Wizards’ top 2 targets with No. 2 pick in 2024 NBA Draft

The Washington Wizards have the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The possibilities for who they could draft are plentiful, with names like Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, Nikola Topic and many more floating around.

The Wizards’ front office features top executives who worked previously for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have become a powerhouse by building through the draft. According to Jeremy Woo of ESPN, that experience with the Thunder has given the impression around the league that Washington will take a swing on either Sarr or Risacher.

Woo writes the following: “And while the Wizards have kept information tight under top executive Michael Winger, some around the league are working under the assumption that Winger and general manager Will Dawkins — both with roots in the Thunder organization — will follow Oklahoma City’s long-term blueprint, presuming they’ll be granted the patience to execute that type of full-scale rebuild. With that in mind, and positional fit less of a concern, at this early juncture, many rival teams are expecting the Wizards to target whichever of Sarr and Risacher falls here, working under the assumption that the Hawks select one of the two at No. 1.”

Wizards rumored to be targeting Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher in 2024 NBA Draft

With the Wizards in need of pretty much anything and everything as they begin their rebuild, it makes sense to target a high-ceiling prospect. The risk of whiffing on such a pick is severe but the upside could jumpstart the rebuild and give the franchise someone to build around.

The only surefire building block the Wizards have is Bilal Coulibaly, a soon-to-be-20-year-old forward who should be a great defender for a long time but is still growing out his game on offense. Even getting another wing to complement him, as opposed to addressing the guard or center spots, would be a sensible move. Interestingly enough, just like Coulibaly, both of the guys Washington is potentially looking to swipe are French and coming into the league as 19-year-olds.

Sarr is seen as the most likely player to be taken first overall by the Atlanta Hawks. The 7-foot-1 big man has the potential to be a great defender in the NBA and has shown to be a comfortable ball-handler for his size, though he isn’t seen as a true top option going forward.

Risacher’s intrigue comes from his long, lanky frame and ability to shoot threes. Although he is lacking as a shot creator, the Wizards may choose to make him and Coulibaly their wing tandem for the future. Risacher, who has been measured to be roughly 6-foot-9, has shown to be a solid defender.

This draft class is defined by its lack of elite prospects at the top, making it harder for the Wizards to find a franchise cornerstone. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t come away with a good, young player that helps them set the foundation for a future playoff team.

The Wizards have the 26th and 51st overall picks to work with on top of a collection of wings (Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert) that they could trade for more picks. The draft is sure to be a busy few days for Washington.