This season, there are fifteen French people who belong to an NBA team. If a good part of the followers will only have eyes for Victor Wembanyama and his second season to come in the jersey of the San Antonio Spurs, there will nevertheless be news around the tricolors in this season.
Starting with the number one from the last draft, Zaccharie Risacher. The winger was chosen by Atlanta and will therefore play for the Hawks with playmaker Trae Young. In a franchise that is aiming for the playoffs, however, he could have a lot of playing time for his first season. “I had the chance to train his father, Stéphaneslips Chris Singleton, consultant on beIN SportsNBA broadcaster in France. Zaccharie is calm, lucid. Without even talking about his talent: he knows how to run well, he has a shot, can play near the circle… He is frankly complete. And he can defend positions 2 to 4. The places will be expensive but he will be able to express himself. »
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Drafted in second position, Frenchman Alexandre Sarr is one of the curiosities of the season. Tall, mobile, a complete athlete, he is capable of playing as a strong winger or as a pivot. “I’m afraid that people will compare it to Victorwarns Singleton. But it won’t be necessary! The levels of advancement are completely different. Alexandre Sarr played in Australia. He has to try to make his mark. And he can. »
Chosen in 6e position by the Charlotte Hornets, the former Cholet, Tidjane Salaün, will also have playing time. Impressive in pre-season, the one who is considered a monster of work will have to make his place in a team in reconstruction. “He is a fighter, physical… He is gaining the trust of his coachpointe Chris Singleton. I think he will have his place in the rotation, yes. »
Same story for the former French international, Fred Weiss, also a consultant for the NBA broadcaster. “Even if players are in front of him, he will have minutes because he is a beast of work. Grant Williams will be a benchmark for him. »
Pacôme Dadiet in ambush, Guerschon Yabusele expected
Another French drafted, in 25e position, Pacôme Dadiet was chosen by the New York Knicks. In a franchise that has really strengthened this summer and is aiming for the NBA title, he will probably have very limited playing time, despite his good pre-season outings. With a coach, Tom Thibodeau, renowned for not opening his bench much, the 19-year-old rearguard will have his work cut out for him. “There will be a day when he will have the opportunity to to showsays Singleton. And maybe he can play 2, 3 matches in a row… And then not play for 15 matches. That’s what’s complicated about this Knicks squad. »
Excellent during the Olympic Games with the French team, Guerschon Yabusele will have a second chance in the NBA, after a first mixed experience in Boston, between 2017 and 2019. “He’s not the same player as in Boston. When we see his impact with the French team and his recent years, where he was one of the best Fiba interiors… He can play in front of the basket, in a high position and he especially has a three-way shot pointsexplains Chris Singleton. With a Joël Embiid, it could work very well. » In Philadelphia, in a team with great ambitions, he will have his card to play coming off the bench.
For Sidy Cissoko in San Antonio, Ousmane Dieng in Oklahoma City or Rayan Rupert with the Portland TrailBlazers, it will be necessary to increase the minutes.
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For his second NBA season, Bilal Coulibaly is expected in several areas of play with the Washington Wizards. Chris Singleton: “His franchise is counting on him and has already announced that he is not transferable. He is already considered one of the best outside players in the League, he is popular. He still needs to work on his shooting and increase his averages, that will be observed. » Given his athleticism and his wingspan, a little more ease with the ball in hand could make him an equally formidable player in attack.
Rudy Gobert still boss, Nicolas Batum for a move to Los Angeles?
Voted best defender of the year last season in the NBA, Rudy Gobert had a strange summer with the Blues. Outside of the major five, however, he has a new medal (silver) in a cupboard which is starting to be very full. With the Minnesota Timberwolves, a legitimately ambitious team, he will still be expected as one of the best rebounders and defenders in the NBA. “He will have a season as best defender of the year but he will not have it (the title of best defender in the League) »blurted Fred Weiss. A champion’s ring would console him quite easily.
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For Nicolas Batum, who hung up with the French team after a successful Games in his role as captain and handyman, he is living his last NBA years. After a stint in Philadelphia, the soon-to-be 36-year-old winger is back at the Los Angeles Clippers, with whom he has just signed a two-year contract (1 + 1). An experienced player and respected defender, he will still be able to contribute to a team which no longer quite holds the upper hand.
Three Frenchies have a precarious contract in the NBA. Killian Hayes is under contract exhibit at the Brooklyn Nets, Armel Traoré has a two-way contract to the Lakers, like Moussa Diabaté to the Charlotte Hornets.
