In an unexpected turn of events, the French men's national basketball team for the Paris Olympics 2024 will be without two of the most promising young talents in the NBA. Zaccharie Risacher, selected as the top pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft, and Alexandre Sarr, who was chosen by the Washington Wizards, have been omitted from the French roster.

When asked about his exclusion, Risacher expressed no surprise, stating that although being part of the national team had been a goal for him, he understands the decision. Despite not being selected, Risacher remains positive, focusing on his future in the NBA and the exciting opportunities that await him.

The omission of Risacher and Sarr from the French team is not uncommon for lottery picks who are selected in the NBA draft. According to several NBA executives, it is common for these players to prioritize their NBA commitments during the summer, rather than playing for their national teams. This was also the case for Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, who was not selected to play for the Canadian national team at the Olympics but participated in the NBA summer league instead.

Vincent Collet, the coach of the French men's basketball team, explained that the timing of the final roster announcement played a significant role in the omission of Risacher and Sarr. The French Olympic committee required the team to submit their roster before July 7th, which meant that they couldn't evaluate the performance of the two players before making the final decision. Collet emphasized that both Risacher and Sarr are talented players who could have made the team under different circumstances, but fairness to other players was a primary concern.

Despite their absence, the French team boasts other promising talents, including Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly. Wembanyama, the number one pick in the 2023 NBA draft, decided to forego playing for France last summer to focus on his adjustment to the San Antonio Spurs. Now an NBA Rookie of the Year, Wembanyama has expressed his commitment to the French national team.

As for Risacher and Sarr, not participating in the Olympics could provide them with an opportunity to adjust to their new teams in the NBA. Both players struggled during the NBA 2K Summer League in Las Vegas, and this break from competition could allow them to focus on their development and make a positive impact when they finally represent France in future international basketball events.

With the next Olympic Games scheduled for 2028 in Los Angeles, the French basketball team is expected to be a strong medal contender. The growth of French basketball as a nation has been remarkable, and with a pool of talented players like Wembanyama, Coulibaly, Sarr, Risacher, and others, they have the potential to compete among the best teams in the world.

The exclusion from the Olympic roster has not dampened Risacher's enthusiasm, as he sees each day as an exciting new experience in his NBA journey. As he continues to discover new cities and adapt to his new team, Risacher aims to contribute in any way necessary to ensure his success and the success of his teammates.

The future of French basketball looks promising, and although Risacher and Sarr may have missed out on the Paris Olympics, their inclusion in future international competitions is highly anticipated.