Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr and Victor Wembanyama (Image Source: Getty Images)
The 2024 NBA Draft has finally tipped off at Barclays Center. Despite having a draft class that was not spectacular, there was no shortage of hype, and Victor Wembanyama did not feel any different either.
To start the night, the Hawks drafted Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher at No.1, as projected. At number 2, the Wizards picked another French youngster, Alex Sarr. To cap off, Tidjane Salaun went to the Hornets at 6, making it three French-born players within the top 10 picks.
Being a proud French, last year’s top draft pick and the reigning ROTY, Victor Wembanyama, took social media and shared a message about French dominance. He wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “C’est la France frère”, which translates to “It’s France Brother.”
After impressing on the French basketball circuit, Wemby came into the league as a hot prospect.
Unfazed by the scrutiny, Victor Wembanyama easily handled the weight of expectations and recorded an unprecedented debut season in the NBA.
In his rookie season, Wembanyama not only took the ROTY home, but he was also selected to the All-Defensive first team and All-Rookie first team and led the league in blocks.
With the influx of French talent into the league, Wembanyama certainly couldn’t wait to face his native brothers on the court, but he’ll have some backup as the Spurs also added to their roster during the draft.
Victor Wembanyama Gets Stephon Castle for Backup
After the French duo of Risacher and Sarr dominated, it was time for Spurs to select their 4th overall pick.
Going into the draft, the Spurs needed a point guard, and they got themselves on with Stephon Castle.
The 6’6″ guard checks the boxes for the San Antonio team, as the franchise aims to build a roster around Victor Wembanyama.
The former UConn player can be a two-way threat and, despite being a guard, excels at defensive duties.
Last season, he averaged 11.1 points from 47.2% shooting, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
But his 3-point shooting of 27% raises questions about his effectiveness as a PG.
Surely Gregg Popovich will know how to fix that issue and groom the 19-year-old to be a capable player in the supporting cast.
