NBA Draft live online: Risacher goes to Atlanta #1, Bronny James not drafted

That's going to do it for Day 1 of the NBA Draft. The French Revolution continues in the NBA. The top two picks and four of the first 30 players selected in the Draft are countrymen with last year's No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. The National Champion UCONN Huskies saw two of their stars go early. Bronny James and the rest of the draft hopefuls will have to wait until Day 2 of the Draft which takes place tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET from New York. 

Baylor Scheierman, Creighton, SG

At almost 24 years old Scheierman played some point guard, but did his best work on the wing. He’s a tremendous shooter, and like to mix it up on the boards, registering a handful of double doubles in his senior season. He’s not extremely athletic, but he’s got a good feel for the game and averaged 18.5 points, and 9 rebounds while dishing 4 assists a game. 

With the 30th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics select Baylor Scheierman

Isaiah Collier, USC, PG

The best USC player in the draft is strong, fast and powerful on the break. He is great off the dribble, and can finish in traffic. He grew as his freshman season went on, scoring 16.3 points a game and dishing 4.3 assists a game. He can struggle with turnovers as he sometimes plays a bit to quick for his own good but has a big upside, especially if he can work out his jumper. 

With the 29th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select Isiah Collier

Ryan Dunn, SF, Virginia

This is one of those guys that was drafted for this defense. He still has a long way to go on the offensive end. He is not a good shooter, but these days you can be a defensive specialist in the NBA. He averaged just 8.1 points a game, but grabbed 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks at just 6’6”. He is going to have plenty of time to learn how to score, but the effort he puts in on the defensive end is unmatched. 

With the 28th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets select Ryan Dunn. 

Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois, SG

The fifth year senior has used his time wisely at the University of Illinois. He has been a tough defender for the last few years, but has developed on the offensive end of the floor. He is explosive, he is fast, and he can finish around the rim while picking up fouls with his sheer aggression. He can struggle shooting the ball from time to time, but was still one of the top scorers in the country last season averaging 23 ppg, 4 rebonds and 2.3 assists. On top of that he is mature both physically and mentally to step on an NBA court today. 

With the 27th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select Terrence Shanon Jr. 

Dillon Jones, SG, Weber State

Jones is a big playmaker who showed he can score the ball, and flirted with a couple triple doubles last year. He had the ball in hands most of the time at Weber State, so he is going to have to get used to playing without the ball. 

With the 26th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select Dillon Jones. 

Pacôme Dadiet, France, SG

The Frenchman that played in Germany this season is has a body that is well beyond his year, but a game that still needs quite a bit of touching up. He’s athletic frame has got him this far, but his ball handling, shooting and passing needs some work, and he’s not a great defender. There is a lot to work out, but if he hits the lab and puts everything together with the body he has, he could be a big help to the New York Knicks. 

With the 25th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select Pacôme Dadiet

Kyshawn George, Miami, SG

George’s potential shouldn’t just be limited to his three point shooting. He’s a great shooter from downtown, but he’s quick, he can pass the ball and can run the break at 6’7”. His numbers weren’t great in his one and only year at Miami. He averaged just 7.6 points, 3 rebound and 2.2 assists as a freshman, and may have come out of college a little earlier than people might have expected.  

With the 24th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select Kyshawn George. They got the pick from the Knicks for the 26th pick in the first round. 

AJ Johnson, USA, SG

AJ Johnson wasn't invited to the green room but he is in the house tonight. He didn't play much last year in the NBL in Australia, but did wonders in the NBA Combine. 

With the 23rd pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks select AJ Johnson

DaRon Holmes II, Dayton, PF

The Nuggets need front court depth, and DaRon is going to provide that. He's big, versatile and fits into the system of Mike Malone's scheme in the Mile High City. 

With the 22nd pick of the 2024 NBA Draft the Phoenix Suns select DaRon Holmes II. The pick was traded to the Denver Nuggets for the 28th and 56th pick in this draft. 

Yves Missi, Baylor, C

The Baylor big man has only been playing basketball for couple years but with his exceptional mobility and explosiveness he is a weapon in transition and in the pick and roll and will only get better as he understands the game more and more. Missi averaged 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 61.4% from the field. His size makes him a threat on the defensive end, and his awareness in the paint will only increase making him an even more dangerous shot blocker and rebounder. 

