NBA Draft 2024: No top stars, but lots of question marks

It is not particularly flattering what has been whispered in expert circles about this draft class in recent weeks. It has been heard time and again that this year’s number 1 pick would perhaps land in position six, seven or eight in a “normal” draft year. Translated, this means: The 2024 draft class is not particularly well staffed at the top.

Bad luck for the Atlanta Hawks, who were actually lucky enough to get the number 1 pick in the draft lottery. But a top talent like last year’s Victor Wembanyama will not be available this year – when the NBA Draft, which is split into two days for the first time (first round on Thursday night, second round on Friday night), starts. Instead, there are a lot of uncertainties.

For example, what exactly the Hawks are planning. The lack of an absolute no-brainer in this year’s draft class means that the team’s plans are still a mystery just before draft night. Who will be selected at number 1 – and whether by Atlanta or another team – is more open than it has been for a long time. It also cannot be ruled out that the Hawks will arrange a trade and give up the number 1 pick for a corresponding amount.

NBA Draft: Another Frenchman as number 1 pick?

The candidates for the number 1 pick include two Frenchmen: Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr. Risacher (19 years old), most recently active in his native France, is a versatile winger who is strong at three-point shooting and in defense, and should function as at least a high-class role player on any team.

Sarr (also 19) played in Australia last season. With his height of almost 2.13 meters, the big man can protect the basket, but thanks to his mobility he can also defend on the perimeter. In the offensive, in addition to his qualities as a finisher in the zone, he has potential as a ball handler and passer. Only his shot is still a problem area.

For the Hawks in particular, Sarr has another problem: Apparently he is not particularly keen on playing in Atlanta and prefers the Washington Wizards instead. They, in turn, hold the second pick in the draft and could possibly trade with the Hawks to get Sarr at all costs. The San Antonio Spurs (currently picks 4 and 8) are also being considered as candidates for an up-trade in this draft.

Potential surprises and Bronny

Trades at other points in the draft and surprising picks shouldn’t really surprise anyone this year. The assessments of draft experts in the USA also vary widely for some names. For example, Donovan Clingan – a strong defensive center from UConn with a fairly raw offensive game – is being touted as a top-3 pick in some media, while others only see him towards the end of the top 10.

Or Ron Holland, a defensive stopper on the wing who had a very inefficient season for G-League Ignite. The 18-year-old is seen by some as a top prospect, by others as a mid-range first-round pick. The first round could be wild.

And the name Bronny James hasn’t even been mentioned yet. From a purely sporting perspective, the 19-year-old guard only plays a marginal role in this draft, but with his prominent last name and as the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, there is a lot of talk. Will a team strike early in the second round in the hope of attracting LeBron as well?

His wish to play in the NBA with his son is well known – even if he himself has recently toned down his earlier statements. He may even fall to position 55, in which case the Lakers will certainly bring his son onto his father’s team.

The Atlanta Hawks pick at position 1 in the 2024 NBA Draft: But who?
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Top 20 hope da Silva: The Germans in the 2024 draft

Let’s take a look at the Germans, and there is good news: Munich native Tristan da Silva, who most recently played for Colorado in college, can legitimately hope to be drafted in the first round. The younger brother of former Barcelona pro Oscar da Silva is a 2.06 meter tall forward with his versatility and two-way qualities.

The 23-year-old is a good three-point shooter, especially from catch-and-shoot, a good passer and a solid defender – but he is already relatively old and inferior to most of his competitors in terms of athleticism and physique. Nevertheless, he could go over the counter in the top 20.

Ariel Hukporti from the Riesen Ludwigsburg is also a draft candidate – if so, then at the end of the second round. The 2.13 meter tall big man, born in Stralsund, is a good rebounder and good finisher at the rim, delivered a productive season in Australia, but has his weaknesses outside the zone.