Over the final two games of his rookie season – games that, if the Hawks had won only one, would have gotten them into the playoffs – Zaccharie Risacher shot 3-for-21 from the floor and 1-for-12 from beyond the arc.
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft totaled 10 points against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament.
For the Hawks, it was a costly reality check ahead of a potentially pivotal offseason.
Risacher managed 5 rebounds and 2 steals across those contests, but the Hawks needed more from the rookie, whose size and skill set make him a mismatch on both ends of the floor. But that is only true when his shot is falling.
Listed at 6-foot-8, Risacher ranked second among all rookies in starts. And he ranked third among those who started at least 41 games, or half of the regular season.
Risacher ranked fourth among rookies with at least 15 starts after the All-Star Break.
However, he was more efficient than all three players who averaged more points, and the Hawks are the only team in that group that was contending for a playoff spot late in the regular season.
Context must matter, which is why saying that Risacher’s struggles in his first-ever postseason are not surprising does not erase how ominous they also may be.
Not because Risacher does not have the ceiling the Hawks projected for him. He does.
Instead, the issue the Hawks face is all about time. They are still in the midst of a roster transition that could reach significant levels if certain dominoes fall into place. Can Risacher overcome those kinds of issues that many young players face by next season?
Hawks must pick a timeline this offseason
History suggests that Year 3 or even 4 could be the true breakout campaign for Risacher, but the Hawks have six players under contract for 2026-27.
A lot will have changed about this roster before then.
It is difficult to say the Hawks erred by relying so heavily on Risacher. They were never pegged for title contenders, and trading the pick would have left them with less flexibility, something they are looking forward to this offseason.
Risacher may not win Rookie of the Year, but the Hawks did him a favor. He has already learned how to play within the structure of an offense in games that matterd.
With more refinement, perhaps he can remain on the floor in the fourth quarter next year.
They still will not need him to be their No. 1 (Trae Young) or No. 2 (Jalen Johnson) option, which takes a load of pressure off him to do more than he is ready for. Risacher touted his professional experience overseas. He started the 2024-25 season rough.
His in-season turnaround should be more encouraging than his struggles to end the campaign should cast doubt.
With all of the other things that he proved he can do, his first season was successful.