The 2024 NBA draft was the second in a row in which the top selection came from France. In fact, two Frenchmen, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, went No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, just one season after generational talent Victor Wembanyama was taken first by the Spurs.
Two other French natives were picked in the first round, with the Charlotte Hornets taking Tidjane Salaun with the sixth pick and the New York Knicks taking Pacome Dadiet at 25.
One of the other storylines tonight was the Bronny James question. LeBron’s son was not selected in the first round and will have to wait at least one more night before he hears his name called. The Southern Cal product disappointed in his freshman year, averaging only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 19.4 minutes per game. But he has clear potential, and teams could position themselves as (unlikely) landing spots for his famous father.
Bronny James needs to wait another night
No team selected LeBron James' eldest son in the first round as the USC freshman hopes to hear his name called tomorrow night in the second round.
Celtics take Baylor Scheierman
With the final pick of the first round, the Celtics take a wing player from Creighton.
Dillon Jones' shooting could be on the rise
The Weber State standout has the physical strength required to take on the 3 at the NBA level, and he can also handle some playmaking responsibilities on offense.
While Jones did not shoot the ball well from 3 during his time at Weber State, he was an 82% foul shooter, a sign that there is room for positive growth.
Boston Celtics are on the clock
The final pick of the first round is moments away as the recent champs are set to pick.
Utah Jazz use 29th pick on Isaiah Collier from USC
Collier is a guard who finished his freshman season for the underwhelming Trojans. Collier averaged 16.3 points per game last season on 49% shooting.
Denver Nuggets take Ryan Dunn from Virginia with 28th pick
The 2023 NBA champions take the forward who was on the ACC All-Defensive team and was among the best defensive players across the country last season.
ESPN is reporting that the Nuggets are sending Dunn to the Phoenix Suns.
The Minnesota Timberwolves make their pick
Minnesota, who made it to the Western Conference finals for the first time in two decades, selected Terrence Shannon Jr. from Illinois.
Shannon's college career was cut short by serious legal issues when he was charged with rape in Kansas in September. Shannon maintained his innocence and was acquitted at trial this month.
Dadiet is a work in progress
The 6-foot-8, 210 wing profiles as an athletic 3-and-D prospect at the next level, though he still has plenty of room to grow.
Dadiet needs more development before he’s ready to make an impact in the NBA, which shouldn't be a problem for the Knicks, who have OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges slotted ahead of him on the depth chart.
The Wizards use 26th pick on Dillon Jones
But ESPN is reporting that the Wizards via the Knicks are sending Jones to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jones, the Weber State forward, averaged 20.8 points per game, along with 9.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists.
Knicks select Pacome Dadiet
With the 25th pick, the Knicks select the wing player from France.
Dadiet is the fourth French player selected so far in the first round, including the top two picks overall.
