Hawks sources 'push back hard' on wild Zaccharie Risacher rumors

Zaccharie Risacher is not for sale, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. At least, not for Anthony Davis. 

Amick released an article titled Five NBA teams that desperately need to make a trade before the deadline, which began with the Atlanta Hawks (subscription required). In his reporting, he shot down the previously reported rumor that Risacher could be packaged in a Davis deal, saying “Hawks sources pushed back hard on reports” of the French forward’s availability.

Marc Stein reported on Sunday that Atlanta indeed would consider trading Risacher (subscription required) for Davis, marking the first credible trade rumor of the former first overall pick’s career. While Stein is a reliable and well-connected insider, Amick was supported by Soaring Down South’s own Brad Rowland, who said he’s “received similar pushback on this topic.”

The Hawks should not trade Risacher

Risacher is not having the sophomore season we hoped for. He’s been stuck at a minutes restriction of approximately 24 mpg. This becomes more frustrating when there isn’t an obvious lingering injury (and when Quin Snyder repeatedly refuses to address the topic).

His point, rebound, and three point averages are down despite showing promise in these areas as a rookie. Still, there is reason to believe in Risacher. He’s been a reliable shooter for most of his life, and his defense has improved remarkably. With further development, he could become an Aaron Gordon-Jaren Jackson Jr. style of backside help defender, playing the traditional “power forward” role on defense and allowing Jalen Johnson to fully focus on offense.

Furthermore, Jake Fischer recently reported that the Hawks have shifted their mindset from the Trae Young era to the Jalen Johnson era. This means that, when evaluating fit, the team is asking how this player fits with Johnson – and Risacher is perfect.

If he can refine his jump shot to be more consistent, Risacher has all the hallmarks of a “combo forward” role becoming increasingly valuable in an NBA that is shifting its offensive creation from the point guard to the point forward. He has excellent mobility and reactions as the backline defender, and his hands have improved remarkably. He has the second-highest steal rate (steals per 100) and fourth-highest block rate of the Hawks’ ten-man rotation. 

While he isn’t quite at the Gordon-Jackson Jr. level yet, Risacher has the potential to be a game-changing defender as he develops athletically and mentally by product of more NBA experience. It makes no sense for the Hawks to bail on Risacher in a short-term effort to win more games.

If Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes truly available on the trade block, we can come back and debate whether Risacher is untouchable. But for Anthony Davis? The Hawks shouldn’t even consider such a desperate move.