With the 21st pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans select Yves Missi

Jaylon Tyson, California, SG

This is a big guard who was one of the top scorers in the country and the Pac-12. He doubled his point production in his final year to 19.6 ppg. He can hurt you from three point range or go to the bucket and finish in traffic. 

With the 20th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select Jaylon Tyson 

Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor, SG

Walter developed as a three-and-D stud, showing he can knock it down from the perimeter but developed an ability to score off the dribble in his one and only season at Baylor. He is aggressive, he is competitive and he is smart enough to know how to get rebounds and draw fouls despite being just 6’4”. He averaged 14.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in his freshman year in college. 

With the 18th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select Ja'Kobe Walter

Tristan da Silva, Colorado, SF

Da Silva might have the most NBA ready body in the draft. He was a four year senior that averaged 16 ppg in each of his last two seasons. He took a while to develop in Boulder, but his versatile on the wing and his ability to defend and create his own shot makes him a highly prized prospect. 

With the 18th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select Tristan Da Silva

Dalton Knecht, Tennessee, SF

The Tennessee Volunteer is widely considered the best all around scorer in this class. At 6’6” he can shoot the three and finish around the rim. He was one of the most spectacular players in college this past year. He averaged 21.7 points and 4.9 rebounds. He is more of a scorer than a defender or rebounder but rose high up the draft board this season, and has a knack for making big shots late in the game. 

With the 17th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Dalton Knecht

The Lakers are up next! Do they dare take Bronny James in attempts to keep LeBron around? 

Jared McCain, Duke, PG

The Dukie brings a patented blend of fiery competitiveness and high basketball IQ that is known for Duke products. He does a little bit of everything in his small but strong frame. He’s a play maker that can shoot the ball from long range, but his size and speed maybe a bit of a hinderance at the next level. He averaged 14.3 points, 5 rebounds but just 1.9 assists in his freshman year. 

With the 16th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select Jared McCain

Kel'el Ware, Indiana, C

Ware’s game evolved in his second year in college. He moved to Indiana after his freshman year at Oregon and the change seemed to work perfectly. He is a natural shot blocker at seven foot, and his game is growing on the other side of the court. He has great mobility and can knock it down from outside but still has some work to do when it comes to reading the game. He posted 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds and shot almost 60% while knocking down 42.5% of his threes. There is a lot of up side for his big man who is still learning how to play as a big. 

With the 15th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat select Kel'el Ware

The Buzelis brothers had one of the moments of the Draft. Both broke down in teams as Matas was drafted by their hometown team the Chicago Bulls. Matas' brother could contain himself long after his brother shook hands with Adam Silver. 

Bub Carrington, Pittsburgh, PG

The Pitt Panther came on as the season went on thanks to a growth spurt that bumped him up to 6’4”. He’s got great feel for the game and as his game adjusts to his new frame he is only going to get better. Last season he posted 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists and hit 40% of his shots in his freshman year at Pittsburgh. 

With the 14th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers selec select Bub Carrington. Carrington with go to Washington after the trade made earlier tonight. 

Devin Carter, Providence, PG

Maybe the best defender in the class, Devin Carter’s offensive potential doesn’t get enough love. He averaged 19.7 points and grabbed 8.7 rebounds a game at Providence. He’s a point guard, but his ball handling needs improving, and his shot is a bit quirky but his physical attributes allow him to overcome some of those issues. 

With the 13th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Devin Carter

Nikola Topić, Serbia, PG

Topic comes into the draft with a partially torn ACL which could have affected his draft stock. The Serbian didn’t get a lot of playing time with Crzena Zvezada last season but he is a pick and roll point guard that has a high basketball IQ and is able to read the game very well. He is not the most athletic guard in the class, but his feel for the game and his comfort as the primary ball handler is going will make him a promising proposition once he gets healthy. 

With the 12th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select Nikola Topic

The two time National Player of the Year is heading to Memphis where he will have a great chance at starting immediately on a contending team. 

Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite, SF

Buzelis size and explosiveness set him apart from the rest of the competition while playing for the G League Ignite. He can finish at the rim and protect the paint on the defensive end. He struggled with consistency at times last year, but he averaged 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds a game. He’s got a slender frame at 6’9” under 200 pounds but he has a high ceiling and if he continues to work on his jumper he is going to be a dangerous weapon. 

