We have entered smokescreen season with the NBA Draft only one week away, however there’s a sliver of a sightline rising for the No. 1 decide. And as has been the case a number of occasions in recent times, there is a remaining twist as we enter the homestretch. 

For weeks it has appeared like Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher have been battling to be taken by the Atlanta Hawks on the No. 1 spot. Nevertheless, 7-footer Donovan Clingan could also be elbowing his manner into the dialogue to make it a three-man race. ESPN reported Wednesday that Clingan seems to be Risacher’s predominant rival at No. 1, citing his strong exercise with the Hawks. The franchise hasn’t but been capable of carry Sarr in for a personal analysis. Risacher stays the favourite at No. 1 — as has been the case for over every week after leaping Sarr in my newest mock — however this determination is much from made for Atlanta.

There additionally stays the potential of Atlanta buying and selling right down to internet additional property, which might add an fascinating wrinkle.

For now, it is protected to say three choices are most probably to be referred to as No. 1 on draft evening by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. I’ve listed them under from my most probably to least. (Betting odds are based mostly on present DraftKings strains and topic to alter.)

1. Zaccharie Risacher

• No. 1 decide odds: +150 
• The case: Risacher shot 35.2% from 3-point vary this season with JL Bourg in Professional A contest. He rated within the 92nd percentile in transition and 81st percentile in catch-and-shoot conditions, per Synergy information. He is a developmental prospect, however the body and manufacturing profile are tantalizing, and protected, in a draft that has a number of unknowns.

Risacher seems to be within the driver’s seat for the No. 1 spot ought to Atlanta select to remain on the high of the board. Workforce decision-makers have executed their due diligence on the French ahead and even made the journey abroad to scout him up shut as he completed his season with JL Bourg on a excessive be aware this month. His mixture of dimension, defensive versatility and an improved jumper make him a straightforward match on the NBA stage, although his ceiling stays up for debate. 

2. Donovan Clingan

• No. 1 decide odds: +500
• The case: It’s easy: Clingan is perhaps the highest massive — and greatest total participant — within the class. His block fee of 14.4% as a freshman would have been the very best in faculty hoops had he certified with sufficient video games. He’s coming off a dominant sophomore marketing campaign the place he served as a harmful inside power for the title-winning Huskies, persistently shutting down opposing offenses with blocks, deflections and his presence. 

If Clingan doesn’t go No. 1, he may slip out of the highest three. Washington is prone to choose both Risacher or Sarr at No. 2 and Houston is eyeing Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard at No. 3. Clingan has an actual case to be the No. 1 decide, although. We have been banging the drum on this because the Remaining 4, as a result of his dominant defensive expertise and potential to develop right into a extra dynamic offensive weapon. He has an extremely excessive flooring as a future defensive anchor and beginning middle.

3. Alex Sarr

• No. 1 decide odds: -130
• The case: Sarr boasts a body, strikes like a gazelle, covers a ton of floor on protection and has guard-like expertise on the perimeter. The chance of Sarr busting is perhaps increased than Risacher and Clingan, however the likelihood he booms may launch him into All-Star air if issues go proper for him.

Sarr stays the betting favourite, however I would handicap him as third-most prone to go No. 1. That might change within the coming week — once more, it is smokescreen season — however he’ll be mocked No. 2 to Washington in my Friday projections except one thing adjustments. He has labored out for Washington, however not Atlanta but. Primarily based on scuttlebutt across the league, the Wizards have been enamored with each Sarr and Risacher because the lottery.