Now that the Lottery and Draft Combine have taken place, experts can adjust their predictions for the Draft. To this, we must add the feedback from the first “workouts” but also the impact of the playoff meetings for the players in Europe. This is clearly the case for the best French people, and more particularly Zacharie Risacher And Tidjane Salaun, engaged in the playoffs with Bourg-en-Bresse and Cholet. The first made an impression with 28 points against Nanterre, and he consolidated his place as number 2 in the ESPN Mock Draftbehind his compatriot Alexander Sarr, promised to the Hawks in 1st place. While his team challenges Monaco in the semi-final, Risacher could seduce the Wizards, even if his profile is reminiscent of that of Deni Avdija.
As for Salaün, he moved from 14th to 8th place. Eliminated from the playoffs after Cholet's defeat against Paris Basketball, he clearly increased his rating with his 19 points in the first round. Remember that 8th place is held by Spurs where Victor Wembanyama plays, and the two French people share the same agency, the inevitable Comsport of Bouna NDiaye and Jérémy Medjana.
What will Gregg Popovich do with his 4th pick?
As a 3rd pick, which the Rockets could give up in a trade, ESPN is currently betting on Reed Sheppard whose versatility in the back positions, and especially his shooting skills, make him a darling of NBA scouts. Just behind him, in 4th place, his teammate at Kentucky, Rob Dillingham. He's a real playmaker, and as this is the priority of the summer for the Spurs, we will see if Gregg Popovich opts for a rookie, or if he uses this 4th choice to recover in a trade a very good playmaker already established in the NBA.
This summer, the Pistons especially need one or more veterans to raise their heads, but with their 5th choice, ESPN would see them selecting Matas Buzelis who has a winger profile that the franchise does not have in its squad. Regularly compared to Franz Wagner, the Lithuanian could be the link between Cade Cunningham and the interior sector.
Bronny James to Boston?
In 6th place, the Hornets have an absolute need for a pivot, and as Alexandre Sarr will no longer be available, the most obvious choice is Donovan Clingan, two-time NCAA champion with Connecticut. From 7th to 10th place, the leader Nikola Topic (Blazers), Tidjane Salaun (Spurs), winger Dalton Knecht (Grizzlies), and finally Stephon Castle (Jazz). Clingan's teammate at UConn, the latter would be very popular with the Spurs to lead the game.
For the rest, we note that Zach Edey is expected in 14th place on the Portland side. That’s a small place gained in 15 days. The Draft Combine allowed him to answer potential questions from recruiters, and he could become Deandre Ayton’s understudy. Among the other French people registered, Pacome Dadiet appears in 43rd position on the Miami side, while Melvin Ajinca could join the Lakers in 48th place.
Finally, the media hype around Bronny James bears fruit since it appears in 54th place, and it would be on the Celtics side. Interesting if it becomes reality.
