The 2024 NBA Draft was the subject of worldwide scrutiny even before the night of the draft, and no one has experienced more ridicule post-draft than the No.1 overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher. After exploding for numerous 30-point games in his rookie year, Risacher experienced a dry spell that was exacerbated by the Hawks’ embarrassing losses in the first half of the season.

He regressed in scoring, and Head Coach Quin Snyder removed him from the starting lineup due to his disappointing performances. Little did we know that the global doubt of Risacher’s ability would bring out the best in him. Moving to the second unit was a blessing in disguise, and it’s evident after his string of performances.

Over his last 10 games, he has shot 53.6% from three, and the increased defensive intensity has been evident. Even his biggest doubters will admit the impact he’s had not only on the perimeter, but also in the post as well.

An underrated contribution during the Hawks’ late-season resurgence has been their improved rebounding and physicality. Zaccharie has shined when crashing the glass, and it’s taken his overall game to another level. 

Instead of a jumpshot, he’s relying on his athleticism to score second-chance points after offensive rebounds or flying in for a put-back dunk after a missed three, giving Risacher new life in the Hawks’ young nucleus.

Risacher’s New Role 

Now that he is showing signs of improvement, franchise legend Kyle Korver and the Hawks’ developmental staff can hone in on the strengths. His archetype as a 3&D wing coincides with the team that General Manager Onsi Saleh is constructing, and it’s invaluable in the NBA’s modern era.

Having an athletic shooter on the bench sitting alongside another athletic forward in Jonathan Kuminga is one of the major reasons the Hawks are finally winning games consistently. They never had this kind of athleticism during the Trae Young era, and now with 6’8 point forward Jalen Johnson leading the charge, Atlanta is building one of their best rosters in franchise history.

We just saw the Hawks earn their 13th consecutive victory at home with their 112-102 win over Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics. It’s their longest home-game win streak since the 1996-97 season, and Risacher played a big role in what was their biggest win of the season.

Zaccharie Risacher finished the game with 9 points, two assists, one steal, and one block. The most important stat was his +12 on +/-, reflecting his true impact. He shot 100% from three and played great defense against the 18-time champions, something Hawks fans should get accustomed to as the 20-year-old improves throughout the years.Â