Despite turning in a strong rookie season, Zaccharie Risacher has experienced a rather turbulent NBA journey. From pre-draft criticism and skepticism to fluctuating minutes and trade rumors, the Atlanta Hawks forward hasn't exactly been gifted stability early in his career.
Thankfully, with rumors swirling that the Hawks are open to trading him, the franchise has finally given Risacher the opportunity to settle in that he deserved and needed.
Risacher's pre-draft process wasn't exactly a desirable experience. Despite emerging as a near consensus choice to go No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the basketball community opted to focus on the apparent lack of star-caliber prospects in the talent pool.
Rather than being celebrated for going No. 1, Risacher instead became the face of a class that seemed devoid of the star potential that others so often possess.
Risacher was impressive as a 19-year-old rookie, thus silencing some of his critics. He earned All-Rookie First Team recognition after averaging 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.6 three-point field goals made in just 24.6 minutes per game, shooting at a clip of .458/.355/.711.
In the midst of a polarizing sophomore season that's included rumors that he could be traded, the Hawks made sure to leak information that Risacher will not be moved in 2025-26.
Hawks informing rivals that Zaccharie Risacher will not be traded
Marc Stein of The Stein Line recently reported that the Hawks are open to trading Risacher if the right offer comes along. It's worth noting that such a revelation was made as Atlanta was being routinely linked to five-time All-NBA honoree Anthony Davis.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Hawks are pushing back on the report that they'd be willing to offer Risacher for Davis.
"Yet while the Mavericks are known to be pushing for young prospects (and expiring contracts) in talks relating to Davis, Hawks sources pushed back hard on reports that they’d be willing to include 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher."
In the process, the Hawks have given Risacher an opportunity to continue his development without having to worry about where he'll be playing in February.
Zaccharie Risacher needs stability to realize his potential with Hawks
Risacher, who's still just 20 years of age, has experienced his share of ups and downs in 2025-26. He's playing 0.4 fewer minutes than he did a season ago, is shooting just 33.8 percent from beyond the arc, and is attempting 1.2 fewer field goals per game.
For as fair as the concerns over a sophomore slump may be, he's still started all 33 of his appearances and remains a key contributor in Atlanta.
It may be easy to forget as he's struggling to find his form, but this is the same Risacher who posted four 30-point games as a rookie. That includes 36 and 38-point performances during the closing weeks of his first NBA season.
It's also imperative to note that the dynamic has changed in Atlanta with Trae Young battling injuries, Nickeil Alexander-Walker scoring at a star-caliber level, and Kristaps Porzingis attempting 12.5 shots per game.
With new high-usage veterans introduced to the rotation, it was inevitable that Risacher would face a learning curve. Rather than fixating on the areas in which he's struggling, Atlanta is focused on helping him overcome these new challenges and get back on track on both ends of the floor.
With a 20-year-old second-year player who was drafted No. 1 overall less than two years ago, the Hawks are playing the long game and gifting Risacher the opportunity to play without fearing for his future with the franchise.