Coming out of France, Zaccharie Risacher was one of the most disrespected No.1 overall draft picks in the last 20 years. Due to a lack of research, many pundits weren’t aware of the former LNB All-Star’s capabilities. Now that his rookie season is approaching, it’s safe to say he will be better than just a "role player" alongside Trae Young and Jalen Johnson.
Even though he exploded for 33 points against the New York Knicks on November 16th, many declared Risacher a ‘Bust’ due to his struggles in December after such a masterful performance. After 12 games in December, he shot 29.5% from behind the arc, which was very alarming since his jump shot was one of the biggest reasons he was regarded so highly at the 2024 NBA draft.
He shot 40.8% in the LNB but didn’t immediately translate to the NBA level. He would improve month after month, eventually becoming a reliable sniper from outside by February. He shot 44% from three after playing another 12 games with more composure and efficiency.
Risacher’s ability to adapt rapidly was the best among any other rookie in the league. San Antonio Spurs rookie, Stephon Castle, has also played phenomenally all season, but Risacher is the only rookie to score multiple 30-point games. According to Hawks PR, he became the youngest Atlanta Hawk ever to record 500 points, 150 rebounds, 50 assists, and 50 three-pointers on February 7th.
It gave him the confidence to succeed, and he averaged 16.3 points per game throughout March. He’s displayed a lethal offensive skillset and has also proven to be a versatile defender, defending multiple positions all season. At 6'9", he can play the SG, SF, and PF positions if needed. Risacher’s potential on both sides of the ball is one of the most significant ‘X’ factors for the Hawks heading into the future, given the new culture they’re establishing, especially after acquiring defensive star Dyson Daniels.
According to Cleaning The Glass, the Hawks are 3.4 points per possession better defensively with Risacher on the floor, and he is bound to improve as a defender as he adds more muscle to his frame. Atlanta’s defense has held them back for years, but they’re finally moving in the right direction after drafting the young Frenchmen.
Now that we know more, what is Zaccharie Risacher’s ceiling?
His two-way play puts him on track to become an excellent piece by age 22 or 23, and he could easily become a star by that time, given what he’s shown so far. With the Play-In tournament on the horizon, we will see how he handles his first taste of real NBA pressure.
After analyzing his entire rookie season through the ups and downs, it’s safe to say that Risacher has star potential. His rapid improvement increased his ceiling exponentially, and he recently had his career high of 38 points, shooting 15-20 from the field. It was his fourth 30-point performance of the season, the only rookie to achieve this feat.
Risacher’s efficiency results from a polished approach to the game, which he developed during his time in the LNB and EuroLeague. He was 17 years old when the ASVEL Basket roster claimed the 2022 LNB championship. It provided a much-needed playoff atmosphere for a young player, so the intensity of an NBA playoff experience will be familiar to him, which is extremely valuable as the Hawks prepare for the postseason.
The importance of Zaccharie Risacher's 1st NBA postseason
Atlanta finished the regular season as the 8th seed and will face the Orlando Magic in the Play-In tournament. With Johnson out for the season, Risacher must step up so that the Hawks can have a chance to advance to the playoffs. He will have to defend some of the best forwards in the NBA on this upcoming playoff run, starting with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in the Play-In.
If they defeat the Magic, they will face the Boston Celtics in the first round, similar to the 2023 season. Risacher will switch between Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum as the Hawks' starting SF, providing a massive test for the 20-year-old. It is a lot of pressure to put on a young player, but it is to be expected of a No.1 overall draft pick.
Even if they lose to the Magic and defeat the winner of Bulls-Heat, the Hawks will face the Cleveland Cavaliers, who won 64 games this season as the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The playoffs magnify everything, and playing either team will attract fans who haven’t seen Risacher all season. This presents an opportunity for Risacher to demonstrate his abilities to the mainstream media and put himself on the map heading into year two.
The 2024-25 season was crucial for his development, and we observed his rapid growth midseason. He could easily average 15+ points per game next season after making improvements this summer. His averages will likely increase yearly while playing alongside two great playmakers in Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. As long as he stays focused, the sky is the limit for Zaccharie Risacher.