As we do every season, focus on the French who will be in the NBA for the 2024-25 season. Some will play together, others will be rivals for the title race, it’s time to take a little cocorico point.
It’s hard to know exactly how many French people will be on the NBA courts this season. A vagueness that can be explained by the fact that several players are waiting for a contract or waiting for a place in a roster. But we still have certainties about a certain number of our compatriots on the other side of the Atlantic.
They are (in principle) assured of being present at the start of the NBA season.
For those who thrilled to the French team at the Olympics, the NBA season will have a familiar feel. Silver medalists at home, Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum, Guerschon Yabusele and Bilal Coulibaly will play in the Major League this season. Four of them were already assured of being there by the time of the Games, Yabu signed with the Sixers just a few days ago.
Around this first group, we find that of the French rookies. There will be five of them making their NBA debuts in October: Zaccharie Risacher, Alexandre Sarr, Tidjane Salaün, Pacome Dadiet but also Armel Traoréacquired via a two-way contract by the Los Angeles Lakers.
We don’t forget either Rayan Rupert on the Portland side, which is trying to make its place in Chauncey Billups’ squad, like Ousmane Dieng at the Thunder, Sidy Cissoko at the Spurs with Wemby and Moussa Diabatérecently signed by the Hornets.
Their place in the League is not yet assured
Behind this first contingent, we find several names with a question mark. What aboutEvan Fournier for example? The full-back played his part in the medal won by the Blues at the Olympics but his future at the club remains uncertain. Free of any contract, he has not yet signed with any franchise, but does not seem keen on the idea of returning to Europe.
The blur also surrounds Killian Hayes. The point guard has signed a contract with the Nets, but that deal will only be guaranteed if the player can convince Jordi Fernandez during training camp in September. Otherwise, he risks being cut and going back to square one.
G League champion with the Thunder last year, Olivier Sarr also doesn’t know what his future holds, as he is still recovering from a serious injury. Will we see Alexandre’s big brother in the NBA this season?
There are 14 French players currently on the starting lineup for the 2024-25 NBA season, and this number could increase depending on the contractual situations of Vavane or Killian Hayes. The blue, white and red flag is still represented on the side of Uncle Sam.
2024-08-23 08:27:34