Zaccharie Risacher went through the highs and lows throughout his rookie campaign with the Atlanta Hawks. One of those major positives was his building connection with star guard Trae Young.
The Hawks selected Risacher with the first pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. They liked his versatility and shooting ability as a tall wing, improving the team’s frontcourt talent.
Risacher had a solid rookie campaign, averaging 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game after 75 appearances. He shot 45.8% from the field, including 35.5% from beyond the arc, and 71.1% from the free-throw line.
Typically, rookies who get to be the first pick of the NBA draft usually don’t go into stable situations with players who are established in this league. Luckily for Risacher, he got the fortunate draw as he has Trae Young as his star teammate. This allowed him to not take on all the pressure, learning his best traits as the season went on.
Risacher has been abroad as he’s playing for France in the EuroBasket Tournament. He recently spoke about that growing connection with Young, expressing excitement to get back on the court with him, according to Pijus Sapetka of Basketnews.
“I feel like we established a connection during the year,” Risacher said. “Honestly, it was great for me to play with him. Obviously, he’s one of the best passers in the league. I feel like I was lucky to start in the NBA, my rookie season with him by my side. Yeah, just a great guy outside the court, too. It’s exciting to see him again in September.”
What’s next For Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks
GettyTrae Young #11 and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks react during a 119-102 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on January 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
It’s beneficial for the Hawks to have their best young talents adapt to life in the NBA. Expectations can be overwhelming at times for them, but Zaccharie Risacher has benefitted from having Trae Young as his star teammate.
Young draws a lot of attention as the star shooter and playmaker, giving Risacher easier chances to produce on the court. Even then, the rookie had to earn his stripes in the league, which he did with strong performances on some nights.
Risacher performed well enough to maintain his role as a full-time starter, helping the Hawks finish 40-42 on the season. They got a spot in the play-in tournament, losing to the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat as their season came to an end.
Atlanta significantly retooled in the offseason. They acquired star big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Georges Niang. In free agency, they signed Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard as their backcourt improved.
The Hawks have a chance to be a fierce playoff contender going into the 2025-26 NBA season. If healthy all year, they can make a case for a potential title run as a dark horse, having a balanced unit that can make noise in the league.
For Risacher, it would be his first chance at getting playoff action. If he can take the next step in his game, Atlanta could be a force for teams to compete against them next season.
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