Admin May 13, 2024
Atlanta Hawks defy slim odds to capture No.1 pick in draft lottery
The Atlanta Hawks have captured the No.1 pick for the 2024 NBA draft after beating improbable odds to win the lottery.
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The 2024 NBA Draft is still over one month away, but the top of the draft order is set after Sunday’s NBA draft lottery.
The Atlanta Hawks, a play-in tournament team this year, won the No. 1 overall pick in the lottery. They’re followed by the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs in the first four picks of the draft.
Early analysis suggests there isn’t much drama surrounding the draft’s top pick, with almost all projections having the Hawks take French center Alexandre Sarr No. 1 overall. However, new mock drafts suggest there isn’t as much of a consensus with the next several picks.
Here’s how the latest mock drafts around the web project this year’s top picks to go after the draft lottery set the early order.
NBA MOCK DRAFT: Atlanta Hawks projected to take Alex Sarr with No. 1 pick
2024 NBA Draft projections
No. 1 overall pick, Atlanta Hawks
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Zillgitt writes: “A strong defender and shot-blocker who plays with force on both ends; has good hands, uses his body well and though he doesn’t have the prettiest shot, he gets it to go in.”
Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer: Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
O’Connor writes: “[W]ill Atlanta use the pick to try to bolster the roster around one or both of its star guards? Or will the Hawks take this opportunity to go full rebuild? Sarr is a choice that could send them in either direction; he’s an excellent defender who brings versatility and could come to life in a two-man game with [Trae] Young or [Dejounte] Murray.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Wasserman writes: “With Clint Capela entering the final year of his deal, there would be a clear pathway to the starting 5 spot for the 7’1″, 19-year-old who blocks shots and switches effortlessly around the perimeter.”
No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (France)
Zillgitt writes: “Has the scoring ability, size, length, quickness and athleticism teams are seeking in today’s NBA. Quick release on catch-and-shoots, is able to create off the dribble and runs the court well.”
Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
O’Connor writes: “While there are no certainties in the draft, let’s lean on the safer side in this mock and select Clingan, who could offer the type of rim protection that Washington has been missing for years.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (France)
Wasserman writes: “The draw to Risacher revolves around his outstanding positional tools/athleticism, shotmaking and defensive court coverage, a combination that suggests Washington would still get a valuable three-and-D wing in a worst-case scenario with no on-ball improvement.”
No. 3 overall pick, Houston Rockets
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Nikola Topić, PG, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
Zillgitt writes: “The Serbian point guard, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, has great size for his position; loves to drive to the rim and can finish with either hand; can shoot the 3 but will need to improve his percentage. Strong passer, not flashy, but sees the court and can make the right pass.”
Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer: Nikola Topić, PG, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
O’Connor writes: “There’d be no pressure for Topic with Fred VanVleet already under contract. He could learn from him while working to improve his jumper and adjusting to NBA physicality.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Reed Sheppard, PG, Kentucky
Wasserman writes: “As a 6’3″ combo, Sheppard would ideally be playing next to a big point guard, and Houston could have one in Amen Thompson, who could also use Sheppard’s floor-spacing shooting next to him on the wing.”
DRAFT LOTTERY: Winners and losers: What Hawks’ win means for top picks, NBA
When is the 2024 NBA Draft?
- Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
- When: June 26-27, 2024
- Cable TV: ESPN; ABC
- Streaming: ESPN+; fuboTV
HOW TO WATCH: Watch the 2024 NBA Draft with a subscription to ESPN+
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