Zaccharie Risacher, fresh off finishing as the runner-up for Rookie of the Year, is poised to become a key figure for the Atlanta Hawks as they aim to advance deeper in the Eastern Conference. His promising offensive performance and improved shooting in the latter half of last season have generated optimism among coaches and fans that his continued development will be a driving force behind the Hawks’ potential transformation from playoff hopefuls into serious <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Finals contenders.
Projected Growth and ESPN’s Sophomore Watchlist
Expectations for Risacher’s progression are high, with ESPN naming him the third most notable sophomore entering the new NBA season, behind only Spurs guard Stephon Castle and Rockets guard Reed Sheppard. Last season, Risacher proved why Atlanta had such confidence in selecting him first overall in a draft lacking a consensus No. 1 prospect.
“Risacher validated Atlanta’s conviction in selecting him first in a draft class that lacked a true consensus No. 1 among NBA decision-makers. While he didn’t win Rookie of the Year, he was one of just a few rookies to make significant contributions on a playoff-caliber team, shooting 45.8% from the floor and 35% from 3 and starting 73 of 75 games. He added immediate value entering the league at age 19, the question being how much he’ll add to his game as his career unfolds.”
—ESPN Analysis
Alongside new acquisitions Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and with core players Trae Young and Dyson Daniels poised for contract extensions, the Hawks are both preparing to compete now and evaluating the long-term potential of their roster. Risacher’s size and skills at small forward, especially his shooting and perimeter defense, give Atlanta flexibility to fit him into varied lineup configurations.
Focus on Offensive Development and Versatility
A critical aspect of Atlanta’s strategy will be fostering Risacher’s evolution as an offensive threat. While the team already has sufficient playmakers, enhancing his comfort with the ball and his ability to create scoring opportunities off the dribble will be essential. Progress in this area could mark the difference between Risacher remaining an excellent role player and reaching a higher tier of performance that significantly elevates the Hawks’ ceiling.
How aggressively the Hawks encourage Risacher to expand his playmaking and scoring responsibilities will be important to monitor as the season unfolds. It is unlikely he will immediately become a franchise-leading star on the level traditionally expected from a No. 1 pick unless he makes substantial leaps, but surpassing those expectations remains a strong possibility. His participation with the French national team at the upcoming EuroBasket tournament this August may offer valuable insight into his offseason improvements.
Historical Context and Rookie Season Highlights
Risacher joins an elite group as the 10th Atlanta Hawk ever to make the All-Rookie First Team, alongside notable players such as Trae Young, Al Horford, Stacey Augmon, and Dominique Wilkins. Over 75 games (starting 73), he averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 45.8% from the field, 35.5% from three-point range, and 71.1% from the free-throw line.
Notably, he was the only rookie last season to average at least 10 points with shooting splits above 45% overall, 35% from three, and 70% on free throws. He led all rookies in field goal percentage and ranked third in scoring and fourth in three-point accuracy. Risacher also held the highest offensive rating (112.3) among Eastern Conference rookies with at least 65 appearances.
High-Impact Performances Against Top Competition
Demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Risacher recorded four 30-point games, the most by any rookie during the 2024-25 season. Impressively, three of these games came against top-five Eastern Conference teams: Cleveland, New York, and Milwaukee. Against these elite squads, he averaged 14.6 points on nearly 50% shooting from the field and over 41% from beyond the arc in 17 games.
His career-high 38-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets on April 10 showcased his scoring prowess, with 15-of-20 shooting, including 6-of-11 from three. This output represented the highest scoring game by a rookie during the season and established him in NBA history as the first rookie to score more than 35 points while shooting at least 75% from the field and 50% from three, with minimum shot attempts.
The Significance of Risacher’s Advancement for Atlanta’s Future
Risacher’s progression in his sophomore season is pivotal as the Hawks look to build upon their playoff presence and contend for the conference title. His shooting, defensive capabilities, and evolving offensive skill set make him a highly valuable piece in a team strengthened by recent acquisitions and poised to extend key contracts.
How the Hawks integrate his growth into their system could influence whether they remain a mid-tier contender or emerge as a genuine NBA Finals threat. With Trae Young leading the charge and the blend of veteran and young talent, Risacher’s next steps will be closely watched by coaches, fans, and analysts alike as a potential catalyst for Atlanta’s deeper postseason runs.