2024 NBA Draft Dalton Knecht Lakers Kyle Filipowski Victor Wembanyama

2024 NBA Draft features French talent, UConn stars, and surprises. Historic picks, intriguing selections, and unexpected falls highlight opening round.

The 2024 NBA Draft was anticipated to lack top-tier talent, but it still managed to provide excitement in its opening round at Barclays Center. Players from powerhouse college basketball programs like the UConn Huskies found themselves in intriguing, and sometimes puzzling, destinations on Wednesday night. Additionally, a surge of French prospects were selected at a historic rate, with three of them landing in the top 10 picks.

France made history by becoming the first country, other than the U.S., to produce three top-10 picks in a single NBA Draft. Players like Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, and Tidjane Salaun showcased their skills and potential as they were selected early in the draft. Risacher, a lanky wing, has the tools to become a versatile defender, while Sarr, a 7-footer, impressed evaluators despite not working out for Atlanta.

The Knicks also joined the French-focused draft by selecting guard Pacôme Dadiet with the 25th pick, bringing the total number of French players in the first round to four. The draft was not just about French prospects, as UConn's Stephon Castle was picked fourth overall by the San Antonio Spurs. Castle's defensive prowess and playmaking abilities make him an ideal complement to Victor Wembanyama, the reigning Rookie of the Year.

A surprising move came from the Minnesota Timberwolves, who traded for the eighth pick to draft Rob Dillingham from Kentucky, adding scoring depth to their roster. The Portland Trail Blazers raised eyebrows by selecting UConn's Donovan Clingan at No. 7, despite already having established centers on their team. Clingan's defensive presence and scoring ability make him a valuable addition to the team.

Zach Edey, the dominant center from Purdue, was selected ninth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, despite concerns about his speed and shooting range. Edey's impressive college stats and pairing with Jaren Jackson Jr. should help him transition to the NBA. Another standout player, Dalton Knecht from Tennessee, fell to the Lakers at No. 17, providing a boost to their offense alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The draft also saw surprises with teams passing on Duke's Kyle Filipowski, a versatile big man with scoring ability. His slip in the draft was unexpected, considering his size and offensive skills. Despite concerns about his physicality, Filipowski's potential remains high as he looks to make an impact in the NBA. The 2024 NBA Draft may have lacked top-tier talent, but it certainly delivered excitement and surprises in its opening round.