The 2024 NBA draft was filled with surprises and historic moments, as four French players were selected in the first round for the second consecutive year. The Atlanta Hawks kicked off the draft by selecting Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick, followed by Alex Sarr going to the Hornets at No. 2.
Tidjane Salaun was then chosen sixth overall by the Hornets, making it the first time a non-US country produced three top 10 picks in one NBA Draft. The Timberwolves traded an unprotected 2031 first round pick and a lightly protected 2030 swap to acquire Robert Dillingham at eighth overall.
One of the biggest surprises of the draft came when Zach Edey was selected ninth by the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite being projected as a late first-round prospect, Edey's strong performance in the NCAA Tournament gave him momentum heading into the draft combine. However, most mock drafts did not have him projected as a Top-10 pick due to his need to refine and quicken his footwork and improve his offensive game in the NBA.
Another surprise came when Carlton 'Bub' Carrington was picked 14th by the Washington Wizards (via Portland). As a late bloomer, he was one of the youngest draft-eligible prospects and wasn't on the NBA draft radar coming out of his freshman year at Pittsburgh. He plays point guard and flashes tremendous vision but will need to continue to figure out how to use his added size.
AJ Johnson, who played only 7.7 minutes per game in Australia's NBL last year, was selected 23rd by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks needed to add pieces to capitalize on their win-now window with Damian Lillard turning 34 in July.
The draft also saw several other notable picks, including Kyle Filipowski of Duke and Tyler Kolek of Marquette being selected later in the draft despite being projected as possible first-round picks earlier. The second round resumes on Thursday at 4 p.m. ET.
