The NBA draft is just four months away and while there is still a lot of basketball left to be played, we're getting a better idea of which players could be high lottery picks. The consensus thus far is that the 2024 NBA Draft isn't nearly as good as the previous year's draft class but there is always talent in each draft class. The Athletic recently released their latest mock draft and there are a few surprises. Let's take a look.
1st Pick: Detroit Pistons-Zaccharie Risasher.
The struggling Detroit Pistons are on pace to finish with the worst record in the NBA for the second straight year, but, unlike last year, they could end up with the number one pick in the 2024 draft. Although the 2024 draft isn't as highly regarded as last year's draft, the Pistons could still use an infusion of young talent, and the Athletic have them taking French Sharp shooting forward Zachary Risasher.
Risasher will barely be 19 years old by draft night and is also considered to be the best shooter. The Pistons currently rank 29th in 3-point attempts and 21st in 3-point percentage, proving that they could use more shooting. Especially after trading Bojan Bogdanovic. Drafting for need is risky at the top of the draft, but his projected fit is better than other potential top-5 picks.
While Risasher's age and size at 6'9 combined with his shooting ability have allowed him to separate himself from the pack, there is a question about how high his ceiling is and whether he has star potential. The Pistons can only draft the best player available, however, and he may be it.