Zaccharie Risacher remains the favorite to be selected No. 1 ahead of tonight’s first round

The day finally arrived.

The 2024 NBA Draft begins tonight and it will be one of the biggest days of the NBA offseason. While this draft may not have the type of superstar talent like Victor Wembanyama, there could be a lot of moves and trades tonight that could shape some teams’ rosters heading into next season.

The draft will begin tonight with the Atlanta Hawks picked first and one of the big mysteries surrounding this draft is what the Hawks will do. This week, all signs point to the Hawks taking French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick, but there’s still a feeling he might not be a lock. The Hawks have been heavily linked to UConn center Donovan Clingan and even though French big Alex Sarr hasn’t practiced for the Hawks, Atlanta could view him as the better player and take him anyway. The possibility of a trade down is also being considered, with the Spurs being the team most linked to the No. 1 pick.

But there are intrigues elsewhere. Will the Rockets trade the No. 3 pick? Could the Blazers, Grizzlies or Thunder plan to move up? Do the Lakers and 76ers keep their picks? Are there going to be blockbuster trades tonight? What are the chances that Bronny James will be selected tonight and not advance to the 2nd round?

So many questions that we will answer this evening.

As of this morning, Risacher is the favorite on Caesars Sportsbook:

1. Zaccharie Risacher: -400

2. Donovan Clingan: +225

3. Alex Sarr: +750

4. Stephon Castle: +1500

5. Reed Sheppard: +3000

Will Risacher actually be the pick and part of the Hawks’ core for the future? This from our own Rohan Raman:

“On Monday, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony visited the Lowe Post and spoke with NBA insider Zach Lowe about who the Hawks would select. He had this to say:

“Could the Hawks surprise us? They hint that Alex Sarr is still heavily considered there, even though they haven’t had him participate in a workout. The Hawks could do it all, and in different ways, like with Trey Young, with Dejante Murray, with Capella, with their whole team. But I think if something other than Zaccharie Risacher happened, I think it would be a big surprise for the NBA.

Givony also gave some insight into why the Hawks weren’t able to bring Sarr in for a practice session. This is similar to what he said when speaking to Brian Windhorst on the Hoop Collective.

“It just seems like he looks at the Washington situation with their centers being Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley III. And the four is Kuzma, who can also switch to the three. And so I think he looks at that depth chart and thinks there’s more opportunity for him, I don’t think it’s anything against the Hawks, but the Hawks have some things to work out with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. And so I think it’s a little less dramatic in Washington and the opportunity is cleaner for him.”

Risacher being the first overall pick is something Givony has always stated. His mock draft reflects that and it only serves as further reiteration. It’s also worth noting that Risacher has now become the favorite to be selected first, usurping Clingan in that spot.

There are plenty of signs that Risacher is an Atlanta Hawk at No. 1 overall, but nothing is absolute until draft night. Hawks fans should remember the 2022 draft, where Jabari Smith was mocked by the Magic for weeks until Paolo Banchero became the favorite ten minutes before the draft.

Buckle up for a wild evening through the NBA.

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