Atlanta Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher earned a slot on the 2024-25 All-Rookie First Team.
Risacher was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. He started all but two games for which he was available, and those were the first of his career. Risacher averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.
He also shot 35.5% from beyond the arc, boasting a 53.7% eFG and showcasing his high basketball IQ on both ends of the floor.
Risacher posted a message with praying hands emojis to celebrate the news.
“Zacch set his career high of 38 points in Brooklyn on April 10,” the Hawks posted on X in celebration of Risacher’s selection. “In that game, he became the first rookie in NBA history to record 35+ PTS on at least .750 FG% & .500 3FG% (min. 20 FGA, 10 3FGA)”
The Hawks also noted several of Risacher’s class-best marks after he lost out on Rookie of the Year honors to San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle.
Castle was a unanimous All-Rookie First Team selection.
“Only player [among rookies] in top-5 in usage, total PTS, FG, 3-PT FG, & FT. Most 30-point games (4) and highest single game total (38),” the Hawks posted in April. “Highest PPG as a starter on postseason team (12.6 ppg). Only player since Jan. 1 to average at least 14.0 points on 50% FG, 40% 3FG, 70% FT.”
Zaccharie Risacher snaps 17-year drought for Hawks’ draft picks
Technically, the last Hawks first-round pick to earn a slot on the All-Rookie first team was Luka Doncic in 2018-19. However, Doncic did not play for the Hawks, instead getting traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young, who also made the selective group.
The last Hawks first-rounder who played for them to make it was Al Horford in 2007-08.
Since then, the Hawks have selected 18 players in the first round of the draft, either with their own pick or rights they acquired. 13 have suited up for the Hawks, including Risacher.
Four of those players are still with the organization, again including Risacher, and two of them – Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu – are starters. So, the missed All-Rookie teams are not totally indicative of the Hawks’ draft success.
Still, Risacher adds another noteworthy achievement to his resume.
His performance this past season offers encouragement that he will at least be a high-level contributor on both ends of the floor for years to come, if not a star in that capacity.