With the 11th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select Matas Buzelis

Cody Williams, Colorado, SG

The lengthy wing player that can make it rain from the perimeter is one of the most intriguing players in this draft. He’s got tremendous size and versatility and his speed makes him dangerous in transition. He’s skinny, at 6’7” and under 180 pounds, but that can change in time. He averaged 11.9 points and 3 rebounds, shooting over 55% from the field. He’s got tons of up side and has NBA in his blood. His brother is breakout star in OKC, Jalen Williams. 

With the 10th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select Cody Williams. 

Zach Edey, Purdue, C

The two time National Player of the Year carried his team to the National Championship, but came up just short of title glory. The four year senior had the best year of his stint in Purdue, scoring 25.2 points, and getting 12.2 rebounds a game while shooting 62.3% from the field. How that translates at the next level remains to be seen, but his sheer size and ability makes him an interesting proposition. 

With the 9th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select Zach Edey.

Trade Alert!

Minnesota just traded for the 8th pick, so Dillingham is going to the Timberwolves. 

Rob Dillingham, Kentucky, PG

In his first and only year in college, Dillingham turned into one of the best, and most versatile scoring guards in the country. He averaged 15.2 points and dished 3.9 assists his just 23.3 minutes for the Wildcats. He’s a fantastic ball handler, and has no problem creating his own shot off the dribble. He’s only 6’1” and is light as a feather which could be a problem on the defensive end, but there are few better than him in this class when it comes to scoring the ball. 

With the 8th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select Rob Dillingham.

Donovan Clingan, UConn, C

The two time National Champion with the UCONN Huskies showed exactly why he was a top prospect in this class during the NCAA Tournament, but really all season. He was one of the leaders, statistically and emotionally on Dan Hurley’s team scoring 13 points and grabbing 7.4 rebounds a game in his sophomore season. He went head to head with Zach Edey in the title game and outplayed the two time Player of the Year. 

With the 7th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers select Donvan Clingan

Tidjane Salaün, France, PF

In his first full season with Cholet, the 18 year old played in 33 games and averaged 9 points a game and pulled down 3.9 rebounds. While he is touted for his ability to score the ball in a multitude of ways, he is known more for his ability to shut people down on the defensive end. He grew as the season went on, but still has some polishing off to do with his ball handling, and there will be a process he has to go through dealing with the speed of the game in the NBA. 

With the 6th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets select Tidjane Salaun. 

The Spurs are building something special in San Antonio. Castle is a winner and he's joining Wemby on a team that is being constructed from the ground up. One thing is having high draft picks. What you do with those picks is a whole other story. 

Ron Holland II, G League Ignite, SF

At 18 years old, Holland was one of the better scorers on the G League Ignite last year. He’s a physical, versatile slasher at 6’7” and right around 200 pounds. He is a fighter, and can pass the ball but doesn’t always make the right decision. A thumb injury cut his season short but before that, he averaged 20.6 points, grabbed 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 14 games. 

With the 5th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select Ron Holland II

When you've been waiting your whole life for this moment, sometimes words are hard to come by. That's what Zaccharie Risacher experienced after being taken No. 1 overall. 

Stephon Castle, UConn, PG

The point guard on the national champion UCONN Huskies side was the string puller for Dan Hurley’s side. He is a big, lengthy ball handler with a flare for the flashy but that doesn’t deter him from making good decisions. He doesn’t shy away from a challenge on defense, and even though he didn’t shoot too well last year, but his ability to create shots for teammates will allow him space around the bucket. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists on a team in which everyone got a piece of the pie. If he continues to develop scoring around the rim and the perimeter he can be a fantastic offensive player. 

With the 4th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select Stephon Castle

Reed Sheppard, Kentucky, SG

The former freshman at Kentucky is a pure shooter, but has offensive instincts that are rare for someone of his age. He had one of the most efficient debut seasons we have seen over the last decade or so. He can do it off the dribble or from the the spot up. He can improve on the defensive side of the ball, and his finishing around the rim, but will be a great offensive player than can develop into an even better scorer. 

With the 3rd pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select Reed Sheppard

For the first time in Draft history, the first two picks of the draft did not play college ball. The French Revolution continues as Sarr goes to the nation's capital. 

