For much of the past year, Alex Sarr has been considered the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — but not anymore. At this moment, it’s instead Zaccharie Risacher, a 6-foot-9 wing from France who is -240 in the betting markets to be the first player selected Wednesday.
How did this happen?
It’s partly the byproduct of there never being a clear-cut No. 1 option in this draft like Victor Wembanyama was last year or, say, Anthony Davis was in 2012. But it also likely has something to do with Sarr so far being unwilling to travel to Atlanta and work out for the Hawks. Reportedly, the 19 year-old center is comfortable falling to No. 2 and being selected by Washington, where the Wizards have a younger roster that could theoretically allow Sarr to have a bigger role immediately. Whether that’s a wise or unwise approach is debatable. Either way, it appears to be the decision Sarr and his representatives have made, leading most to believe Atlanta will look elsewhere with the first selection.
The Hawks could also trade the first pick.
That option remains.
And I also wouldn’t completely rule out the idea of them using the pick on Donovan Clingan or Reed Sheppard. Basically anything and everything is still on the table. But just two days before the first night of the 2024 NBA Draft, most signs are indicating that Risacher is probably headed to Atlanta, where the next decision might revolve around what to do with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
