How Selecting Zacharie Risacher Affects the Atlanta Hawks in the Long Term

On the night of June 26, the Atlanta Hawks made a historic decision for their franchise by selecting Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Nearly 50 years in the making, it was a momentous occasion for the Hawks and their fans. At a post-NBA Draft press conference, general manager Landry Fields fielded questions from the media, one of which was about Risacher’s fit with the team.

“This pick wasn’t necessarily about any direction. I think we took the opportunity to get who we thought was the best player in the draft,” Fields told reporters on June 26. “He’s a player that we’re not going to sit back and project what the roster is going to look like at the end of the day. We think he’s a guy that we can build around, regardless of what the roster looks like.”

Given the lottery odds, Risacher’s impact on the team will provide a boost the Hawks weren’t expected to have. He needs to dispel any doubts about his abilities, as he is arguably one of the most despised first-round picks in recent years.

A successful rookie season will allow him to earn the public’s respect and get Hawks fans excited for the future. Fortunately, playing alongside Young will accelerate Risacher’s development, especially on the offensive end. His skills benefit the Hawks in several ways. And at 19 years old, he has a lot of room for improvement in the years to come, which promises a bright future for the team.

Risacher is an excellent shooter with the potential to become an elite player and has excellent perimeter defense. He can defend multiple positions on the court with his 2.05m wingspan.

He’s a big wing at 6’10, so his jump shot will be tough to block, and he’s super athletic, especially on the fast break when he finishes at the rim. His style of play, especially his shooting and defensive abilities, alongside Young will provide some electric highlights, but it will come at the expense of De’Andre Hunter, who will likely see a change in his role to fit Risacher’s strengths.

Hunter would be a great replacement if management wants to pay up his contract

Risacher’s performance in the NBA Summer League and the 2024 Summer Olympics will determine his playing time in the rotation. If he plays at a high level, there is a strong possibility that head coach Quin Snyder will include the 2024 EuroCup rising star in the starting lineup in October. However, it is important to note that his development will require patience and strategic planning from the coaching staff.

Even though it will be a work in progress, Hawks fans should be excited about what will happen at State Farm Arena.

Over the next few years, Head of Player Development Reggis Onwukamuche and the rest of the staff will do whatever it takes to ensure Risacher maximizes his potential to become a star. Especially now that management has parted ways with Dejounte Murray, Risacher’s organizational role has become more important and will dictate the fate of the franchise. As Jalen Johnson assumes the role of second option, Risacher will need to develop as a solid third option.

Risacher, Young and Johnson are the only untouchable members of the roster. Typically, Risacher is expected to carry a franchise at a young age in a traditional first-overall situation, but the Hawks already have a franchise centerpiece, making him the final piece of a long-term core. He has more potential at wing than Hunter ever did, and the Hawks need to capitalize on that.

Over time, we will see how the trio plays together and forms its unique offensive tandem. Johnson and Risacher will provide excellent defensive coverage on the wings while also being two primary offensive weapons for Young. Both have the potential to become stars in different ways.

If Risacher reaches his full potential in Atlanta, the Hawks will have three All-Star players acquired in the draft. Young will finally earn the respect he deserves as one of the league’s best point guards as he thrives in a system built for him. As stressful as it may be, fans can only cheer from the sidelines as the front office does its best to improve the team, and the addition of Risacher was a big step in the right direction.