For the first time since 1989, the 2024 NBA Draft will span two days, with the Atlanta Hawks expected to kick things off by selecting French phenom Zaccharie Risacher at Barclays Center on Wednesday.

This historic change in the NBA Draft's format means fans will have more time to soak in the speculation and suspense, especially with the hotly debated potential top picks, including French stars Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr. As the Atlanta Hawks hover over their first overall selection, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and ESPN’s Seaport District Studios will serve as the backdrop for a draft filled with international talent, intriguing college prospects, and some last-minute drama that only the NBA could deliver.

Zaccharie Risacher, who has been hailed as the next big thing out of France, is the front-runner for the top pick. His stock surged further after Alexandre Sarr, another highly-touted French prospect, rebuffed the Hawks' offer for a pre-draft workout. With the Hawks favoring Risacher, it looks like the Washington Wizards might just be left saying 'C’est la vie!' and snagging Sarr with the second pick.

The first round of the draft will take place at Barclays Center on Wednesday, starting at 8 p.m. ET, and will be televised on ABC and ESPN. The next day, ESPN’s Seaport District Studios will host the second round, commencing at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN. This unique setup aims to give each round a distinct flavor—Brooklyn's grandeur followed by a more intimate sports studio environment.

Adding to the anticipation, there is a dazzling mix of domestic and international talent in the draft. Besides Risacher and Sarr, other international names to watch include Nikola Topić, whose draft stock remains uncertain due to his partially torn ACL, and Tidjane Salaün from France, who could potentially be selected in the lottery. It's shaping up to be an intriguing spectacle, where one might say, the only certainty is the uncertainty.

From the college ranks, a slew of promising prospects are expected to make waves. Donovan Clingan, the towering 7-foot center from UConn, has been drawing comparisons to Rudy Gobert. Then there’s Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and Kentucky's own Robert Dillingham, who might well be a Top 10 pick. Houston’s Zach Edey, the tallest player in Big Ten history, is also on everyone’s radar.

Rounding out the list of potential high picks is Matas Buzelis, another player who has caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. The 2024 draft also bears the intriguing prospect of seeing Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, most likely heading to the Los Angeles Lakers towards the end of the second round—a storyline that has already generated considerable buzz.

However, it’s not just the players that make this draft captivating; the trades—expected or surprise—add another layer of excitement. On draft night, teams can trade their picks, potentially leading to some high-stakes maneuvering. Every deal could dramatically reshape the landscape of the league, keeping fans and analysts glued to their screens. It's almost like watching a soap opera, except with more dunks and fewer commercial breaks.

Notably, the 2024 NBA Draft will be slightly truncated, with only 58 selections instead of the usual 60. This anomaly is due to the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers each forfeiting a second-round pick as a result of league penalties. Despite the reduced number of selections, the quality and variety of talent available promise to make this a draft to remember. Maybe the remaining teams should be grateful—they now have fewer potential draft busts to worry about!

With all these elements in play, the 2024 NBA Draft is not just a simple selection process. It’s a mix of strategic moves, unexpected decisions, and future stars catching their first big break. So, whether you’re tuning in from your couch or lucky enough to have a seat at the event, this promises to be two days heavy with the drama and excitement that basketball fans live for.