New rumblings ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft suggest the Atlanta Hawks are looking hard at two specific European players as the potential top pick in June’s event.
Despite the odds being against them, the Hawks surprised everyone by landing the top overall section during the NBA Draft lottery. It puts the team in a position they have not been in in nearly 40 years. However, Atlanta has the unfortunate luck of having the No. 1 pick in a year that is viewed as one of the weakest draft classes in some time.
Also Read: 2024 NBA Draft order – NBA Draft lottery results, full NBA Draft order for 2024
That puts added pressure on their inexperienced front office to make the right choice on an opportunity that doesn’t come often. On Thursday, veteran NBA insider Marc Stein revealed in a new Substack post that the race to be the No. 1 pick next month may be down to a pair of French prospects.
“The Atlanta Hawks hold the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft on June 26 and are increasingly expected to be choosing between two Frenchmen — Alex Sarr and Zacchanie Risacher,” Stein wrote.
Sarr has been linked to the team in recent weeks. The 19-year-old is currently competing in Australia for the Perth Wildcats and is a 3-and-D type center with a rim protection skill similar to Memphis star Jaren Jackson Jr. Risacher is quickly rising up draft boards and is a gifted defender with a high basketball IQ and has the potential to be the best player in this class.
Stein also revealed another interesting nugget of information about the team heading into the 2024 NBA Draft. While they have NBA veterans Landry Fields and Kyle Korver in top roles in the front office, the team is reportedly looking to give them some veteran support and is “interested in hiring a seasoned personnel executive to join” the staff.
They recently hired salary cap strategist Onsi Saleh to be their assistant general manager after notable stints with the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.
