The world stage: International prospects to watch ahead of 2024 NBA Draft

NBA franchises look everywhere for talent these days, which includes scouting players around the globe in advance of the NBA Draft. As NBA front offices globe-trot in order to find quality prospects, we’ll help fans get familiarized with players born outside of the United States who may become household names in the near future.

This might be the second consecutive NBA Draft that features a French player taken with the first overall pick. Risacher is in the mix for that honor, as ESPN writes that he has deep range and dynamic shot-making prowess running off screens.

Risacher believes that his croissant is buttered as a shooter, and is eager to help an NBA team in whatever way possible. He told ESPN, “Whatever you ask me to do, I will do and do it well.” Risacher’s play with French club JL Bourg has caught NBA executives’ eyes, as Yahoo Sports reports that Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. paid a visit to France to watch him.

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Risacher’s countryman is also in the discussion for a top pick. FIBA Basketball’s website wrote about the “rapid rise of the French wonderkid.” NBA Big Board scouting director Rafael Barlowe has high expectations for Alexandre Sarr. “I see Sarr as an all-NBA caliber defender and borderline All-Star, as he is a switchy defender who can guard all over the floor.”

His father was a professional basketball player, and his brother Olivier has played sporadically in the NBA. Alexandre Sarr has been exposed to different competition across the globe, as he’s played in games consistently across three continents in five years.

CBS Sports believes that Topic could be selected as high as the second overall pick, as they believe that the point guard has the instincts to help create an offense that will prioritize ball movement. At 6’6”, Topic should be able to see over shorter players and survey the floor.

Fortunately for Topic, he is getting healthy at the right time. He was dealing with a knee injury, but Basket News reported that he has recovered. With that said, fans won’t see Topic participate in the NBA Draft combine, as he has an exception to see his local club’s season through.

The run of French prospects continues with Salaun, who is a strong candidate to be selected at some point in the lottery. Sports Illustrated compliments his ability to play well in the mid-range, and his emerging skills as a creator. They also write that his shot selection at the NBA level will need to improve.

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Dadiet is going to be a developmental selection for an NBA team. He has prototypical size at 6’8” and 210 pounds. He is a solid standstill perimeter shooter, but Sports Illustrated feels like he can be more aggressive. Dadiet brings a physical aspect to playing defense but could also improve his discipline on that side of the floor.

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The Athletic wrote in April 2023 that Klintman could be the NBA Draft’s mystery man. He stayed an extra year overseas to hone his game, and appears ready to test the NBA waters in 2024. Klintman left Wake Forest after his freshman season to play professionally in Australia. He told ESPN, “I hope that NBA teams that watched me saw I wasn’t afraid to take on a challenge.”

Edey’s stock soared during the NCAA tournament, as he led Purdue University all the way to the title game. Fox Sports wrote about how much momentum his March Madness play has given him, but still has questions about his ability to contribute at the next level. The Indianapolis Star pointed out that the center only attempted two three pointers in his entire college career.

NBA Draft Net believes that Dante has the potential to be an inside-outside offensive threat, which is something most teams look for in this era. Sports Illustrated wrote in March that Dante was using money he earned through NIL to build homes in Mali, which is a gratuitous gesture from the frontcourt player.

Da Silva has Brazilian heritage, but was born in Munich. In his four years with the University of Colorado, he averaged 11.7 points per game while shooting nearly 39% from three point range. Last Word on Sports wrote that he has a wide range of moves that help him finish at the rim, and takes contact on drives well.

Missi was born in Belgium, but was raised in Cameroon. CBS Sports believes that he can operate as an effective shot-blocker and rim runner in the NBA, but doesn’t have much of an offensive game outside of the paint. Missi could get snatched up in the late stages of the lottery.

Sports Illustrated openly wondered whether Ajinca might get selected in the first round. They talked about his high motor, which allows him to remain relevant on the boards and as a defender. His offensive game has been a bit stagnant with Saint-Quentin this season, but they believe he could carve out a role in the NBA as a hustle player.

Fans might wonder why Matas Buzelis wasn’t featured higher in this piece, but the Lithuanian-American was actually born in Chicago.

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