via MIL): Yves Missi, Center, Baylor Phoenix Suns: DaRon Holmes II, Forward, Dayton (Traded to Denver) Milwaukee Bucks (via NO): AJ Johnson, Guard, Illawarra New York Knicks (via DAL): Kyshawn George, Forward, Miami (Traded to Washington) New York Knicks: Pacome Dadiet, Forward, Ratiopharm Ulm Washington Wizards (via LAC via DAL and OKC): - Dillon Jones, Forward, Weber State (Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder via New York) Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr., Guard, Illinois Denver Nuggets: Ryan Dunn, Forward, Virginia (Traded to Phoenix) Utah Jazz (via OKC via TOR and IND): Isaiah Collier, Guard, USC Boston Celtics: Baylor Scheierman, Forward, Creighton 2024 NBA Draft: Round Two

For the first time ever, the draft has been split into two days with the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft commencing on Thursday, 27 June at 4 p.m. EST. Updates will be published right here on Olympics.com.

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