Being a #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft carries a lot of weight, and it comes with almost unreachable expectations. Yet, in the case of Zaccharie Risacher, the discourse surrounding him and his potential to break out in year 2 is almost non-existent. Even when we look back at the NBA's most notable underperformers at the #1 pick slot, such as an Anthony Bennett or even a Markelle Fultz, at the very least these guys made headlines, for better or for worse.
That's what makes the case of Zaccharie Risacher so fascinating; there isn't any discourse regarding his potential next season, there isn't any discourse on his potential to be a bust. There simply isn't any discourse surrounding him at all. A second-year wing, picked #1 overall, tall, skilled, and oozing with potential, yet the headlines for second-year breakout candidates are dominated by the likes of Dalton Knecht, Reed Sheppard, and the Thompson twins.
This absence of Risacher's name in these discussions is hard to overlook, especially when we look at other former #1 overall picks entering year two. Former first-overall picks Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero had sky-high expectations in year 2, even with underwhelming rookie seasons. And we haven't even touched on the insurmountable hype that Cooper Flagg is receiving before he's even suited up for an NBA game.
Why isn't Risacher receiving his flowers?
Contrary to most first-overall selections, Risacher was not asked to be a star last year. While he didn't average the box-score stats you may expect for his draft position, which was the best move for both Risacher and the team.
At the start of the season, he was expected to play a supporting role in the starting five for a Hawks team still trying to find their identity. On a starting five loaded with young talent, Risacher was able to find his role as a complimentary piece rather than a focal point of the offense. When the team lost Jalen Johnson to injury, Risacher thrived in his increased role.
In the case of Cunningham and Banchero, the two star wings were immediately asked to lead teams with weak rosters. While this allowed them to get reps as a star player, playing on hopeless teams can breed bad habits and force players into roles that don't fit their game. Risacher, like every rookie this century, wasn't ready to be a star in year one, but there's no reason to believe he can't soon.
The Hawks have made moves to elevate the team, allowing Risacher to elevate himself. With the newest additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard, Risacher can see his role in the paint being increased this season, as the big man & spot-up shooter offer more space for Risacher to work in the paint and midrange.
Entering year two of his NBA career, Risacher has the potential to become the player that tantalized Atlanta when they drafted him. While the analysts won't give him praise, and the media won't notice him without eye-popping stats, Risacher is primed to break out.