Hawks rookies' Summer League grade comes with significant caveat

The Atlanta Hawks did not exactly get their money’s worth from their rookie class during NBA 2K25 Summer League. It was not a talent issue, with both Zaccharie Risacher and Nikola Djurisic showcasing the traits that made them attractive prospects during the pre-draft process.

Instead, it was injuries to both players that spoiled what began as an extremely intriguing Summer League.

Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey gave them a “C” for their overall performances.

“Take our first grade of the exercise with a pretty hefty grain of salt,” Bailey wrote on July 22. “Zaccharie Risacher only played in two games, and Nikola Đurišić broke his foot just over six minutes into his second appearance.

“But in the very limited action we saw from these two, you could understand why the Atlanta Hawks took Risacher first overall and made a trade to land Đurišić.”

Risacher averaged 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists before suffering a quad injury.

“A smooth, high-volume shooter with a power forward's frame can do wonders for an offense, and it looks like there's room for Risacher to grow as a playmaker, too,” Bailey wrote.

Injuries spoiled intriguing start from Hawks' rookie draft class

Risacher was not efficient. But the stats do not count. What matters is the skills he showed.

Djurisic’s impact was not felt in the box score. He averaged 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists to 2.5 turnovers. But he showed his fearlessness to attack the teeth of the defense and creativity as a passer, which in and of itself was notable.

“In the tradition of other Serbian NBA players, Đurišić looked like a solid, pass-first player who sees the floor well and has a good feel for the game.”

Djurisic’s agent, Misko Raznatovic, clarified his client’s situation.

“Nikola Djurisic, playing for Atlanta, suffered an injury in the form of a fracture of the metatarsal bone of his left foot in the match of the NBA summer league,” Raznatovic posted on X on July 16. “Repairing the injury requires surgery, which is expected this week. The return to the field is planned for the end of September!”

The Hawks never officially ruled Risacher out for the remainder of Summer League. They took the decision to game time over the final three contests. 

The Hawks were winless in the exhibition series.

Next up is training camp – which will either begin on September 27 or October 1 – and the preseason. That is in line with the timeline Djurisic’s agent says they are planning for the wing to return.

The Hawks’ rookie duo could quickly prove that this grade undersells what they will bring to the table in 2024-25.