The NBA Draft is here and with a major European presence. From the top of the draft to the late second round, a lot of players from the old continent will hear their name heard in the first two-day draft ever. Throughout the year, we have followed the best Europeans in college closely so you can check our Twitter page for more on them, while the focus of this article will be on the players that spent the season internationally.

Projected top of the draft/lottery picks

Alex Sarr | Perth Wildcats | France | 2005 | 7’0″

Heralded as the best prospect in the draft for most of the year, Sarr’s number one pick case lost some steam in the last few months. Still, this is a hard draft to predict and he may very well be the first to hear his name being called. A versatile big on the defense, that’s that side of the floor that separates him from the other prospects. Able to switch and check smaller guys, Sarr was a difficult player to get past and consistently made life difficult for anyone trying to get inside. He forced handlers to get only 0.74 points per possession (PPP) this season in the NBL and allowed only 0.68 PPP in isolation. Especially in this day and age, having someone that can protect the paint and switch is key. Sarr’s offensive game is also a big part of the sell, but he should need more time on that side of the floor. Was more efficient off the ball, finishing after cuts or near the rim after a dump off and struggled a bit as a roller. That shows he’ll be more equipped to start with a lower number of actions as a primary screener and look to roam around to find scoring opportunities off the ball, taking advantage of the attention given to his teammates. Can shoot the ball and showed the willingness to take his shots, but the volume and efficiency aren’t there still. His driving is also a calling card, with some plays where he attacked a more aggressive defense and even some instances of initiating the offense after a defensive rebound. His passing will be unlocked in the NBA as defenses shift the attention to him. Showed some interesting reads from the high post or even the top of the circle.

Zaccharie Risacher | JL Bourg | France | 2005 | 6’9″

With 11.4 points per game, Risacher’s ability to score on a low amount of touches make him the perfect complimentary piece for teams with heavier usage guards and even bigs. He fits the modern NBA offensive style by being ready and efficient in the actions he’s good at. He won’t dazzle you with quick changes of direction and constant creation on the ball, but will give your offense a steady hand by moving well without the ball and catch it with a plan and a decisiveness he didn’t really have in years past. Zaccharie Risacher should be a name to follow as we get closer to the NBA draft as a high pick.

– read more on Zaccharie Risacher, perfect complementary piece

Nikola Topic | Mega Basket/Crvena Zvezda | Serbia| 2005 | 6’6″

The best pick and roll handler in his class, Topić earned his minutes by being a relentless scorer off picks, reading the game and its defenses and open spaces in an uncommon way for someone his age. Of the 81 pick and roll possessions he was involved in, Mega came away with 1.33 points per possession. 37 of those points were assisted by Nikola, with 3 extra coming away on free-throws after a pass from him. Topić scored 60 points and got 8 extra ones from the free-throw line. These are utterly impressive numbers from the 6’6, 18-year old point guard.

– read more on The Nikola Topic school of pick and roll

Tidjane Salaun | Cholet Basket | France | 2005 | 6’9″

Another big part of the French contingent in this draft class, Salaun’s size impresses at first sight. Despite the trend the league is going to, it’s still not easy to find shooting at this size and that’s what Salaun brings to the table. A bit of a streaky shooter, he’s so fun to watch when he gets hot from the perimeter, but he gets a bit in his head when things aren’t happening for him. Shot mostly off the catch this season but has become more capable as a movement shooter as time went on. Able to attack closeouts, he can use his size and quick jump to find finishes at the rim, but complicates things a bit at the moment when he tries to be more than a straight line driver, with a loose handle that makes him turn the ball over more than he should. Displayed flashes of off-ball movement to find easy scores behind the defense but didn’t do it as much as he possibly could, opting to wait for the ball to come to him. But his size and explosion should make for an interesting cutter. Switches well onto bigger guys due to a strong base and developed body, forcing stronger players to work harder in an apparent mismatch. Not as good when switched on the perimeter, with some more difficulties moving his feet and keeping up with talented ball handlers. Still, a lot of talent to untap on that side of the floor.

