2024 NBA Draft: International Prospects Taking Over The Draft
The 2024 NBA Draft process has been a rollercoaster and the ride is going to keep going until June. We have yet to really see a prospect breakaway as the clear number one prospect in this year’s draft as we have been accustomed to the previous drafts, where a top prospect has already cemented himself as the number one overall pick. This year there are a couple of different prospects that make a case, but to this point Alexandre Sarr out of the NBL is the likely favorite to be the top pick in this year’s draft.
What makes Sarr so loved by scouts and NBA personnel? Well, the 7-foot-1 big man is arguably the best defensive prospect in the draft due to his elite rim protection, great mobility at his size and defensive versatility. He has shown shades of Evan Mobley given his defensive versatility and unique offensive game. Sarr doesn’t quite have the game to be a top scoring option for an NBA team but there probably isn’t any prospect in this draft that will be a top scoring option for a team.
Another prospect that has slowly creeped their way into top pick conversations is fellow French prospect Zaccharie Risacher, who currently plays for JL Bourg Basket. The 6-foot-10 wing is having an incredible season for his club as he’s averaging 18 points per 36 minutes while having ridiculous shooting splits as he shoots 52% from the field, 47% from behind the arc and 71% from the free-throw line. His impressive efficiency and versatile defense has made him a lock for the lottery and potentially a top five pick.
Nikola Topic made an interesting decision recently as he elected to leave KK Mega Basket to join KK Crvena zvezda. He had a variety of different reasons that led him to making this move but it’s a very respectable move from many scouts and decision-makers. The 6-foot-7 lead guard is elite at pressuring the rim and making plays happen on the offensive end. Topic has great court vision and is a high-level playmaker. The talented guard is a surefire top-ten pick with the potential to be the first pick in this year’s upcoming draft.
A prospect that has really risen up draft boards as of late is Tidjane Salaun, who currently plays for Cholet Basket. He has a case as a top-ten pick due to his shooting ability at 6-foot-10, defensive intensity and flashes of self-creation at the forward position. It’s clear that the skilled prospect is oozing with potential and the ceiling is extremely high for the young prospect, but the big question is if he’s able to be consistent at the next level.
These four international prospects are quietly taking over the 2024 NBA Draft and the international depth is quite good as well which could lead this year’s draft to being one of the best global drafts in NBA history, assuming these prospects reach their ceilings and carve out solid NBA careers. It’s too early to make claims and assumptions, but it’s clear that basketball is becoming more worldwide, as you can find talent just about anywhere.
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