Hawks make it official after smokescreen: Instant reaction to Zaccharie Risacher pick

The Atlanta Hawks left fans with bated breath awaiting their decision on the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. They even caused a late stir, with Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard emerging as a favorite alongside French-born wing Zaccharie Risacher.

In the end, Risacher was the selection and now the Hawks move forward with him along with a roster that is still rife with question marks.

Risacher is a versatile 6-foot-9 forward that figures to help the Hawks perimeter defense initially as his offensive game catches up

“Every NBA team is looking for a wing player like Zaccharie Risacher,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said during the draft. “6-foot-10 in shoes. 8-foot-11 standing reach with an excellent frame. Has a feel for the game. Competitiveness. And a versatility defensivey to guard all over the floor. His team, JL Bourg, had the No. 1 ranked defense in the French league and the EuroCup. They ask him to guard everyone from point guards to power forwards. You don’t see this very often from a teenager against this level of competition.”

Among the things Risacher must improve on, shot creation and add strength. But Risacher profiles as the modern-day wing that is en vogue in the NBA these days.

Risacher was understandable emotional after the selection was made official.

The Washington Wizards, as expected, took Alexandre Sarr, who was firmly in the mix for the pick after the Hawks first landed it.

Hawks’ roster remains in flux after Zaccharie Risacher pick

This answers but one question for the Hawks, who are widely expected to entertain trading one of their star guards – Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Both have been mentioned heavily in rumors since the deadline.

Murray’s name has been the most prevalent in the rumor mill in recent weeks, with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans among the potential landing spots.

Each of Bogdan Bogdanovic, Clint Capela, and De’Andre Hunter have been in the rumor mill. 

This pick leaves every avenue open to the Hawks, who have remained mum on their plans including who would be the No. 1 pick. Whether Risacher steps into a feature role as a rookie or not could still be in play.