Hawks' Zaccharie Risacher proving he’ll eventually develop into a star

Despite being drafted first overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA Draft, Zaccharie Risacher has flown somewhat under the radar during his rookie season. However, the French forward has quietly impressed fans and analysts alike with his versatility and potential.

The 19-year-old may not have immediately achieved the stardom of some previous No. 1 picks, but his contributions on both ends of the floor have been evident. 

After being selected by the Hawks, Risacher secured a spot in the starting lineup. Over his debut season, he has averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists with a shooting percentage of 44.8%, including 34.5% from beyond the arc.

Head coach Quin Snyder has eased his rookie into NBA life, giving him 24.8 minutes per game and often keeping him out of crunch-time situations. With established stars like Trae Young and the emergence of defensive standout Dyson Daniels, the Hawks have had a solid foundation. But as the season has progressed, Risacher has steadily improved, showing flashes of the star he could become.

At 6-foot-8 and 200 pounds, Risacher’s size and athleticism allow him to defend multiple positions, an essential skill in today’s NBA. His scoring average of 16.3 points per game through March and 39.5% shooting from three-point range in the 21 games since the All-Star break suggest he is on track for the "three-and-D" role for which the Hawks are developing him.

On March 30, Risacher scored a career-high 36 points in a 145-124 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming the just fourth No. 1 overall pick to record 35-plus points and five-plus three-pointers in a game as a rookie, joining the ranks of Allen Iverson, LeBron James and Anthony Edwards.