Hawks' Zaccharie Risacher actively rewriting narrative about 2024 NBA Draft

Heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks were effectively labeled as an unfortunate beneficiary of the lottery system. Atlanta landed the No. 1 overall selection, but the general consensus was that there wasn't an impact player worth prioritizing.

It's only taken one season for No. 1 overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher to prove that the Hawks had a better opportunity on their hands than previously anticipated.

Risacher, 20, struggled during the first half of the season, averaging 10.5 points and 1.2 three-point field goals made per game on .400/.283/.707 shooting across his first 40 appearances. Over his past 33 showings, however, he's improved his production and efficiency in a remarkable way.

During that time, the Hawks rookie has averaged 15.2 points and 2.2 three-point field goals made per game on .519/.424/.708 shooting,

It's been a remarkable evolution for a player who looked unfit for the NBA burden before turning the corner and scoring with tremendous efficiency. That includes a string of performances during which he's established himself as a potentially explosive scorer.

That includes joining Allen Iverson as the only rookies in NBA history to record at least 30 points and five three-point field goals made in multiple games.

That only scratches the surface of how far Risacher has come during his first NBA season.

Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher proving to have remarkable upside

Question marks remain about what the future will hold, but Risacher is proving that the 2024 NBA Draft will be more fondly remembered than most expected it to be. He and San Antonio Spurs dynamo Stephon Castle are just two of the players who are thriving during their first seasons.

Both players are flanked by high-level teammates, with Castle complementing Victor Wembanyama and Risacher working alongside the likes of Jalen Johnson and Trae Young.

Rookie seasons do little to decide a player's career trajectory, but Risacher's first year has offered ample reason for intrigue. He's become significantly more comfortable with the ball in his hands as the season has progressed, as well as in his play away from the ball..

Risacher is now shooting 36.7 percent on catch-and-shoot threes on the season, including a mark of 42.3 percent on attempts since Feb. 1.

Furthermore, Risacher is shooting 43.9 percent on drives since Feb. 1. That is by no means a great number, but it's worth noting that he was making just 39.8 percent of his shots in said scenario before that date—meaning his efficiency has improved by 4.1 percent.

This will be a process full of learning curves for Risacher, but he's well on his way to becoming the type of player who can redefine the interpretation of his draft class.