Life is going to be filled with mistakes, but the most important part is learning from them so the same mistakes aren’t repeated in the future. For the Atlanta Hawks, this has been the realization after Zaccharie Risacher’s recent stretch of games.
The former No. 1 overall pick in the underwhelming 2024 NBA draft has been surpassed by his classmates, and Hawks fans are suffering because of it. Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis is hitting his stride in the Windy City, and Georgia native Stephon Castle has taken a leap in San Antonio for the Spurs.
Even through Washington’s abysmal season, former No. 2 pick Alex Sarr has become a star big man for the Wizards. Many other players of the ‘24 draft have become prominent members of their respective ball clubs, and it’s making the firing of Landry Fields look better by the day.
It’s unlikely they’ll trade the 20-year old, as he's a solid defender and good rebounder when playing the Power Forward position. Risacher’s defensive versatility has been the only consistent thing about him up until this point. His offensive production has fluctuated before, but losing his confidence has put him on a downward trajectory.
Unlike a popular 80’s flick, we can’t go back in time to change the past, so the Hawks must pivot. With a generational draft class on the horizon, and the New Orleans Pelicans (15-37) sitting at the 14th seed, all signs point to Zaccharie’s replacement.
Seeking salvation in the summer
Fans can rest easy this time around knowing that Onsi Saleh is leading the franchise. In 10 short months, he has completely changed the roster from 2025 free agency to the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline. The American-Canadian has loaded up on draft capital for the foreseeable future.
While conducting an interview with Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of 92.9 The Game, Saleh voiced his excitement for this summer’s incoming crop of talent.
“We’re young right now, well guess what? We’re gonna be pretty young in the next season as well too. The goal is to continually add to this group and continually grow in our competitiveness" Saleh said. “ This is a transcendent draft in a lot of ways and a generational draft in a lot of ways, so we gotta nail it, that’s our biggest transaction point this season.”
This draft features a trio of players who will change the trajectory of their respective ball clubs, and luckily for the Hawks, all three match their timeline. More importantly, Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa are forwards, so they could help exclude Risacher from the starting five.
He would be an excellent bench piece considering his abilities as a 6’9 3&D wing, and Dybantsa could fill that spot perfectly. AJ is leading the BYU Cougars with 24.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 3.5 APG.
Drafting him would be a massive upgrade, even though the 19-year-old is younger than the 20-year-old Zaccharie. His well-rounded game would thrive in Atlanta alongside another point forward in Jalen Johnson, and if Dybantsa is off the draft board, Boozer is the second-best choice.
The 6’9 250lb Power Forward has the highest basketball IQ in the draft and is the most NBA-ready prospect. Cameron’s combination of intelligence and physicality has translated to total domination in the ACC. He’s led the surging Duke Blue Devils to a 20-2 record while averaging 23.3 PPG and 10.0 RPG.
His rebounding could make an immediate impact in Atlanta, and his ability to pass out of double teams makes him an offensive hub. Having two point forwards would take the Hawks' offense to another level, as they already lead the league in team assists (30.6).
Fans will argue all season about who the better fit will be, but one thing the entire fanbase can agree on is the removal of Risacher from the starting five. The Hawks will not win with his production at the small forward position.
Waiting for his ‘arrival’ could take longer than expected, especially after witnessing Cooper Flagg’s rookie campaign in Dallas. Flagg has produced 30-40 points multiple times this season, so Zaccharie’s age is no longer an excuse. The Hawks just have to learn from their mistake and make up for it with the loaded 2026 NBA Draft.