The 2024 NBA draft lottery took place on May 12, with the Atlanta Hawks emerging as the lucky winners, securing the first overall pick. The Hawks had a mere 3% chance of winning, making their victory an improbable one. This marks the first time since 1975 that Atlanta will select No. 1 overall in franchise history.
The Hawks' acquisition of the top pick comes at a pivotal moment for the team, as they face significant decisions regarding their backcourt consisting of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. The draft lottery win adds another layer of complexity to these choices.
Four teams have previously won the lottery with slimmer odds than Atlanta, with Orlando holding the smallest chance at 1.52% in 1993. The Hawks' victory was a surprise, as they finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 36-46 and lost to the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the play-in tournament.
Determining who will be selected with the No. 1 pick remains uncertain, as there is no clear consensus among analysts regarding which player will be chosen. Some predict Alexandre Sarr, a French center currently playing in Australia's National Basketball League, while others suggest Nikola Topic, a Serbian point guard from Crvena Zvezda.
The Detroit Pistons are projected to select Alex Sarr due to their need for defense and his versatility. The Washington Wizards, on the other hand, may opt for Zaccharie Risacher because of their requirement for rim protection and scoring ability. Nikola Topic is also a strong contender as the Hornets seek a floor general in light of LaMelo Ball's unreliability.
The NBA draft lottery results bring excitement to the offseason, with teams preparing for significant roster changes and new additions.
