The 2024 NBA Draft is expected to be a mess.
With no clear-cut No. 1 pick, this year’s draft isn’t going to be the most exciting in the lead-up and throughout the two-day event beginning 26.
Ironically, the lack of talent and uncertainty throughout actually makes this a sports bettor’s dream.
Even the casual fan can take solace in knowing that any bet on a player to go No. 1 overall to the Hawks is a worthy wager because the beauty of each player truly belongs in the eyes of the beholder.
It’s an information-based betting market, and while teams are constantly dusting off their deception tactics to mislead surrounding teams, you would be wise to find a few reporters that you trust and follow the paper trail to a winning wager at the top of this year’s draft.
The favorite to go No. 1 overall had long been French prospect Alexandre Sarr, but that has already flipped to fellow Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher, who is -125 on FanDuel Sportsbook.
| 2024 NBA No. 1 pick | Odds |
|---|---|
| Zaccharie Risacher | -125 |
| Alexandre Sarr | +115 |
| Donovan Clingan | +430 |
| Matas Buzelis | 110/1 |
| Stephon Castle | 110/1 |
| Reed Sheppard | 110/1 |
| Rob Dillingham | 200/1 |
| Nikola Topic | 200/1 |
| Zach Edey | 300/1 |
| Bronny James | 300/1 |
2024 NBA Draft No. 1 overall pick odds, prediction
It’s hard to project how Atlanta will attack the draft since the team it has on draft night may look much different than the one that opens the season.
On paper, it would seem unlikely the Hawks would draft another guard since Dejounte Murray and Trae Young already have starting roles.
Those two, though, are both linked in trades, and that could create a backcourt opening.
UConn’s Stephon Castle would be my pick at No. 1, and he’s probably worth a stab at 110/1 if you believe a trade is coming.
Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer has the star freshman No. 1 on his big board.
ESPN ranks Risacher as the No. 1 player, followed by Sarr and fellow Huskies star Donovan Clingan.
Betting on the NBA?
- Check out the best NBA betting sites
- Read our guide on how to bet on basketball
- Get the latest NBA Championship odds
- Use the North Carolina betting apps
Clingan was once as high as 20/1 to go No. 1 overall, but Bill Simmons quickly moved that line down to +430 with his speculation that he could be the top player drafted.
According to most scouts, he’s a strong rim protector and has a good chance of developing an outside shot.
While it is tempting to bet on Castle to go No. 1, and any trades would surely point in that direction, the No. 1 pick looks to be Risacher this year as a solid wing defender.
PICK: Risacher No. 1 overall (-110, ESPN BET)