The French revolution in the NBA continued with a flourish on Wednesday as Zaccharie Risacher was selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, followed closely by Alex Sarr going second to the Washington Wizards. This marks the second consecutive year that a French player has been chosen first, echoing Victor Wembanyama’s selection by the San Antonio Spurs last year, who subsequently earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Joining them in the top selections was Tidjane Salaun, picked sixth by the Charlotte Hornets, further highlighting France’s burgeoning influence in the NBA draft.
Risacher, 19, earned acclaim as the French league’s best young player with JL Bourg-en-Bresse, showcasing his prowess as an elite defender and sharpshooter from beyond the arc. “It’s a blessing, it’s so exciting,” remarked Risacher on his selection. “There are a lot of feelings and emotions right now. I don’t know what to say.”
Meanwhile, Sarr, also 19, arrives from the Perth Wildcats in the Australian league, bringing versatility as a rim protector and three-point threat to a Washington Wizards team in need of rejuvenation after a challenging season.
Reed Sheppard was chosen third by the Houston Rockets, Stephon Castle went fourth to the Spurs, and Ron Holland rounded out the top five selections for the Detroit Pistons.
France’s impact on the NBA extends beyond the draft, boasting a roster of established stars including Tony Parker, Rudy Gobert, Joakim Noah, Nicolas Batum, and Boris Diaw. The influx of young French talent into the league coincides with anticipation for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, where France, led by Wembanyama, seeks to avenge their loss to the U.S. in the gold medal game from three years ago.
