The race for the No. 1 overall pick is wide open because there isn’t really an individual prospect that the consensus agrees on is the number one pick.
If you were to talk to ten scouts and ask them for their opinion on the best draft pick, you’d probably get a different answer just about every time.
A few international prospects have emerged as potential number one picks. Guys like Alexandre Sarr, Nikola Topic and Zaccharie Risacher are potential top picks for the 2024 NBA Draft.
Let’s dive into their games and why they should be selected so high in the draft:
Alexandre Sarr | Perth Wildcats
Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Sarr is a 7-foot-1 big man who stole the show and the global draft during his exhibition games against G League Ignite. The talented big man originally played for Overtime Elite before choosing to transition to the NBL and the move has done him wonders as he is considered by most scouts to be the top international prospect.
Sarr specializes as a defensive prospect because he has elite qualities in that regard. He is a high-level rim protector, a versatile defender and quite mobile with the ability to defend in space. Sarr is also extremely skilled on the offensive end as he has shown the ability to put the ball on the floor and perform pull-ups, finish effectively at the rim and is a competent 3-point shooter.
The lean, two-way big man follows in the footsteps of some former top picks in the last three drafts, namely Evan Mobley, Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama. Big guys are evolving before our eyes and Sarr has the potential to be one of the best two-way players in the NBA if he reaches his ceiling.
Nikola Subject | KK Mega Basket
FIBA.com
The subject has been a hot topic within the draft community as of late and is truly considered a top five prospect in the draft, which is truly impressive considering he was relatively unknown as a prospect until ‘in March of this year. The skilled point guard has ridiculous position size as he stands 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, making him the tallest point guard in the entire draft.
The subject has been great for KK Mega Basket this season, leading them to victories as the primary ball handler. The potential number one pick puts a ton of pressure on the rim and is a walking dab of paint. He always seems to find a way to get into the paint with his handling, bursting and changing speeds.
The subject can be finished off effectively with either hand inside the painted area. The 6-foot-6 point guard is an elite playmaker and excellent pick and roll operator. Topic is a very good offensive prospect, which is why he is expected to be drafted so high in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Zacharie Risacher | JL Bourg
When we were very early in the 2024 NBA Draft cycle, Risacher was the consensus top international prospect in the draft, but guys like Sarr and Topic quickly entered the conversation. The 6-foot-10 winger has looked very impressive for JL Bourg this season as he has shown that he is arguably the best 3-and-D prospect in the entire draft.
Risacher can really succeed as he shoots a ridiculous 46.2% from three, which is unique for someone his size. The combination of size and shooting ability is arguably the best in this draft. Although he shoots nearly 50 percent from three, most scouts will say his defense is even more impressive.
He is a versatile, high-level defender who can effectively defend key ball handlers and be the point of attack defender. Risacher can even defend bigger attackers due to his size and length. Although his scoring versatility leaves a lot to be desired, Risacher has a clear role in the NBA due to his size, shooting ability, defensive versatility and passing flashes.
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