3 reasons Zaccharie Risacher should be a starter to open the regular season

3) Risacher’s individual growth as a No. 1 pick

It seems pretty obvious, but the Hawks should start Risacher so they can — wait for it — develop their No. 1 pick. 

While Risacher would still get playing time in the second unit, the 6-foot-9 Frenchman will realistically play alongside Young and other current Hawks for the next several years. Developing a rapport between Risacher and Atlanta’s perennial starters should be a priority for the Hawks’ coaching staff.

Ice Trae could especially aid Risacher’s development. Nothing quite speeds up the process of a player’s growth like a dime-dropping point guard that can set him up anywhere on the court. 

Young gave his rookie high praise after his preseason debut.

“He can shoot the ball really well, has a really good feel for the game, can make the right reads,” Young said, per Malik Brown of ClutchPoints. “Obviously he’s going to make some turnovers, make some mistakes here and there, and he’s going to have a hell of a career, and tonight was just the beginning.”

Risacher has already shown he can move well without the ball, attack closeouts, hit open jumpers, and serve as a roll man and ball handler in pick-and-rolls. All of these skills should translate to success next to a player like Young. For that reason alone, head coach Quin Snyder should start Risacher.

Risacher’s high IQ should allow him to grow his game quicker than most. His years of experience playing professional basketball in the EuroLeague will also make his NBA transition easier. Unlike many former No. 1 picks, he won’t need to prove himself as a scorer right away. Instead, Risacher will get the chance to hone other skills that can complement the playmaking and shooting of his new teammates.

With a third preseason game on the horizon, the Hawks coaching staff needs to consider starting Risacher over Hunter. If they finally pull the trigger, they won’t regret it.