Kofi Inkoom
The Atlanta Hawks have selected Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Atlanta’s leap from the 10th spot to the first in the draft lottery, despite having only a 3% chance, surprised many. Unlike last year, when Victor Wembanyama was the clear top prospect, this year’s draft didn’t have a consensus number one pick.
This allowed the Hawks to choose from the top available talents. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the team ultimately decided between Risacher and Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, eventually opting for Risacher.
Risacher, a 19-year-old forward from France born in Spain, started his professional career with ASVEL Basket in France in 2021. He spent the last season on loan to JL Bourg, where he excelled as a shooter, ball-handler, and versatile defender.
The 6’9″ forward averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 24 minutes per game over 17 EuroCup appearances, shooting 56.6% from the field, 56.1% from three-point range, and 65.9% from the free-throw line.
In 32 games in France’s LNB Elite, he posted averages of 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists with shooting splits of 43.9% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc, and 74.0% from the free-throw line.
This pick signals the start of a potentially transformative offseason for the Hawks. The team is expected to trade one of their star guards, Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, and may also look to move other veterans like Clint Capela.