When the Atlanta Hawks surprisingly won the number one pick in 2024, many viewed it as an opportunity to get a valuable core player to boost their playoff odds in the East. Despite the 2024 draft class being one of the weaker ones in memory, the consensus was that the Hawks would be able to land an impact player.
Atlanta selected Zaccharie Risacher with their pick, over guys like Reed Sheppard, Alex Sarr, and Stephon Castle. The Hawks did need a wing and Risacher fit the mold they were looking for. The hope was he could develop nicely alongside Trae Young and Jalen Johnson.
Risacher showed flashes of how good he could be during his rookie season, but his second season has not offered the same hope. With that, Atlanta could soon be forced to accept a harsh reality about the young forward.
The Hawks made a mistake drafting Zaccharie Risacher first overall
Risacher’s numbers this season are down all across the board. He’s shooting only 34 percent from three on the season, and is only averaging nine points per game during the month of December. Atlanta has a -0.4 net rating with him on the floor this season.
He’s not playing with confidence and freedom, which leads to him disappearing during games at times. He has not been able to fully adjust to NBA physicality and athleticism as well.
To make matters worse, his draft peers are shining elsewhere. Sarr is thriving in Washington and has taken great strides in his second season. Sheppard has been given the sixth man role in Houston and has been one of the league’s best from three-point range.
Castle was last season’s rookie of the year and has taken another step forward this season, forming a lethal tandem with Victor Wembanyama.
The Hawks are also reportedly willing to trade Risacher away to the Mavericks in a potential deal for Anthony Davis, signaling that his days in Atlanta are numbered. The fact that the organization is willing to cut ties with their former top selection for an aging star forward is telling.
Risacher is by no means a bad player, but given where he was drafted, more is expected of him when it comes to production. Maybe all the young forward needs is a fresh start, but the Hawks cutting ties with their former top pick is a tough pill to swallow, especially when he was supposed to be a big part of their future.