Fantasy basketball: Which first-round picks can be impact rookies? - ESPN

The NBA draft is where the future becomes the present in the league, and it's not always the players at the top of the draft that make the most immediate impact.

Last season, everyone knew that Victor Wembanyama of France was going to be selected No. 1 overall to the San Antonio Spurs. He was the most anticipated draft prospect since LeBron James and entered the season with astronomical expectations.

This year's draft was different. There was no consensus top player, but instead a plethora of players that could emerge as the top of the 2024 class. A French player did go No. 1 overall as the Atlanta Hawks drafted wing Zaccharie Risacher with the top pick. In fact, four French players went in the first round, including No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr and No. 6 overall pick Tidjane Salaun.

Outside of the French connection, there are storylines galore from those drafted on Wednesday and any number of players that could play impact minutes as rookies. Here's who can contribute to fantasy basketball rosters and slot into the Rookie of the Year race this season:

Zaccharie Risacher, SF, Atlanta Hawks

Risacher is a long, versatile wing measuring out at 6-foot-10 with an 8-foot-10 standing reach. He played primarily as a 3-and-D wing in the French League last season on the No. 1-ranked defense in the EuroCup. He was frequently tasked with guarding any position on the court. Risacher also thrives in transition on offense. He had 47 dunks last season and shot just under 40% from 3-point range. He needs to work on shot creation and strength (he only weighs 196 pounds) to reach his full potential, but he could slot in as the Hawks' starting forward from Day 1.

Fantasy spin: While Risacher has upside as the top pick in the draft, his