2024 NBA Draft: LA Lakers, Detroit Pistons, among biggest winners and losers

The 2024 NBA Draft has come to a close, wrapping up an eventual couple of days headlined by head-turning surprises, quality picks, and no shortage of entertainment. Now that the 58 players have been selected and are off to chase their dreams, it’s time to look at the biggest winners and losers of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Winner: France

To say it was a big night for France would be an understatement. The top two picks in the draft -- Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks) and Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards) -- hail from France. 

But that wasn’t all. Tidjane Salaün, a 6-foot-9 forward out of Paris, was selected sixth overall by the Charlotte Hornets. Pacôme Dadiet, a 3-and-D wing out of Aubange, was selected 25th overall by the New York Knicks.

That marks four Frenchmen drafted in the first round and three drafted in the top 10, marking the first non-U.S. country to produce 3 top-10 picks in the same draft, according to a tweet by the NBA. France has found its footing in the NBA -- and for many years to come, too -- illustrating a historic night for the country of France and international prospects across the globe.

Loser: Kyle Filipowski, Johnny Furphy

Most, if not all, NBA Mock Drafts have dubbed Duke star Kyle Filipowski and Kansas’ Johnny Furphy to go in the first round within the 20-30 range. However, both Filipowski and Furphy would have to wait another day to hear their names called. 

Filipowski, a 7-foot stat sheet stuffer who is not afraid to step behind the arc, would ultimately be drafted 32nd overall by the Utah Jazz. Furphy, who blossomed into a starting role at Kansas midway through the season, would end up being drafted 35th overall by the San Antonio Spurs.

Although both Fillipowski and Furphy would not have to wait long to hear their names called in the afternoon on the second day of the 2024 NBA Draft, falling to the second round is never an ideal situation for anyone involved.