NBA Draft: French Players Taken Early, But No Bronny James In Round 1; ESPN Misidentifies Player

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The French connection dominated the early rounds of the 2024 NBA Draft, as three of the first six picks were Frenchmen.

The European flavor continued throughout, as players from Germany, Belgium and Switzerland were also selected, in addition to other French players.

French star Zaccharie Risacher was the No. 1 pick. The 19-year-old, 6-foot-9 forward was selected by the Atlanta Hawks.

Second was F/C Alex Sarr, a star for the Perth Wildcats in Australia at 7-0, 224. He will light it up for the Washington Wizards. Third was guard Reed Sheppard of Kentucky, a 6-2, 182 shooter.

The big question on the night was whether Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, would be a surprise first-round selection. It was not to be, and now the James family will wait until round 2 on Friday, with the Lakers holding pick 55.

ESPN had an embarrassing moment. The network told viewers they were looking at Dalton Knecht, but it was actually France’s Tidjane Salaün, who was drafted No. 6 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday. Knecht is the Lakers selection.