Projected late 1st/early 2nd round picks

Pacome Dadiet | ratiopharm Ulm | France | 2005 | 6’8″

Pacome Dadiet’s case as a 2024 draft prospect grew as the season went on, with the French youngster earning more minutes in ratiopharm Ulm’s rotation. Still, what we saw from him was just a small sample of off-ball play from someone who has such on-ball talent as him. Showed tremendous upside as a cutter and someone that finds paths to the rim easily, using his size and strength well at the basket. Was mostly an off-the-catch shooter – 36% from three on the year – showing he can space the floor with a quick movement from catch to shot. Provided some glimpses of movement shooting, coming off screens prepared to launch, which further proves his versatility on the offensive side of the game. As mentioned earlier, his creation with the ball wasn’t tested to a big extent, but it’s definitely there on pick and rolls, isolation and some drives. He struggled a bit with the physicality of the senior game, mainly trying to find ways to the rim in congested areas, but has proved before he doesn’t need much space to find his shot. His physical tools definitely help on the defensive side and he knows how to use that to his advantage, staying close to help and being able to cover a lot of ground. Seemed to struggle a bit against quicker guards, with too much information to process at once in his first full year of senior basketball.

Nikola Djurisic | Mega Basket | Serbia | 2004 | 6’7″

Earned more on-ball repetitions with Topic’s departure to Crvena Zvezda and his comfort in that role only grew as the year went on. One of the more explosive wings coming out of Europe, his finishing at the basket is really intriguing with the way he can get off the ground and go at shot blockers inside. Earned a ton of fouls this season since it was so difficult for defenses to contain him. His pick and roll production (with more than four possessions per game) helped him solidify his place in this draft but shouldn’t be a sign of his role in the league. He worked better as a secondary ball handler, ready to shoot at every opportunity and playing secondary actions on drives and pick and rolls. Still settled a bit for long 2s and 3s even when he had an advantage to get to the rim, which can’t happen in the NBA and shouldn’t due to his proficiency as a driver. Can find teammates on his way inside and as a ball mover but isn’t especially gifted as a passer. The defensive side of the ball needs a lot of work. He had trouble containing players on the perimeter, either because they were too quick or too strong for him to stay in front and ended up fouling them more than necessary. More equipped to guard off the ball at the moment, where he can use his athleticism and anticipation to get in front of the ball and take away passing lanes.

Bobi Klintman | Cairns Taipans | Sweden | 2003 | 6’9″

It’s been a great growing process for Bobi Klintman from his early days as a lanky kid in Sweden to one the rising stars in the NBL. Versatile and fluid in his movement, he has shown great physical growth, adding more muscle, which allows him to be more aggressive as a driver and inside finisher, while being able to keep attackers away from the paint on the other end. The finishing is still a work in progress, with Bobi exhibiting some trouble staying balanced still when bumped, but he’s made some strides. 1.11 points per possession on the season as a catch and shoot guy might be what earns him an entrance ticket to the NBA, with a meteoric evolution in this regard on interesting volume. Shooting the ball with confidence and some efficiency opens up space for his drives as he tries to adapt to a faster pace of play. Can switch down defensively at times and stay with guards, but looked more comfortable guarding bigger, mobile wings and force them to be shooters because of his length. Reads passing lanes well and keeps offensive players on their toes with good floor coverage. Finished the season with 1.1 steals per game and some really interesting moments on the defensive end.

Juan Nunez | ratiopharm Ulm | Spain | 2004 | 6’4″

I will never get tired of watching Juan Nunez playmake and find teammates. For some it may seem like a daunting endeavor, but for Nunez it’s only natural. Even without a consistent shot or inside finishing, he can still make defenses scramble with the way he keeps them on their toes with pass fakes. He can really get the ball to all four of his teammates on the floor, which makes it hard for the opponent to guess what his next step will be. Best passer in this class in my opinion. Always labeled a non-shooter, his 32% from three in the last two seasons don’t impress but gives some hope. Especially since he kept his percentages while improving his volume. The work needs to continue to be done and although I don’t foresee Nunez becoming a knock-down shooter, being someone that defenses can’t just leave wide open might open up his passing ability at the NBA level. His driving worries a bit, as he is able to get a head of steam and find finishing opportunities, but his hesitation at times and lack of a soft touch forces him to leave a lot of points at the basket. A physical development, making him better equipped to deal with physicality inside might allow him to become a better finisher inside. As a point guard, his point of attack defense leaves a bit to be desired. Seems stuck to the floor at times, with some difficulties turning his ankles and reacting to players getting inside, while his screen navigation isn’t special either. Still, he’s so smart and displays such a high IQ that he can compensate for those shortcomings by simply reading plays ahead of time. Seems to be on the path of the ball at all times, is really quick to help inside and check rollers and processes information fast. His role on the defensive side will be mostly off the ball and he can definitely help if used correctly.

