Atlanta Hawks veteran Larry Nance Jr is excited about the team’s highly coveted young star.
One year ago the Atlanta Hawks were the fortunate winners of the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, and used it to select Zaccharie Risacher with the number one overall draft pick.
Risacher was viewed as a developmental project instead of an instant difference-maker, and these expectations have made it easier for him to adjust to the NBA.
The young Frenchman has been embraced by his teammates, producing a 38-point performance late in the season to show what he is capable of.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty ImagesLarry Nance Jr backs Zaccharie Risacher
With the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery upcoming, the Atlanta Hawks have been reflecting on a promising rookie year for Zaccharie Risacher.
Risacher was nominated for Rookie of the Year, an award eventually won by San Antonio Spurs prospect Stephon Castle.
The Hawks remain enthused at what they have seen from Risacher, posting a clip of video highlights from his season.
Hinting there is a lot more to come, the Hawks’ message read: “The league got a glimpse of how special Zacch is.”
Atlanta Hawks veteran Larry Nance Jr responded to the video, adding his own thoughts on Risacher’s talent and impressive maturity. He believes the former number one pick has a long career ahead of him.
Nance Jr wrote: “The kind of player we’re going to be watching for a 15+ year career. Already gets what it means to be a professional.”
The kind of player we’re going to be watching for a 15+ year career. Already gets what it means to be a professional 🙌🏽 https://t.co/2v8eBFWWkN
— Larry Nance (@Larrydn22) May 8, 2025
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How Zaccharie Risacher played in 2024-25
Zaccharie Risacher played in 75 out of 82 games for the Atlanta Hawks and averaged 24.6 minutes per game.
The youngster’s shooting map provided via SofaScore displays how he likes to drive to the rim and also shoot from three, a combined skill set that makes him an especially intriguing prospect.
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Risacher averaged 12.6 points per game, and his scoring really improved as the season went along.
Prior to the All-Star break Risacher averaged 11.4 points per game, and this increased subsequently to 14.6 ppg. His rebound numbers also climbed from 3.3 to 4.0 per game.
In early April, Risacher became the third teenager to tally at least 800 points, 200 rebounds, 100 three-pointers, 50 steals, and 30 blocks. Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards are the only other two, putting him in esteemed company.
The Hawks will begin to plan around Risacher more in 2025-26, and look for him to improve as he continues his adjustment to the NBA.