NFL
By: Nick Andre
The narrative throughout last season was that the 2024 NBA Draft was “weak”. Why was that the case? Because there wasn’t a Victor Wembanyama-type player in the Class. Leading up to Draft night, nobody knew who would become the number one overall pick. The pressure was on the Atlanta Hawks to pick the right prospect who could be an asset to their team. That said, they took a chance on Zaccharie Risacher from Spain.
Hawks general manager Landry Fields did his homework leading up to the Draft. My initial number-one pick would have been Alex Sarr. Sarr is an elite big man with All-Star potential. He displays the combination of post-play, floor spacing, versatility on defense, etc. However, that’s not what the Hawks were looking for. The franchise was looking for an elite all-around player who could make a significant impact on the team right away.
Risacher has shown to be pro-ready since he stepped foot into the NBA. He may have caught fans by surprise when his name was called as the #1 pick. However, they would be even more surprised once they saw how talented he is. Riscacher made Hawks fans proud during the NBA Summer League. Sure, he was going up against other rookies and young players. But he made sure to stand out amongst everyone else on the floor.
Risacher shows fearlessness on the court at a young age. When he stepped onto an NBA floor, his body language showed that he’d been in these situations before. What makes Risacher special is his decision-making on offense. He’s dynamic with the basketball in his hands as he can find his way to a basket or find a teammate in their pocket. If given the opportunity, Risacher could have stretches where he plays point guard for the Hawks. He’s great at reading defenses and finding ways to keep the offense flowing.
Risacher was nothing short of spectacular in the Hawks’ first preseason game against the Indiana Pacers. Sure, preseason games can be worthless to some people. But it’s an opportunity for young prospects to prove themselves before the regular season. Zaccharie Risacher proved that by scoring 18 points in 22 minutes. Throughout the game, he showed his effectiveness both with and without the ball. What stood out to me is his availability in the dunkers spot, anticipating passes, and creating opportunities for a finish inside. Hawks were able to take control in a 131-130 victory.
Risacher has already gotten approval from Hawks fans after his first preseason game. They anticipate an ultimate duo of him and Trae Young and the damage they could potentially do together. This is a new beginning for the Atlanta Hawks. They’re not a championship contender yet but have great pieces to build for the future.
The goal for Zaccharie Risacher is to not only begin his quest for Rookie of the Year but to help the Hawks move in the right direction. The franchise has been on the decline since its run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. Luckily, the front office has done its job of assembling a team that can build chemistry for the future. Expect Risacher to have a great rookie season and make a significant impact for Atlanta.
