In the final days before the NBA Draft, most teams, especially those picking in the lottery, are rumored to be examining several different options. No different for the San Antonio Spurs, who hold the fourth and eighth picks this week. Reports indicate that the Black and Silver have a strong interest in forward Zaccharie Risacher. Perhaps related, rumblings have suggested that the Spurs may be considering trading for the top overall pick. Risacher isn't the only player from France whom the Black and Silver are said to have eyes on.
The French connection
Risacher played with generational talent Victor Wembanyama for the French professional club ASVEL in 2021-22. A team official there described the two as extremely close at the time, which doesn't surprise considering their similar ages. As fate might have it, Spurs legend and fellow Frenchman Tony Parker is the majority owner of ASVEL. If paired together again, Wemby and Risacher could grow into a good young NBA duo.
Listed at 6-foot-9, Risacher is considered the best small forward prospect in this draft by many scouts. Some call him the best talent in the field. Risacher's shooting and passing abilities would fill obvious Spurs needs. His length could also help the team defensively and would fill an immediate need the Spurs have on the wing next to Wemby.
Some squads view San Antonio as a realistic trade-up option for Risacher, whom they scouted extensively last season. Others view the fourth overall pick as his floor, an outcome that would probably thrill both parties. It would be shocking if Risacher fell past the Spurs with this fourth pick, assuming he wasn't taken first by the Atlanta Hawks, says ClutchPoints Reporter Brett Siegel.
A French feel with Tidjane Salaun and Alex Sarr
The Spurs also hold high interest in French forward Tidjane Salaun, according to Siegel. Still just 18 years old, Salaun is one of the youngest players on the table this week. Raw is the term most synonymous with the 6-foot-9 Salaun, though some project he will grow into of the best players from this draft.
Thanks to Tony Parker's Instagram account, we know that Salaun has worked out in San Antonio. The Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder are said to have interest as well.
And then there's Alex Sarr. For a good portion of the last month, many considered the French big man as the guy who would go first come June 26. While the rumor mill now suggests other players, including Risacher, are shooting to the top of the boards, the ambiguity, parity and lack of superstar sizzle among this year's class means anything could happen. Hence, rumblings the Spurs may be looking to land the number one pick.
Listed as tall as 7-foot-1, athletic and long are the terms most associated with Alex Sarr. As it's unclear whether he'll go one or if the Hawks will even stay in that spot, Siegel says the Washington Wizards are ready to pounce with the second pick, meaning Sarr most likely won't be there for San Antonio – outside of a trade.
Uncertainty seems to be one of the themes of the 2024 NBA Draft for the Spurs. Interest in French players appears to be another.
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