Zaccharie Risacher showed why the Atlanta Hawks made him the No. 1 overall pick during his season (and career) high 33-point effort against the New York Knicks earlier this month.
However, Risacher did not show one of his greatest selling points for some time after that game. The rookie shot 25% from beyond the arc over the first 18 games of the season, 16 of which he had started.
Risacher sank multiple triples in just four of those games.
Over the last three games, though, Risacher has connected on 12 of his 22 looks from downtown for an impressive 54.5% clip.
Risacher dropped 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in the Hawks’ win over the Charlotte Hornets. It was his third straight game with double-digit points. After scoring in single digits over the first 10 games of the season, he has done so three times in 11 games.
It was also Risacher’s third straight game with at least 1 steal and 1 block.
Zaccharie Risacher getting to the cup with confidence 😤 pic.twitter.com/rfU8GRjUpj
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 1, 2024
His advanced defensive prowess bodes well for a Hawks team looking to maximize three-time All-Star Trae Young.
Surrounding him with length and athleticism on defense and spacing and lob targets on offense is the key and the Hawks’ roster is built accordingly. Young is the only player in the starting lineup under 6-foot-7.
Risacher, at 6-foot-10 in shoes, is tied for the tallest player in the Hawks’ starting 5.
That is as tall as center Clint Capela. Risacher is a walking mismatch in the lineup at small forward between 2-guard Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson at the 4.
The best part is that he has not even begun to scratch the surface of what he can do, nor has he filled out as he will with age. But the feel Risacher has displayed all season, even as he was missing shots, is the most encouraging sign he has shown.
Zaccharie Risacher showing growth out of spotlight for Hawks
Risacher is in an interesting situation. He does not get the attention of previous No. 1 picks, likely a mix of how his draft class was viewed and the role he has in Atlanta. Most No. 1 picks are slated for featured roles.
Risacher is behind not only Young, but also Johnson and, when he gets hot, Daniels, leaving the rookie to get in where he fits in.
Fortunately, Risacher fits anywhere on the court in any capacity and is just getting started.