Entering play against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 3, Atlanta Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher ranks second among his draft class in points since January 30. Then he went off for 27 points on 84.6% shooting – including a 5-for-7 mark from downtown – against the Grizzlies.
Risacher was in consideration for Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in January, but he lost out to Miami Heat center Kel’El Ware.
The NBA’s social media teams were noticeably silent during Risacher’s February and Monday.
Shoot that thing mon frère 🇫🇷👏 pic.twitter.com/PKqb5dxRR4
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) March 4, 2025
Risacher, 19, also had 4 steals, 2 blocks, and 1 rebound in the 132-130 victory. Perhaps most impressive about Risacher’s performance is that he scored just 4 points in a little over seven minutes played in the fourth quarter and did not close the game.
However, the only mention of the 2024 NBA Draft's No. 1 overall pick on the night from the NBA’s official X handle—or the league’s communications—was in the game’s stat recap.
The last time ESPN or TNT mentioned Risacher’s performance on social media was in January.
Zaccharie Risacher should be the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month
Tuesday should bring the announcement of the Rookies of the Month for February. Whether or not Risacher wins the honor this time around or not, he is worthy.
He is tied with Chicago Bulls forward Matas Muzelis – the No. 11 overall pick of the class – who is shooting 50% from the floor to 47.4% for Risacher. Risacher is shooting a higher clip from beyond the arc and has a far better plus-minus, though: minus-0.3 net to minus-6.6 for Buzelis.
No. 2 pick Alex Sarr is averaging more points.
However, the Washington Wizards rookie played two games in February, which could – and arguably should – make Risacher the clear favorite for the East.
As Hawks fans have seen with Trae Young, a lack of attention can often lead to a player being overlooked. That Risacher is doing the things he is remains the most important aspect of his play. His efficiency has come around nicely since a rocky start to the season.
Risacher’s five wins in February were also the most among the double-digit scoring rookies.
When factoring in his defensive responsibilities, the arguments against Risacher as the choice for Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for February seem few and far between.
The Hawks had the eighth-best record in the East in February, which one could use to support a case against Risacher. That is why the context around his record relative to his classmates is significant.
Awards and media recognition aside, Risacher is starting to deliver like a No. 1 pick.