Killian Hayes cut by the Nets, there will be 14 French people on the NBA floors this season, and that equals the record for 2021 and 2023. Except that the French contingent seems denser and more talented, with two first picks in the Draft. This is historic for European basketball.
In line with his very successful rookie season from an individual point of view (21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals), Victor Wembanyama will be the leader of the delegation, and he wants to lead the Spurs to new successes. Second in the race for the title of defender of the year, Wemby is naturally favorite to succeed Rudy Gobert. A selection for the All-Star Game in San Francisco in mid-February is also possible for the native of Chesnay (Yvelines), if he continues to shine and the Spurs progress collectively…
“It’s the same for all my trophies, whether collective or individual”declared the Spurs pivot. “I love them. I really cherish them. But I want all the trophies I receive today to be building blocks to build something great in the future. You know, a brick by itself is not much. You can get a palace when you accumulate them.”
Drafted first overall by the Hawks in June, Zacharie Risacher will be one of the most anticipated newcomers. The son of Stéphane Risacher, silver medalist at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 with 124 selections, wants to chart his own path in a “3&D” profile, focused on 3-point skill and strong defense.
“The Hawks are not expecting me to be the headliner of the franchise right away”he recalls in an interview given to a small panel of French media, including DNA of Sports.
The Wizards play the French card
Second of the 2024 vintage, Alex Sarr will try to give the Wizards some momentum with Bilal Coulibalyauthor of a complete rookie season (8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists). The former Perth interior, second choice in the last Draft, has a card to play in DC's racket and will try to be convincing after a failed Summer League.
After a remarkable first professional season in Cholet, Tidjane Salaün already seems to be unanimous in North Carolina. “He has the eye of the tiger”assures Charles Lee, the Hornets coach. “This kid is fearless and works very hard ». A “fearlessness” which could allow him to quickly find his place in the Hornets.
A vengeful Guerschon Yabusele
Five years after his frustrating stint with the Celtics, Guerschon Yabusele has another opportunity to establish himself in the NBA, and this time, it will be at the Sixers, alongside Joel Embiid and Paul George. The doors of the NBA have opened again for the “Dancing Bear”, resident of Real Madrid for the last three years, thanks in particular to his anthology dunk on LeBron James in the final of the Olympic Games.
“ I wanted a second chance. Few people get a chance in the NBA let alone a second, so when the opportunity presents itself, you don't think twice ».
Nicolas Batum makes the pleasure last
His partner in the French team last summer, Nicolas Batum decided to return to the Clippers, in Los Angeles where his family still lives. The native of Lisieux (Calvados) chose to work again with Tyronn Lue, “who saved [sa] career “for the two additional seasons. The last ones?
Western Conference finalist with the Wolves (beaten 4-1 by the Mavs), Rudy Gobert will remain one of the pillars of the defense of Chris Finch's men. Best defender in the NBA, the Frenchman is coming off a complicated Olympics, and he has become a recurring target for NBA consultants. Karl-Anthony Towns left for the Knicks, he will play with a real power forward at his side (Julius Randle), and he will want to silence more than one!
Candidate for the title with the Knicks, Pâcome Dadiet will try to grab a few minutes in Tom Thibodeau's squad. Just like Sidy Cissoko in San Antonio, while Ousmane Dieng in Oklahoma City and Rayan Rupert in Portland will try to find a real place, over time, in the hierarchy of their team. Finally, Armel Traore And Moussa Diabaté, in “ two-way contract » respectively with the Lakers and the Hornets will try to do well to validate their place in the Great League.
Two-way contract : Designed to create a new bridge between the NBA and the G-League, this type of contract allows each team to secure the services of two or three additional players, to develop them mainly in their affiliated development league franchise but also up to 50 matches in the NBA.
