As the NBA draft approaches, France is poised to replicate Canada’s historic feat of back-to-back top picks outside the United States. According to leading American media forecasts, this outcome seems increasingly likely.
Zaccharie Risacher, the Next in Line? Following Victor Wembanyama’s success, Zaccharie Risacher stands out as the frontrunner. The son of Stéphane Risacher, he is expected to be chosen first by the Atlanta Hawks after an impressive season with JL Bourg. This scenario is favored by ESPN, The Athletic, The Ringer, Bleacher Report, and CBS Sports, among others. Even insider Adrian Wojnarowski suggests that trade talks are unlikely to alter this trajectory, despite interest from the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans.
Alexandre Sarr, a Strong Contender at Number Two The spotlight also shines on Alexandre Sarr, who has reportedly been secured by the Washington Wizards. Playing for the Perth Wildcats in Australia this season, Sarr is seen as one of the draft’s untapped talents and could pair effectively with Bilal Coulibaly in Washington.
Tidjane Salaün Eyeing Top 10? France may see a historic three players in the top 10, including Tidjane Salaün. While his draft position remains uncertain, ESPN and Yahoo Sports project him going 8th to the San Antonio Spurs, forming a formidable duo with Victor Wembanyama. Alternatively, The Athletic suggests he might land in Memphis at 9th, or possibly at Oklahoma City with the 12th pick according to Bleacher Report. Failing those, Portland holds the 14th pick.
Other French Prospects to Watch Among the seven French players in contention, Pacôme Dadiet (Ulm) stands out with workouts for several NBA teams, possibly landing between the late first and early second rounds. Melvin Ajinça (Saint-Quentin) is expected to be drafted in the second round despite a slight dip in ratings recently. Armel Traoré and Mohamed Diarra, although less prominent in mock drafts, could still surprise as the draft unfolds.
Answers will come during the first round on the night of Wednesday, June 26 to Thursday, June 27 at 2:30 a.m. French time, broadcast live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on BeIN Sports 1. The second round follows on the night of Thursday, June 27 to Friday, June 28 starting at 10 p.m. French time.
All Draft Projections:
- ESPN Mock Draft (06/25): 1 – Zaccharie Risacher / 2 – Alexandre Sarr / 8 – Tidjane Salaün / 32 – Pacôme Dadiet / 47 – Melvin Ajinça
- Mock Draft The Athletic (06/25): 1 – Zaccharie Risacher / 2 – Alexandre Sarr / 9 – Tidjane Salaün / 32 – Pacôme Dadiet / 48 – Melvin Ajinça
- Mock Draft The Ringer (06/17): 1 – Zaccharie Risacher / 2 – Alexandre Sarr / 14 – Tidjane Salaün / 37 – Pacôme Dadiet / 48 – Melvin Ajinça
- Mock Draft Bleacher Report (06/19): 1 – Zaccharie Risacher / 2 – Alexandre Sarr / 12 – Tidjane Salaün / 29 – Pacôme Dadiet / 44 – Melvin Ajinça
- CBS Sports Mock Draft (06/25): 1 – Zaccharie Risacher / 2 – Alexandre Sarr / 8 or 14 – Tidjane Salaün / 36 – Pacôme Dadiet / 52 – Melvin Ajinça
- Mock Draft Yahoo Sports (06/24): 1 – Zaccharie Risacher / 2 – Alexandre Sarr / 8 – Tidjane Salaün / 32 – Pacôme Dadiet / 58 – Melvin Ajinça
- NBADraft.net Mock Draft (06/26): 1 – Zaccharie Risacher / 2 – Alexandre Sarr / 9 – Tidjane Salaün / 26 – Pacôme Dadiet / 48 – Melvin Ajinça / 58 – Armel Traoré
- Mock Draft USA Today (06/21): 1 – Zaccharie Risacher / 2 – Alexandre Sarr / 8 – Tidjane Salaün / 32 – Pacôme Dadiet / 50 – Melvin Ajinça
- Mock Draft Net Scouts Basketball (06/24): 1 – Alexandre Sarr / 2 – Zaccharie Risacher / 8 – Tidjane Salaün / 35 – Pacôme Dadiet / 39 – Melvin Ajinça
- SB Nation Mock Draft (06/18): 2 – Alexandre Sarr / 4 – Zaccharie Risacher / 10 – Tidjane Salaün / 28 – Pacôme Dadiet