Zaccharie Risacher is breaking out for the Atlanta Hawks and looks like a franchise production.
After being drafted first overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, it took Atlanta Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher a while to find his footing.
In his first 25 NBA games, he averaged 11.6 points and 3.6 rebounds. A lot was desired, especially after recent top picks Victor Wenbagnama and Paolo Bancello ran to the ground.
However, Risacher proves that he belongs recently. He was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in both February and March, averaging 14.7 points and four rebounds with 41% shooting in that range.
In the Hawks’ latest game, Lisacher scored only nine points in a 120-118 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, but he managed to score his 50th steel. French youth have one of the most balanced teenage seasons in NBA history.
The Rookie of the Year Award certainly does a definitely go to the San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, but Lisacher demonstrates that he can be the highlight of the Hawks’ future.
According to Hawks’ PR, Risacher is the third teenager to tally at least 800 points, 200 rebounds, 100 3-pointers, 50 steel and 30 blocks. Jason Tatum and Anthony Edwards are the only two others.
Most NBA players were drafted at the age of 19 and have not been teenagers in the league for a very long time. Notable exceptions include Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett and Lebron James.
None of them were able to film and defend Lisach’s way, and James wasn’t 20 years old until his second season until 17 games.
In the modern NBA, Richer plays low in defense, and the offensive floor is capable of paying dividends. The 2024 NBA Draft has been one of the weakest classes in recent years, with few “NBA compliant” players. Top three picks, Lisach, Alex Searle and Reed Shepherd, were all expected to become project players.
Certainly, they’re all showing flashes and have very clear advantages, but no one has dominated the league like some of the rookies of the past. However, his sweet shooting strokes and competent defense should make Lisacher a good player for years to come.
The Hawks do not own their draft picks in any of the following three drafts, limiting their flexibility. Trae Young can opt out of contracts after next season. It’s hard to expect Young to stay if the Hawks remain mediocre at best and stay in the play-in tournament or bounce back in the first round.
Between Lisacher, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onie Kaokonwu, the Hawks have a solid young core. It’s just missing the superstar, especially if the younger one leaves.
Atlanta owns a pick from the Sacramento Kings in 2025, but is protected in the top 12. The Hawks were linked to Kevin Durant at several rumored factories, but that doesn’t seem likely without a draft choice to trade him.
Atlanta will scrub ring for franchise players over the next few years. But if the investment in Lisach rewards, he could be the breakout candidate they’re pinning.