2024 NBA draft Live grades first-round pick

NBA Draft night kicks off with top prospects like Risacher, Sarr, and Sheppard making waves. Find out which teams landed big picks!

The highly anticipated 2024 NBA Draft is finally here, with the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York set to host a night of excitement and anticipation as prospects look to embark on the next chapter of their basketball careers. Unlike previous drafts where a clear-cut favorite emerged for the top pick, this year's draft is wide open with a number of talented prospects vying for the coveted spot.

Players like Zaccharie Risacher, Alexander Sarr, Reed Sheppard, and many more are all in the running for the top pick, promising to shake up the draft order and provide plenty of surprises along the way. The Atlanta Hawks, who defied the odds with just a 3% chance of winning the draft lottery, hold the key to the first round.

Join us as we dissect each pick and evaluate teams on their selections, offering insights into the potential impact these players could have on their respective franchises.

Risacher may not be the most polished prospect in this draft, but his combination of size, shooting ability, ball handling skills, and defensive versatility make him an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling. While he will need to work on his strength and scoring inside, his potential to add to the Hawks' three-point shooting prowess alongside Trae Young and Dejounte Murray earns him a solid grade of B+.

Moving on to the Washington Wizards, who selected Alex Sarr from the Perth Wildcats in Australia. Sarr's impressive wingspan, size, and defensive prowess make him a valuable addition to a team in need of defensive reinforcements. While he may need to refine his offensive game, particularly as a shooter and finisher, his impact on the Wizards' scoring defense is undeniable, earning him a grade of A-.

The Houston Rockets, via a trade with Brooklyn, chose Reed Sheppard from Kentucky, adding a sharpshooting guard with playmaking skills to their roster. Sheppard's ability to improve Houston's three-point shooting and assist numbers makes him a valuable asset, despite concerns about his size. With a grade of B, Sheppard is poised to make an immediate impact in the Rockets' backcourt rotation.

Stephon Castle, selected by the San Antonio Spurs from UConn, brings a well-rounded skill set to the team, with his size, defensive prowess, and playmaking abilities standing out. Castle's readiness to contribute on both ends of the court makes him an ideal fit for a team looking to compete immediately, earning him a grade of A.

The Detroit Pistons added Ron Holland from the G League Ignite, a versatile wing with athleticism and defensive capabilities. While Holland needs to work on his shooting and one-on-one defense, his potential to form a solid core alongside Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey earns him a grade of B+.

Tidjane Salaun, selected by the Charlotte Hornets from Cholet in France, is a raw prospect with immense potential as a defender. Salaun's size, wingspan, and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect, despite needing time to develop. With a grade of B, Salaun represents a high-ceiling pick for the Hornets, who can afford to be patient with his growth.

Donovan Clingan, chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers from UConn, brings a dominant presence in the paint with his size and shot-blocking abilities. While Clingan may struggle with perimeter defense and free throw shooting, his impact on the Trail Blazers' interior defense and pick-and-roll game with Anfernee Simons earns him a grade of A-.

Rob Dillingham, the second Kentucky guard selected in the draft, joins the Minnesota Timberwolves, adding dynamic shooting and playmaking skills to the team. While Dillingham's size may raise concerns, his fit with one of the league's best defensive teams and his shooting prowess make him a valuable addition, earning him a grade of B.

Zach Edey, a towering center from Purdue, heads to the Memphis Grizzlies, bringing size and shot-blocking prowess to a team in need of interior defense. While Edey's presence in the paint will bolster the Grizzlies' defense, concerns about his perimeter defense and fit with the team's wing players raise questions, resulting in a grade of C.

Cody Williams, selected by the Utah Jazz from Colorado, offers impressive defensive potential with his length and defensive instincts. While Williams may need to bulk up and refine his shooting, his potential to develop into a key contributor for the Jazz earns him a grade of B-.

Matas Buzelis, drafted by the Chicago Bulls from the G League Ignite, provides size, passing skills, and defensive abilities to the team. Buzelis' value as a versatile wing player and his fit with the Bulls' perimeter defense make him a valuable addition, earning him a grade of B+.

Nikola Topic, a talented point guard from KK Crvena Zvezda, joins the Oklahoma City Thunder, bringing playmaking and scoring abilities to the team. While Topic may need to work on his defense and shooting, his potential as a floor general and his fit with the Thunder's young core earn him a grade of A-.

Devin Carter, a dynamic guard from Providence, lands with the Sacramento Kings, adding defensive versatility and offensive firepower to the team. Carter's length and scoring ability make him a valuable addition to the Kings' backcourt alongside De'Aaron Fox, earning him a grade of A.

Finally, Carlton "Bub" Carrington, a sharpshooting guard from Pittsburgh, is selected by the Washington Wizards via a trade with Portland. Carrington's scoring prowess and playmaking skills make him a valuable asset, despite needing to improve his overall game and physicality.