The Atlanta Hawks will enter the 2026 NBA Draft facing the unavoidable temptation to resolve the uncertainty at forward. Jalen Johnson turned in an All-NBA season, but alongside him are two fairly polarizing players in Jonathan Kuminga and Zaccharie Risacher.
If a recent rumor that the Hawks aren't targeting a forward at No. 8 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft proves true, then it certainly seems as though Risacher will have a chance to prove he belongs.
Risacher left Hawks fans pondering if stardom was a realistic dream as he closed the 2024-25 season out in style. Unfortunately, his minutes declined and his role was ultimately erased in 2025-26. He appeared in just three of the Hawks' seven games during the playoffs, twice playing fewer than five minutes.
Thankfully, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that the Hawks' priorities at the 2026 NBA Draft lean more toward point guard and center than forward.
"Since then, rival executives who’ve spoken with HoopsHype project the Hawks to select either a point guard, with one of Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff, and Kingston Flemings expected to be available, or Michigan 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara."
In other words: Risacher should have another chance to prove he's still the player the Hawks need alongside Johnson in the starting lineup, if not the rotation at minimum.
Hawks reportedly prioritizing point guard, center at NBA Draft
Risacher was the No. 1 overall selection in 2024 and turned in a strong rookie season. He averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 offensive boards, and 1.6 three-point field goals made in 24.6 minutes per game, shooting at a clip of .458/.355/.711.
In the process, Risacher earned All-Rookie First Team honors and garnered general praise as he flashed intriguing potential as a scorer.
Risacher scored at least 30 points in four different games as a rookie, putting up a career-high 38 on Apr. 10, 2025 after previously setting a career-best with 36 on Mar. 30, 2025. He finished his debut season with eight 20-point games overall.
Unfortunately, Risacher had no 30-point games and just two 20-point outings in all of 2025-26, which only scratches the surface of his struggles.
Risacher's defensive performances came under fire as the inconsistency of his positioning and overall quality of play caused many to question his fit. The mid-season trade for Kuminga did him no favors, as competition arrived for playing time.
If Scotto's report ultimately reflects the Hawks' actions on the night of the 2026 NBA Draft, however, then Risacher should have another chance to prove he can be the starter Atlanta needs.
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