2024 NBA Draft: Drama intensifies as late contender emerges in race for Atlanta Hawks’ No. 1 pick

We’ve entered smokescreen season with the NBA Draft only a week away, but a crosshairs are emerging for the No. 1 pick. And as has been the case many times in recent years, there is one final twist as we enter the home stretch.

For weeks, it seemed like Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher were battling to be taken by the Atlanta Hawks at the top spot. However, 7-footer Donovan Clingan could force his way into the discussion to make it a three-way race. ESPN reported Wednesday that Clingan appears to be Risacher’s main rival at the No. 1 spot, citing his strong coaching with the Hawks. The franchise has not yet been able to bring in Sarr for a private evaluation. Risacher remains the favorite at No. 1 – as has been the case for over a week after edging out Sarr in my last mock – but that decision is far from a done deal for Atlanta.

There also remains the possibility that Atlanta trades lower for additional net assets, which would add an interesting wrinkle.

For now, it’s safe to say that three options are most likely to be named No. 1 on draft night by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. I’ve listed them below from most likely to least. (Betting odds are based on current DraftKings lines and are subject to change.)

1. Zacharie Risacher

• #1 Pick Odds: +150
• The case: Risacher shot 35.2% from 3-point range this season with JL Bourg in Pro A competition. He ranked in the 92nd percentile in transition and the 81st percentile in catch-and-shoot situations, according to Synergy data . This is a development prospect, but the framework and production profile are attractive and safe in a project that has many unknowns.

Risacher appears to be in control of the top spot if Atlanta chooses to stay at the top of the standings. The team’s decision-makers did their due diligence on the French striker and even made the trip overseas to observe him up close as he ended his season with JL Bourg on a high note this month -this. His combination of size, defensive versatility and an improved jumper makes him an easy fit at the NBA level, although his ceiling remains up for debate.

2. Donovan Clingán

• #1 Pick Odds: +500
• The case: It’s simple: Clingan might be the best big – and best overall player – in the class. His 14.4 percent block rate as a freshman would have been the best in college hoops if he had qualified with enough games. He is coming off a dominant sophomore campaign in which he served as a destructive interior force for the title-winning Huskies, consistently shutting down opposing attacks with blocks, deflections and his presence.

If Clingan doesn’t become No. 1, he could fall out of the top three. Washington is likely to select Risacher or Sarr at No. 2 and Houston is considering Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard at No. 3. Clingan, however, has real reasons to be the No. 1 pick. We’ve been emphasizing this since the Final Four, due to his dominant defensive skills and his potential to become a more dynamic offensive weapon. He has an incredibly high floor as a future defensive anchor and starting center.

3. Alex Sarr

• #1 Pick Odds: -130
• The case: Sarr has a frame, moves like a gazelle, covers a ton of ground on defense and has guard skills on the perimeter. The risk of Sarr blowing up might be higher than Risacher and Clingan, but the chance of him blowing up could propel him into All-Star contention if things go well for him.

Sarr remains the betting favorite, but I would handicap him as third most likely to become #1. That could change in the coming week — again, ’tis smokescreen season — but he’ll be mocked as No. 2 in Washington. in my Friday screenings, unless something changes. He’s trained for Washington, but not yet for Atlanta. Based on rumors around the league, the Wizards have been in love with Sarr and Risacher since the lottery.