The last six NBA MVP awards have been won by players born overseas, and several new potential stars born outside the United States were selected in the first round of the league’s annual draft, held Wednesday night at Barclays Center.
As expected, French teenagers Zachary Lisacher and Alex Sarr were selected with the top two picks in this year’s NBA draft by the Hawks and Wizards, respectively.
Either one of them would have made history having been selected first after gifted big man Victor Wembanyama went first overall to the Spurs a year ago.
With the selection of Liza Chelle, a 6-foot-9 wing from JL Bourg in the top tier of the French professional league, France became the first European country to have the No. 1 pick in consecutive years. France joins Canada (who selected Anthony Bennett and Andrew Wiggins, respectively, in 2014 and 2015, as the only foreign countries to have the No. 1 pick in consecutive years).
Another French player, power forward Tijan Saloun, was selected by Charlotte, becoming the third player among the first six to be selected.
“I’m not shocked. I’ve known Tidjan and Alex for a long time. We grew up playing against each other from a young age, so I know them really well,” Lisacher said. “This is great for our country. First of all, it’s great for us.
“It’s something special that we can achieve our dreams together. I think it will inspire the French players and it will only get better for us. We have a lot of good young players so I feel really lucky.”
Nikola Jokic (three times), Giannis Antetokounmpo (two times) and Joel Embiid have all won the past six MVP trophies, and it’s not hard to imagine Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and unanimous 2024 Rookie of the Year Wenbanyama joining them in the future.
Lisacher, who also played for Asbel Basket in the top division of France’s professional league and is owned by French native and Hall of Famer Tony Parker, was chosen over Sarr, a 7-foot-tall center who played in Australia last season.
“It just kind of felt that way. I was really happy,” Searle said of Lisacher, whom he’d known since they were 13. “And I was really happy.”
“It just shows how much talent there is in France. I’m really excited about Zac. I think France will be a really good team.”
The 2023-24 season will mark the third consecutive season with at least 120 international players on Opening Day NBA rosters and the 10th consecutive season with at least 100 international players on Opening Day NBA rosters.
At least 10 international players have been selected in the NBA Draft every year since 2000, with at least two finishing in the top 10 in each of the past 12 years.
Kentucky shooting guard Reed Shepard, considered the best outside shooter in the draft, was selected third overall by the University of Houston, while University of Connecticut guard Stephon Castle, who graduated after one year, was selected one spot later by San Antonio State and will be paired with Wenbanyama.
“Having such great teammates allows me to use my playmaking ability and learn how to play off the ball at Connecticut, especially with a great teammate like Victor,” Castle said. “Being able to set ball screens for him and cut into space when teams are trying to get to him. Just trying to use every aspect of my game to impact a win.”
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Zachary Lisacher and Alex Searle
G League Ignite forward Ron Halland finished behind the NBA’s worst Pistons in the top five. After Salaun was acquired by the Hornets, University of Connecticut big man Donovan Clingan was acquired by the Blazers, becoming the second draft pick by the defending NCAA champions.
“From winning the national title [in 2023] “From winning the Big East regular season to the Big East Tournament and then winning the national title again,” Clingan said. “The last two years, a lot of winning, a lot of success.
“I plan to keep that feeling in mind and head to Portland with great confidence, eager to learn and grow every day.”
Kentucky point guard Rob Dillingham was subsequently drafted by the Spurs and quickly traded to the Timberwolves. Purdue center Zach Eddy, who was named NCAA College Player of the Year, and Colorado forward Cody Williams (Jazz) rounded out the top 10.
Two more European players, forward Matas Buzelis (Lithuania) and guard Nikola Topic (Serbia), were selected 11th and 12th by the Bulls and Thunder, respectively, meaning half of the top 12 picks came from outside the United States.
