On Wednesday, ESPN's draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo made league-wide predictions ahead of Sunday's NBA draft lottery, detailing who they believe each lottery team will select in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
The article, available to ESPN+ subscribers, features lottery odds, likely picks, and analysis regarding which prospects fit best on which teams. For the Washington Wizards, the team enters the draft lottery in the second-best possible position, tied with the Detroit Pistons with the best odds to win the first overall pick this June.
ESPN links Wizards to France's budding big-man prospect
The Wizards' 15-67 record last season ensures the team a pick no lower than sixth in this summer's draft, meaning Washington will have their pick of numerous highly-touted prospects. Should the lottery go as the odds say it will, the Wizards will pick after only the Pistons in the first round.
Givony and Woo suggest the team should select Alex Sarr if they remain in the top two on the draft board. Standing 7'1", the French big uses his speed and athleticism to play both center and power forward, providing a level of versatility to a Wizards team looking to begin building a solid foundation.
The young prospect celebrated his 19th birthday at the end of April, displaying a unique combination of youth and intelligence that would greatly benefit the future of basketball in the District. In 24 games with the Perth Wildcats this season, Sarr averaged an eye-popping 20.3 points and 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes. If he can translate his skillset to the pace of NBA play, Sarr will be a key player in the league for years to come.
Who will the Wizards pick if they fall outside of the top two picks?
In case things do not go Washington's way in Sunday's lottery, ESPN's draft experts also featured a few players the team would be wise to take at third or fourth in the NBA Draft. Givony and Woo believe University of Connecticut center Donovan Clingan and University of Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham would fit the bill for the Wizards.
Clingan played a significant role in UConn's repeat as national champions, establishing himself as an impact player on both ends of the floor. The 7'2" center averaged 13 points and two and a half blocks per game in 35 contests as a sophomore.
As for Dillingham, the addition of Kentucky's offensive threat would greatly benefit the future of the Wizards. Despite some limitations defensively, the 6'2" guard is a fantastic playmaker who could transform the offensive impact of other young players on the roster.
The 2024 NBA draft lottery is scheduled to take place at 3:00 PM ET on Sunday, May 12. Viewers will be able to watch the league's broadcasted presentation of the lottery on ABC.