The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year are among a wave of French basketball talent currently making significant strides in the league. This cohort also includes some of the top picks from this year’s NBA Draft, namely the first, second, and sixth selections, all hailing from France.
France has a rich history in basketball and has produced numerous players over the years, but the current era seems particularly promising as it has seen the emergence of prominent figures as well as rising prospects across various teams. Victor Wembanyama, who captured the Rookie of the Year title with the San Antonio Spurs, is joined by Rudy Gobert, known for his defensive prowess and four-time Defensive Player of the Year accolades. French players continue to make an impact in the NBA as Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, and Tidjane Salaün—the first, second, and sixth picks respectively—join the ranks this season.
“It’s not just France. It’s Spain, Italy, Germany, and even Australia,” noted Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. He pointed out that many young athletes start honing their skills at a very early age. These young talents often leave their families to join clubs, balancing basketball training with academics, and learning both individual and team skills in a serious environment. The dedication and coaching in these nations are evident, contributing to their rising success on the global basketball stage.
France has recently been in the global spotlight with their basketball talents, particularly during the Paris Olympics, where the U.S. teams—men’s and women’s—secured gold medals by defeating French squads in both finals. The matches were hard-fought, with the men narrowly winning by three points and the women winning by a single point against the host country.
Wembanyama’s achievements have set high expectations, especially with upcoming games in France when the Spurs face the Pacers. As the unanimous Rookie of the Year, he establishes a connection to Risacher, who faces the challenge of living up to the comparisons of Wembanyama, as both are fellow French players drafted as the first pick in consecutive years.
“It’s been a great experience so far,” expressed Risacher, who is adapting to life in Atlanta. “As a 19-year-old, I feel grateful for the opportunities ahead of me. I’m really excited and happy.”
Coach Quin Snyder from the Hawks has acknowledged the potential pressure Risacher faces due to the comparisons, emphasizing the extraordinary opportunity that the franchise has in acquiring him. “We literally won the lottery,” Snyder remarked, discussing Risacher’s mindset. He hopes the player will focus on his development and work ethic to ensure continuous improvement.
Among those keenly observing Risacher’s transition into the NBA is Wembanyama. Despite not offering direct guidance, he remains supportive, hoping that Risacher can forge his own path, demonstrating confidence in the young player’s capabilities. “I believe in his mental strength,” Wembanyama stated.
As the new season approaches, the spotlight shines on these French talents, emphasizing their substantial impact on the NBA landscape. The anticipation for their performances continues to grow, signaling an exciting chapter for basketball in France.
