The Atlanta Hawks surprisingly “earned” the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft when they won the lottery this past spring.
Atlanta is coming off an appearance in the NBA Play-In Tournament. There are also a ton of question marks for the Hawks’ front office, including potential trades of guards Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
The backdrop heading into the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft Wednesday night is just how weak it is seen as from experts. There really is no clear-cut No. 1 pick. It has led to Atlanta taking offers for the top selection as rumors swirl about who the team might take if it stands pat.
With hours to go before they are on the clock, we’re hearing a bit more on this. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo report that 6-foot-9 French forward Zaccharie Risacher is the likely selection.
“The Hawks continue to signal that they have not yet determined their draft-night direction, but other teams are preparing as if Risacher will come off the board at No. 1,” report on Atlanta Hawks decision with the first pick.
It was seemingly between Risacher and fellow France native Alex Sarr. Now, it appears that the Hawks have made a decision if they do indeed stand pat at one.
Related: 5 ideal Trae Young trade scenarios from the Atlanta Hawks
What the Atlanta Hawks would be getting in Zaccharie Risacher
Let’s be clear. He is no Victor Wembanyama. The San Antonio Spurs star was long considered the consensus No. 1 pick in last year’s NBA Draft. The France native was absolutely brilliant, strengthening his repuation as a generational talent.
Risacher is not of that ilk.
However, he has certainly been on the radar of NBA teams over the past couple seasons.
“He’s an overall offensive talent with a nice shooting stroke, advanced ball handling for a player his age and a good feel for the game. He’s not the most explosive above the rim athlete but is a good cutter and a solid finisher in the lane. He’s the son of a professional basketball player (dad played in Europe) and it shows; he’s really got a good feel for the game.”
Zaccharie Risacher scouting report rom NBA Draft Room
The talent and upside is there. Whether Risacher is ready to make an immediate impact is not yet known. But playing overseas does help in that regard.
As for the Hawks, they are facing a crucial summer. As noted above, both Trae Young and Dejounte Murray could be traded. That would lead to a full-scale rebuild in Atlanta, with Risacher potentially leading things.