The Atlanta Hawks accelerated their timeline as a contender with their moves this offseason.
After acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, Atlanta suddenly has a roster capable of winning the Eastern Conference. This accelerated timeline demands a higher level of play from Atlanta's young core than was required last season.
There's nobody this change in expectation affects more than Zaccharie Risacher. Many doubted the choice to select Risacher number one in last season's draft, but Risacher silenced his doubters by proving to be the ideal wing player to complement Trae Young.
With their change in expectation comes an increased responsibility on Risacher, who will presumably enter the season with the starting job. Risacher has to prove he is a playoff-caliber starter at just 20 years old, with Alexander-Walker on the bench waiting for his chance to break through as a starter.
Risacher should continue to crush the expectations
The Hawks are demanding a high level of play and consistency from Risacher, and he is well-equipped to step into this role. On a team led by Young, open looks on the outside are a guarantee. Risacher thrived as a catch-and-shoot three point threat last season, knocking down 40.9% of these shots after the All-Star break.
With Risacher, his immediate success as a starter depends on whether he can continue to consistently knock down his easy looks. After showing what a remarkable player he could be, Risacher now must prove that he can play this role with consistency. The Hawks' dream-like spacing next season becomes much shakier if the squad can't count on Risacher.
However, the front office clearly trusts Risacher, citing the rookie as the reason the front office is comfortable making a push to compete this season. There is good reason to trust him, too; as an international player, Risacher was already playing this role for a professional team. Where many players waste their time learning how to be a star in college, Risacher received an education on how to support a winning team from one of the best coaches in Europe.
Despite going from the French league to the NBA, Risacher's stats improved overall as a rookie compared to his final season in France. As a rookie facing the best competition in the world, he increased his scoring volume, efficiency, and assists while decreasing his turnovers. With a full year of development and coaching, there's no reason to believe he won't take yet another leap as a player.
And if he does make this leap, expect the Hawks to be a true contender. The Hawks have built the ideal contender in the modern NBA. The team is built around two offensive threats in Young and Jalen Johnson, with support from dynamic two-way players Dyson Daniels, Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu, and Porzingis. If Risacher can meet the expectations, the Hawks' seven-man rotation could be the best in the league.
While the expectations for Risacher will increase yet again this season, Risacher has proven he is capable of rising to the occasion. If Risacher can continue his upward trajectory, the Hawks could be the favorites to represent the East in the Finals.