The Atlanta Hawks have come up short time and again in the award races this season. While even being considered is an honor, the Hawks’ cases have been strong enough for their losses in the Defensive Player of the Year and Clutch Player of the Year races as disappointments.
Add Rookie of the Year to that list, as Zaccharie Risacher finished second behind San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle in a race that was not particularly close for the voters.
“Wow,” Hawks veteran Terance Mann posted in reaction to Risacher’s accomplishments.
Per the Hawks, Rischer finished the 2024-25 season (among rookies) as the only player ranked in the top five in usage, total points, field goals, three-point FGs, and free throws. He had the most 30-point games and the highest single-game output.
Risaher was also the highest scorer among that group per game in the postseason (the Spurs did not qualify).
He is the only player to post 14.0+ PPG while slashing .500/.400/.700 since January 1.
Hawks star Trae Young is among those who have championed Risacher’s ROTY candidacy, though it was an uphill battle for the youngster despite him being a starter since Game 3 of the regular season and being tasked with the toughest defensive assignments among the finalists.
Young’s advice for Daniels, who also finished second in his award race and is up for Most Improved Player, which will be announced on April 30, seems fit for Risacher, too.
Young told Daniels to use the results as motivation.
Zaccharie Risacher could follow Dyson Daniels’ lead
Daniels had a historic season taking the ball away for a team with fewer players that made his job easier than the winner of Defensive Player of the Year, Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley, had.
Like many accolades in the game today, ROTY is focused heavily on the scoring aspect. DPOY has similarly been a big man’s award for decades.
Risacher was unable to change that, and Mann’s reaction underscores why that is a surprise.
This offseason, Risacher will surely work to refine his game, add more strength, and build chemistry with his teammates. Next season, he could challenge for Most Improved Player, which went to Daniels this season.
Risacher arrived in the NBA with professional experience under his belt and at just 19 years old, encouraging context for the future.
He has also shown the work ethic to keep the train on track in that regard.