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The 2024 NBA Draft is almost upon us and there is a huge decision for the top teams as to who they’re going to pick, with two international players at the top of the list.
The Atlanta Hawks are the team with the number one pick advantage over the rest of the league, but with no real stand-out option like Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 draft this time around there is real value in making the right decision.
We’ll take a look at the top options that are expected to go early in the draft and break down their pros and cons, as we provide you with our best free NBA betting picks to try and earn you some extra cash.
| NBA Draft 2024 |  |  |  |
| Alexandre Sarr | -215 | -300 | -250 |
| Zaccharie Risacher | +250 | +250 | +250 |
| Donovan Clingan | +800 | +900 | +900 |
| Nikola Topic | +3300 | +2500 | +2500 |
| Reed Sheppard | +3300 | +2500 | +2500 |
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NBA Draft 2024 information
- Wednesday June 26th – Thursday June 27th 2024
- Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York (First Round)
- ESPN Seaport District Studios, Manhattan, New York (Second Round)
- Atlanta Hawks have first pick
NBA Draft 2024 No.1 Pick Favorites
Below you’ll find a list of the favorites to be the number one overall draft pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
Alexandre Sarr – (-215)
After Victor Wembanyama claimed the No.1 draft pick spot in 2023 from France, all eyes are on Europe once again as Alexandre Sarr looks set to be the top dog in 2024.
Standing at 7-foot-1, the center is viewed as being the most complete pick in a relatively weak class this year, having shone while playing in the Australian National Basketball League for the Perth Wildcats this year.
There he averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks despite only playing 17 minutes and dealing with a hip injury, showing that with a full season, he may well have really taken the first draft spot without competition.
The Hawks have seriously lacked a true rim protector and anchor for their poor defense in recent times and Sarr would undoubtedly provide that, with some fantastic explosiveness and real athleticism for a man of his size. His attributes and style have seen him compared to Jaren Jackson Jr, who claimed the Defensive Player of the Year award for the NBA in 2023.
Sarr is a fantastic defender who can switch, which is huge in today’s NBA, and he fits the bill for what Atlanta needs in their roster at this stage. Sarr only turned 19 in April, and still weighs in at around 225-pounds which would have him on the lighter side for a center. However, he is showing signs of bulking up and has plenty of time to keep developing.
Offensively he still has gaps to work on in his game, but alongside Trae Young and Dejounte Murray he could work really well. Both of those players are the subject of trade rumors currently however, which could put paid to that plan.
Ultimately he’s the best bet to be the No.1 pick because the class is so weak, but his hip injury may see Atlanta look elsewhere to avoid any future injuries.
His offensive game needs some work, but it would be interesting to see how he would work with the Atlanta guard combo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, who are both the subject of trade rumors right now.
Check out our review for BetOnline sports betting here.
Zaccharie Rissacher – (+250)
Yet another Frenchman is Sarr’s biggest competition for the No.1 draft pick spot, as Zaccharie Rissacher‘s arguably more complete play style could attract the attention of the Hawks.
Rissacher is a 6-foot-10 long small forward, who has also earned praise for his fantastic shooting potential and his ability to switch on defense to help the team.
Much like Sarr, Risacher played professionally last season which impacted his ability to put up big numbers. Yet, he was still able to average 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 22 minutes while being named the Best Young Player in France’s top men’s professional division – the LNB Élite.
But while the consensus around Sarr is that he’s a top draft pick and ticks most boxes for the Hawks, experts aren’t so convinced by the 19-year-old as he is a bit more hot and cold with his form and his attributes. Some people have compared him to Michael Porter Jr. for his size and scoring upside.
Rissacher is capable of playing either small or power forward, and his offensive game is ahead of Sarr’s right now. Many believe that Atlanta’s biggest need is a wing player over a dominant center, and that would see Risacher fit the bill more than his compatriot.
Risacher shot 38% from beyond the arch this season, and played well for JL Bourg in the playoffs. He is definitely an intriguing pick for the top overall spot, and at +250 odds there is solid value in picking him over Sarr. At 210-pounds there is still room for him to develop even more, but it comes down to what Landry Fields sees as the biggest coup for the team’s needs.
Check out our review for Bovada sports betting here.
Donovan Clingan – (+900)
UConn’s Donovan Clingan has been a household name for a while now after helping the Huskies win back-to-back March Madness titles, and he comes into the draft as the NCAA player with the shortest price.
The 7-foot-2, 280-pound center has earned the nickname “Cling Kong” for his intimidating size and shot-blocking prowess, and his performances have earned rave reviews.
After averaging 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1.5 assists last season, Clingan saw his draft stock rise throughout the NCAA Tournament.
There is no doubting that Sarr and Risacher are more athletic players than Clingan, but there is something about the 20-year-old that suggests he may have staying power in an NBA starting five even without becoming an All-Star level performer.
The Hawks also already have a center in Clint Capela, although he just turned 30 and has a year left on his contract, and with Sarr playing the same position he’s the more obvious pick. But don’t rule out the Hawks going left-field and going for a homegrown option at No.1 with Clingan.
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