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Hawks Veteran Has Positive Prediction on Rookie Forward's NBA Career

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 9, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Atlanta Hawks may have had a disappointing 2024-25 NBA season, but it showed something bright for their future. Hawks rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher struggled to find his footing in the first half of the season. However, the top pick of the 2024 draft gradually became more comfortable in the league after the All-Star break.

There was an obvious difference in how he played. During his first 48 games, the Frenchman averaged 11.4 points and 3.3 rebounds on 43.3% shooting from the field and 31.7% from deep.

In the final 27 games, however, Risacher picked up the pace. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 14.6 points and four rebounds on 49.8% from the field and 40.7% from long range. This helped his case to be a finalist in the Rookie of the Year race.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle was awarded the honor.

On Thursday, the Hawks' X account posted highlights of Risacher's rookie season. His veteran teammate, Larry Nance Jr., showed support by reposting it on his social media account. On top of that, he hyped up the rookie forward and predicted he has the potential to have at least a 15-year career.

"The kind of player we’re going to be watching for a 15+ year career. Already gets what it means to be a professional " Nance posted.

The kind of player we’re going to be watching for a 15+ year career. Already gets what it means to be a professional https://t.co/2v8eBFWWkN
— Larry Nance (@Larrydn22) May 8, 2025

There's an expectation that Risacher can take over the Hawks in the future and emerge as a star. With the mid-season growth he showed offensively, he can achieve greatness in Atlanta.

The forward is just 20 years old and has enough time to develop into a valuable player in the league.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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