Projected late 2nd round picks/undrafted

Melvin Ajinca | Saint-Quentin | France | 2004 | 6’7″

Ajinca’s shooting alone, after a solid season at Saint-Quentin, should guarantee him a 2nd round selection. Shot above 34% on good volume and has shown he can hit off the catch and off movement – more than 50% off his shots came on those actions from 3. He is also able to create a little bit of space for his own shot off one or two dribbles, with an interesting step back or side step he can go to. Had more problems getting inside, especially when he has to create the shot due to a high, uncontrolled dribble. Attacking closeouts directly into an inside finisher is no problem for him as he can use his physique at the rim, but lacks the handle to consistently create. Much better defender away from the ball, where he can use his athletic prowess and keep up with bigs than on the ball, where he struggles moving laterally and takes a bit to react to on-ball creators.

Armel Traore | ADA Blois | France | 2003 | 6’9″

Impresses right off the bat with his size and strength. Traore should arrive at the NBA already with a developed body that should help him stand out. His defense inside is really intriguing. With a developed upper body, he can guard up with no problem and bang with bigs next to the rim to force them to take tough shots and rebound as well. Has some ability to switch to smaller players on the perimeter especially if he can be physical, but that’s not something that be tried constantly. Simple actions on offense: spaces the floor to shoot, is a great cutter and extremely reliable as an inside finisher and consistently crashes the boards. The shot isn’t there yet in terms of efficiency – below 30% – but has shown some promise. Can also put the ball on the floor to attack slower guys.

Mantas Rubstavicius | New Zealand Breakers | Lithuania | 2002 | 6’7″

Mostly a shooter, Mantas Rubstavicius was another player that thoroughly took advantage of the rising stars program of the NBL. His shooting pops and so do the different ways he can get his shot off. Above 41% on the season from three, he was mostly an off the catch shooter but has shown glimpses of off screen shooting, always ready to pull the trigger as soon as he caught the ball. Looked to run out in transition at every opportunity, using his size to finish at the basket and draw fouls at a good rate. Efficient as a driver, it’s his quick decision making that allows him to get to his preferred shots. Never hesitates and quickly figures out what he wants to do with the ball. Puts good pressure on defense, follows his man tirelessly and tries to go for steals and deflections, allowing him to then run out in transition. Has more trouble defending against crafty players, but as someone that chases shooters around, he can actually give some value to his team, even if he takes a ton of risks.

Quinn Ellis | Dolomiti Energia Trento | United Kingdom | 2003 | 6’1″

Jumped into draft boards with a solid and a bit unexpected season in Italy. A crafty ball handler, his high volume in pick and rolls showcased a player that is great in tight spaces and that can find ways to score even with the defense on him. Rarely loses his dribble, stays composed and slithers around the defense like it’s nothing. Goes mostly left, struggling a bit with his right, but always tries to get inside and usually does. Has the ability to pull up from 3 and mid range, with better results if he can stay balanced. He’s still underdeveloped as an athlete and that shows on some rim attacks as he wasn’t the most efficient finisher. Capable of creating his own shot, he was pretty good against switches and late clock situations. Can shoot off the catch as well and play more as a secondary handler at times and showed precision in his passing, despite being much more of a scorer. Still underdeveloped defensively, which was noticeable on 1v1 defensively, as he struggled to stay in front of larger players that just took him inside. Good screen navigation allows him to stay longer with handlers and take away drives, but still struggled at the end.

Ariel Hukporti | Melbourne United/MHP Riesen | Germany | 2002 | 6’11”

Switched from Australia to his home country of Germany in the middle of the season, showcasing an intriguing physical profile of strength with mobility. Great screen setter, uses a wide base to guarantee his teammates a quick advantage. Inside finisher with varying levels of ability – good as a roller and after offensive rebounds, but lacked efficiency from the post and as a cutter. Seems to still be in the process of adapting to his body as he loses balance easily. Displayed some flashes of driving and his form on free throws looked good, which can point to some kind of shooting development, even if only from mid range. Good rim protector, due to size, strength and reach, with good floor coverage ability. Not a switch big at all, but someone that can defend well in drop and even work on traps/hedge plays at times.

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