The Atlanta Hawks made a decisive move in the 2024 NBA Draft by choosing Zaccharie Risacher as the top pick on Wednesday.
Risacher, the son of former professional player Stephane Risacher, who notably helped France secure a silver medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, has carved his own path as a slender 6-foot-9 combo forward with a sharp shooting touch from beyond the arc.
The 19-year-old spent the previous season on loan from ASVEL with French top-division team JL Bourg, where he showcased his talents. Despite JL Bourg’s loss in the EuroCup finals, Risacher’s standout performance earned him the Rising Star award for the tournament and the French league’s Best Young Player accolade.
2023-24 statistics with JL Bourg:
– Position: Forward
– Club: JL Bourg (France)
– Height: 6-foot-9
– Weight: 194.6 lbs
– Wingspan: 6-foot-10
– Max Vertical: 31 inches
Statistics:
| PTS | GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST |
| 10.1 | 32 | 43.9 | 35.2 | 74 | 3.8 | 0.8 |
Risacher demonstrated proficiency as a shooter and a significant 3-point threat, particularly excelling in the EuroCup with a 56.1% success rate on 3.4 attempts per game, contrasting with his performance in the French league.
NBA Comparison:
Risacher draws comparisons to Trey Murphy III for his versatile defensive capabilities and knack for perimeter scoring. While Murphy offers greater athleticism and finishing ability, Risacher’s potential to impact games from long range presents a promising asset for the Hawks.
The selection of Risacher represents a strategic move by the Hawks to bolster their roster with a young talent known for his shooting prowess and defensive versatility.
