NBA Draft News: Risacher to the Hawks

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ATLANTA’S FUTURE: HAWKS SELECT RISING STAR ZACCHARIE RISACHER AS NO. 1 PICK

In a thrilling moment for basketball fans, the Atlanta Hawks chose Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This selection marks a significant step for both the player and the franchise, with high expectations for Risacher’s future contributions.

Risacher is the son of Stephane Risacher, a former player who helped France secure a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics. Following in his father’s footsteps, Zaccharie is a talented combo forward, standing just under 7 feet tall, known for his excellent shooting skills from a distance.

At 19 years old, Risacher spent the last season with JL Bourg in France’s top division, on loan from ASVEL, a club previously featuring NBA player Victor Wembanyama. During his time with JL Bourg, Risacher reached the finals, although his team did not win. Despite this, he earned the tournament’s Rising Star award and was named the French league’s Best Young Player.

Player Profile:

Position: Forward

Club: JL Bourg (France)

Height: 6-foot-9

Weight: 194.6 lbs

Wingspan: 6-foot-10

Max Vertical: 31 inches

RISACHER’S 2023-24 STATISTICS 

Risacher played 32 games this past season, averaging 10.1 points per game. His shooting accuracy was notable, with a 43.9% field goal percentage, reflecting his efficiency in scoring from the field. Risacher’s three-point shooting was solid at 35.2%, showing he can stretch the floor and pose a threat from beyond the arc. His free-throw percentage stood at 74%, indicating reliability at the line, though there’s room for improvement

On the boards, Risacher grabbed an average of 3.8 rebounds per game. While this number isn’t exceptionally high, it shows he can contribute in this area, especially considering his position and playing style. His assist average of 0.8 per game suggests that, while he is more of a scorer than a playmaker, he has the potential to develop his passing game further. These are key statistics that will change the NBA Draft Odds.

One standout aspect of Risacher’s game is his performance in high-stakes situations. He has shown the ability to excel under pressure, making him a valuable asset for the Hawks. His shooting consistency will be key to his NBA success. If he maintains his form, he could become a significant perimeter threat.

NBA COMPARABLE: TREY MURPHY III

Risacher’s defensive versatility and ability to score from long-range draw comparisons to Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans. Like Murphy, who excels in a 3-and-D role, Risacher could become a formidable perimeter player if he improves his shooting consistency.  While Murphy is a more dependable passer and finisher at the rim, Risacher has significant potential to disrupt opponents on the perimeter.

In conclusion, the Atlanta Hawks’ selection of Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft brings promising young talent to the team. With his shooting skills and defensive potential, Risacher could make a substantial impact in the  NBA Draft odds, following the legacy of his father while carving out his path in professional basketball.