Zaccharie Risacher was the least lauded and least respected No. 1 pick in recent memory, which makes his swift ascent for Atlanta that much sweeter. A lot of folks were ready to dunk on the Hawks' decision to draft a role-playing wing with their top selection, but Risacher was productive and impactful as a teenager in a high-level European pro league. The signs were always there.
- Chris Kline
FanSided Staff Writer
He is not the dynamic lead creator folks typically associate with a No. 1 overall pick, but in a weak draft, the Hawks opted for the best right-now player — and were rewarded. It took a few weeks for Risacher's jumper to even out, but there was not a better NBA rookie over the second half of the campaign.
Risacher just does so many little things at a high level. At 6-foot-9, he's a buttery shooter with exceptional off-ball instincts. Watching him cut and relocate on cue is a treat for the sickos. He thinks the game at a much higher level than any 20-year-old has a right to. Even if he's not a self-creator, Risacher will fill rack up points by stepping into open 3s, making himself available for backup finishes, and fluidly attacking closeouts with long, purposeful strides. As his frame fills out, his rim finishing improves, and his skill set expands, Risacher has a strong baseline to develop into an impactful two-way star in the NBA.