By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Atlanta Hawks selected French teen Zaccharie Risacher as the no. 1 overall pick during the 2024 NBA Rookie Draft ceremony on June 27, 2024.
Ranked no. 1 during the NBA Draft Combine by most scouts and analysts, Risacher will reinforce Trae Young and Dejounte Murray in the franchise’s quest for a return trip to the playoffs after missing the last post-season stage.
Standing at six-foot-nine, the French teen star possesses the skill set of a modern NBA big man who can spread the floor with elite three-point shooting.
Aside from his tremendous percentage from deep, Risacher is also a comfortable catch-and-shoot stretch forward, a rare asset that can post huge problems defensively to other teams.
Before declaring himself in the 2024 NBA Draft, Risacher last played for the JL Bourg club participating in the Betclic Elite League in France.
Risacher’s complete two-way performance steered JL Bourg to a semifinal finish in the LNB Elite League but failed to advance after losing to Monaco.
According to Bleacher Report’s Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman, Risacher resembles his play style to Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings.
“Risacher’s combination of positional size, athleticism and shotmaking creates a high floor and easy fit. And given his age and the flashes at junior levels overseas, he has a skill set and room to grow as a ball-handler, driver and secondary playmaker,” said Wasserman.
Risacher’s top lottery pick selection then marked the second straight year that a French teen was chosen as the no. 1 overall pick.
Last year, it was Victor Wembanyama from France who was also selected no. 1 by the San Antonio Spurs franchise.
