Who Will the Atlanta Hawks Select First Overall in 2024 NBA Draft?

As the NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on Alexandre Sarr, the standout French player who currently lights up the court with the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s NBL. Despite what many are calling a lackluster draft class, Sarr stands out as the hefty favorite, sporting impressive -190 odds to be taken as the number one overall pick, likely by the Atlanta Hawks.

Beyond Sarr, the draft possesses less certainty and star power. Donovan Clingan, another prominent name, carries 14 to 1 odds. A product of last year’s NCAA champs, the Connecticut Huskies, Clingan, alongside teammate Stephon Castle, is expected to secure a spot in the top ten picks. However, Clingan isn’t the typical sharpshooter; despite his 45% accuracy from the three-point line, his real value lies in his athleticism and ability to dominate the court as a big man.

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The draft may also see interest in players like Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, though their roles have been less about starting games and more about bringing instant impact off the bench. The latter is surprisingly seen as a potential top-five pick, which might raise eyebrows considering his bench status last season.

This year’s draft lacks the high-profile buzz typically associated with transformative, franchise-altering talent. Season ticket sales are unlikely to spike based on these picks. The true measure of this draft’s success might not be apparent for another five to six years, making it a game of long-term potential rather than immediate impact.

As teams weigh their options, the intrigue lies not in the certainty of finding a superstar but in the strategic decisions that could lead to discovering valuable players later in the rounds. It’s a draft that might not excite at first glance, but could potentially yield significant talent for those with a keen eye for overlooked prospects.