Alexandre Sarr, France, PF

At 7’1” the 19 year old is full of potential and he showed signs of that in Australia’s NBL. Playing with Perth, he averaged 9.7 points and 4.4 rebounds playing against grown men in one of the best foreign basketball leagues. He has a 9’2” standing reach and can move his big body. He’s explosive, he’s got good court presence and can defend both down low and on the perimeter. He’ll grow tougher and more complete in his offensive game, but his athleticism an mobility is a rare find in someone his size. 

With the 2nd pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select Alex Sarr

For the second straight year, it's a frenchman taken with the first pick of the NBA Draft!

Zaccharie Risacher, France, SF

At 18 years old, the Frenchman averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 rebonds while playing in the French league for JL Bourg. He’s a 6’9” lengthy player than can play out on the wing, hit threes and slash to the bucket. He can lock down on the defensive end, and he will get stronger as he matures which will make him even more of a threat on both ends of the court. 

With the 1st pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select Zaccharie Rischaer. 

WE ARE UNDERWAY FROM BROOKLYN!!!

The Hawks are on the clock with the first of 30 opening round picks to come. 

NBA

2024 NBA Mock Draft: First round predictions and pick projections

Our Mock Draft

Don’t forget to check out our mock draft before the real deal gets started tonight. I always felt like if I, or really anyone, gets the entire first round correct they should immediately be in the running for a GM job in the NBA.  

NBA DRAFT

Why are there only 58 picks in the 2024 NBA draft instead of 60?

Why only 58 picks?

The NBA Draft theoretically consists of two rounds of 30 picks as teams get a pick in every round. Obviously that’s not how it works more times than not. When you take into account trades for future draft picks, during draft trades, and other transactions that moves picks either to or from teams it almost never works out perfectly. This year there are only 58 picks after the 76ers and Suns were stripped of their second round picks for free-agent tampering.

NBA

Biggest Draft busts in NBA history

Biggest draft busts

Like draft gems, busts are not uncommon in these selection shows. It’s never something you hope for, but it’s always a possibility. Being a good basketball player does not guarantee you are going to be good in the NBA. It takes a lot of work, determination, mental and physical strength. That sometimes is too much for players to deal with. Usually busts come with a lot of hype and expectation. The more attention around a player, the easier it becomes for them to be a bust if things don’t pan out. Check out this article to get a refresher of a few of the biggest busts in NBA history. 

NBA

Biggest steals of the NBA Draft

Biggest Draft steals

The NBA Draft is a chance for teams to measure the top incoming talent and make the best selection for their team. Just because a team is lower down the draft board doesn’t mean that they can’t draft a player that makes a massive impact later down the road. The draft is full of steals. There are loads of instances in which players who turned into superstars were taken late in the first round or even the second round. This year’s class could have a sleeper waiting to turn into a superstar, but before we look forward lets look back to some of the biggest steals of past drafts. 

Trades to come? 

We are sure to see some front office dealing over the next two days. Trades are a part of the draft and there are teams that have loads of picks in this draft, like San Antonio and Portland who have four while the Brooklyn Nets have none. The Houston Rockets have the third pick in the draft, but they have had a handful of high picks over the last years, so they could look to shop that three pick around and try to bring in a veteran star, perhaps Kevin Durant who they are reportedly courting. The Thunder are in the same boat as the Rockets. A young team with a lot of talent who may not need too much help in this draft. The Grizzlies, Knicks and Spurs could also be tempted to looking into making a trade over the next two days. 

No college stars?

With the way college basketball is trending with NIL and the transfer portal stars are hard to come by in the NCAA. That’s why it seems that the tendency for teams to value foreign players who have played against professionals is becoming more and more common ground. It’s been a while since a player out of college created as much of a buzz as we have seen from some of the foreign guys who are coming into the league. The game is changing and the rest of the world is catching up. All you have to do is take a look at the MVP voting over the last few years. 

Sarr's sights set on Washington

Alex Sarr seems to have his mind made up. He is one of the top targets on the draft board, but he seems not to want anything to do with the Atlanta Hawks who have the first pick in the draft. Earlier today, before the start of the draft he seemed to take that statement back. He didn’t work out with the Hawks and has stated that he wants to be a Washington Wizard which might have surprised even people in the nation’s capital. The Wizards seem to have been in rebuilding mode for the last decade, and don’t seem too likely to be coming out of it any time soon. Maybe the 7 foot frenchman can be the one to snap the franchise out of the slums and return them relevancy in the Eastern Conference. 

