2024 NBA Draft Recap: A Breakdown of the First Round Selection Process

The 2024 NBA Draft, held on June 26–27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, saw the Atlanta Hawks select Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick. Following a draft class often criticized for its lack of a clear-cut superstar, the first round largely mirrored expert projections, with teams prioritizing positional needs and international talent over high-upside gambles. The draft order was determined by the final 2023-24 NBA regular season standings and the subsequent draft lottery held in May.

Who Were the Top Picks in the 2024 NBA Draft?

Zaccharie Risacher, a 19-year-old wing from France, went first overall to the Atlanta Hawks, according to official NBA draft results. He was followed by Alex Sarr, another French prospect, who was selected second by the Washington Wizards. The Houston Rockets rounded out the top three by drafting Reed Sheppard, a standout guard from the University of Kentucky.

The top 10 selections were characterized by a mix of collegiate production and international potential:

• 1. Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher (JL Bourg)
• 2. Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr (Perth Wildcats)
• 3. Houston Rockets: Reed Sheppard (Kentucky)
• 4. San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle (UConn)
• 5. Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland II (G League Ignite)
• 6. Charlotte Hornets: Tidjane Salaün (Cholet Basket)
• 7. Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan (UConn)
• 8. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rob Dillingham (Kentucky)
• 9. Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Edey (Purdue)
• 10. Utah Jazz: Cody Williams (Colorado)

How Did Mock Drafts Compare to Reality?

While mock drafts from major outlets like Bleacher Report and ESPN correctly identified the pool of lottery-bound talent, the specific order saw significant movement on draft night. According to ESPN’s draft tracker, trades played a major role in the final composition of the first round. The Minnesota Timberwolves, for instance, acquired the rights to Rob Dillingham from the San Antonio Spurs in a high-profile trade involving future draft capital.

Discrepancies between public mock drafts and the final results often stemmed from teams valuing specific team-fit needs over consensus “best player available” rankings. For example, Zach Edey’s selection at number nine by the Memphis Grizzlies occurred earlier than many analysts predicted, as teams sought immediate size and interior presence.

What Impact Do These Selections Have on the League?

The 2024 class is notable for its heavy international representation, with four of the first six picks originating from outside the United States. This trend highlights the increasing global scouting reach of NBA front offices. According to The Athletic, teams are shifting their focus toward prospects who have already competed in professional environments, such as the French LNB Pro A or the NBL in Australia.

The selection of two UConn national champions—Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan—within the top seven picks underscores the continued premium placed on players with championship-level collegiate experience. This contrasts with the 2023 draft, where individual high-school-to-pro prospects like Victor Wembanyama dominated the narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the 2024 NBA Draft held over two days?

The NBA expanded the draft to a two-day format for the first time in 2024. The first round took place on Wednesday, June 26, and the second round followed on Thursday, June 27. The league stated this change was intended to give teams more time to evaluate trades and develop strategies between rounds.

Which college produced the most first-round picks?

The University of Connecticut (UConn) led all programs with two players selected in the top 10. The University of Kentucky also saw multiple players drafted in the first round, maintaining its reputation as a primary pipeline for NBA talent.

How are draft positions decided?

Draft positions for non-playoff teams are determined by a weighted lottery system, which gives the teams with the worst records the highest statistical probability of landing the top picks. Playoff teams are slotted based on their inverse record, with the NBA champion receiving the 30th and final pick of the first round.