Who Goes No.1? UConn’s Clingan Rising on NBA Draft Boards.
Risacher Still Favored Pick in 2024 NBA Draft Closing Odds
Since the Atlanta Hawks won the NBA Draft lottery, the conversation around the No. 1 pick has been primarily focused on international stars Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr.
Lately, however, a new name has joined the discussion.
Enter Donovan Clingan.
Perhaps no player has seen his stock rise more in recent weeks than the 7-foot-2 center from two-time defending NCAA champion UConn. Ahead of Wednesday’s festivities in New York, Clingan has thrust himself into the picture to go first overall.
Earlier this month, Clingan was +1500 to be the first player off the board. But those odds have since soared to +170, the second-best price behind Risacher (-165). Meanwhile, Sarr, the opening favorite, has seen his chances to go No. 1 plummet from -300 to +500 over the last month.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 2024 NBA Draft closing odds.
2024 NBA Draft Information
📍Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
⏰Day/Time:
📺Streaming: ESPN
Clingan Climbs the Board
This is widely considered to be a weak draft, and Clingan is seen by NBA scouts as one of the surest bets. An excellent rim protector, Clingan averaged 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game for the Huskies as a sophomore. He also displayed a strong offensive touch, shooting 63.9%.
With a nearly 8-foot wingspan, Clingan possesses the size and skills to be a difference-maker in the paint for NBA teams. That includes the Hawks, who could look to start over this offseason by dealing either Trae Young or Dejounte Murray.
The Hawks could also trade out of the top spot and draft Clingan a few picks later. ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo raised this possibility during a conference call with reporters on Monday.
“I think Donovan is in the mix at No. 1,” Woo said via NJ Advance Media. “More of what has been coming out in the last few days has been more Risacher for Atlanta.
“If (the Hawks) trade back, I think (Clingan will) be in the mix. If he does start to fall past the first couple of picks, which is maybe what happens, I think he’s a guy a lot of teams are potentially interested in coming up to acquire so what happens with him will be interesting in terms of trades.”
Clingan reportedly impressed Hawks brass during his pre-draft workout, increasing the chances they could opt to take him over Risacher.
If Not Clingan, Then Who?
Despite the increased buzz around Clingan, Risacher remains the favorite to go No. 1. At -165, the French standout is the only prospect with better than plus 2024 NBA Draft closing odds. Standing 6-8, the 19-year-old boasts impressive length and a strong shooting touch. Competing in the same league as 2023 first overall pick Victor Wembanyama, Risacher averaged 10.1 points on 43.9% shooting (35.2% from 3) for JL Bourge of France’s LNB Elite league.
While Clingan is also in the discussion for No. 1, Risacher’s offensive potential is what may ultimately give him the edge. Risacher was priced as high as -230 last week, so NBA lines remain fluid.
Meanwhile, Sarr appears certain to go no higher than No. 2 to Washington. The 19-year-old French native, who played two seasons in the Overtime Elite development league before starring for Australia’s NBL Next Stars program, has fallen behind Clingan on the odds board. Sarr recently declined to work out for the Hawks, suggesting he’d prefer to land elsewhere. The NBA Draft results may reflect that.
The 7-foot Sarr fits the mold of a modern-day center who can impact the game on both ends. He averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while playing for the Perth Wildcats.
Even if the Hawks don’t pull off a draft-night surprise, Sarr isn’t expected to fall far, if at all. The 2024 NBA Draft closing odds list him at -600 to go second overall to the Wizards, ahead of Risacher (-225) and Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard (-130).
Longshot Candidates
As for sleeper picks to go No. 1, UConn guard Stephon Castle has climbed from +10000 to +2000 within the last week. Sheppard and G League Ignite standout Matas Buzelis are both +8500.
For NBA expert picks, betting analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