French connection 

Eastern Europe has making it’s mark on the NBA over the last few years. Think of Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis to name a few. Over the last few years we have seen more and more of a French Revolution taking place in the league and it’s not just Victor Wembanyama. Tony Parker set the standard for the new wave of talent sweeping through the league, and this year a few more Frenchman are set to be taken in the draft and for the second straight year the No. 1 pick is likely to hail from France. Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher are the top names, but not the only names in the class. Tidjane Salaun, Pacome Dadiet, and Melvin Ajinca are all expected to be selected over the next couple days. 

Trade alert

We have our first trade of the night. The Washington Wizards are trading Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers for Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th pick in tonight's Draft. 

Bronny James

It’s one of the stories of this year’s draft, and could be the pick that determines the landscape of the NBA for the next few years. LeBron James has stated explicitly that he wants to play with his son Bronny before retiring. Since then he has backtracked from those statements, but Bronny is in this draft and teams could be tempted to take him earlier than expected to try to lure LeBron away from the Lakers. The league’s all-time leading scorer can opt out of free agency so we will have to see if the Lakers take a chance on Bronny to try to keep him and his dad in LA, or if another team tries to snatch him up. According to ESPN’s draft best available list, Bronny is 55th coming into the draft. 

The boys are in the building 

Jared McCain and company got to the stadium a couple hours ago and will only have to wait a few more minutes until hearing their names called, and officially completing their dream of making it to the NBA. There will be tears of joy, hugs with the commissioner and emotional interviews waiting for us all night as the best moments of the draft lay ahead of us. 

NBA

How many times have Atlanta Hawks picked in first place in the NBA Draft? Who did they select?

Hawks horrible first picks

The Atlanta Hawks have been in the dumps for the last few years. Just three seasons removed from a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, they have been spiraling down standings lately. They made the Play-In Tournament but were knocked out by the Chicago Bulls which put them in the lottery, but on the very fringe giving them just a 3% chance at the first pick in the draft. Some how, the Hawks ended up with the first pick making their 3% the fourth shortest odds to ever earn the No. 1 selection in the Draft. While Atlanta was hit with a stroke of fortune, luck has not been on their side when it comes to their three other top overall picks in the history of the franchise. 

NBA

Who are the top prospects in the 2024 NBA draft? Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, Reed Sheppard

TOP PROSPECTS 

It’s been said before, but it’s worth saying again: this year there isn’t as much hype or excitement surrounding this draft class as we saw in last year’s draft or draft’s that have featured generational talents like Wemby, LeBron or Zion. That’s not to say that these players won’t become stars in the future, but they aren’t expected to become stars the moment this walk into the league. The two Frenchman, Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher are the top two prospects in the draft and are expected to go 1-2, but don’t forget about the NCAA Champions from UCONN Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle. Our Roddy Cons has more. 

NBA

The NBA Draft format explained: How many rounds are there? How many players are selected?

How it works

The Atlanta Hawks will start the night off with the No. 1 overall pick. There will be 30 selections in the first round, although the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and the Brooklyn Nets don’t have a pick in this round. On the other hand, the San Antonio Spurs (#4, #8) and New York Knicks (#23, #24) have two picks in the first round. Each team will have five minutes to make their pick before it is announced on stage by Adam Silver. For everything you need to know about tonight’s first round of the NBA Draft, here’s our William Gittens. 

We are live from Barclay's 

Hello everyone and welcome to the 2024 NBA Draft. This is the day most of these guys have been waiting for and dreaming of all of their lives. Over the next two days, 58 players will have their name announced and their basketball futures set in stone. The red carpet in rolled out, the green room is ready to host the top players in the class, and teams are in their war rooms ready to draft the next star or face of the franchise. There may not be as much hype surrounding this draft as there was surrounding last year’s draft headlined by Victory Wembanyama, but there are a handful of frenchman tabbed to go high in the first round. It’s not just the foreign crop of players that we need to keep an eye on. There are also some homegrown players that are projected to be lottery picks as well. Who is going No. 1 overall? Who will your favorite team take? Which team will have the best draft this year? That will be played out over the next two days. 

2024 NBA Draft live

It’s Draft Day from Barclay’s Center as the next crop of NBA talent is set to embark on their professional careers. Players from all around the globe have gathered in hopes of hearing their names called by Commissioner Adam Silver tonight. AS English will be with you for each and every pick providing live coverage, detailed analysis and highlights of each of the 30 players taken in the first round from Brooklyn, New York.