MUST READ: Hawks Scout French Draft “BRILLIANT” Prospect Days After Landing No. 1 Pick
Following a stroke of luck in the Draft Lottery, the Atlanta Hawks have displayed keen interest in selecting one of the talented French prospects anticipated to be chosen within the first 14 picks of the 2024 NBA Draft. In the aftermath of securing the top pick in the draft, Hawks general manager Landry Fields was questioned about Perth center Alexandre Sarr. While acknowledging the possibility of considering the French player with their No. 1 pick, he refrained from revealing further details. Recognized as one of the top defensive prospects in his class, Sarr has the potential to significantly bolster Atlanta’s defensive capabilities. Just days after clinching the No. 1 pick, Fields and his team traveled to France to observe Zaccharie Risacher from JL Bourg competing in the LNB Élite tournament.
Dimanche soir, Atlanta a hérité du premier choix de draft #NBA à la surprise générale.
Quatre jours plus tard, le coach des Hawks, Quin Snyder, et le GM adjoint Kyle Korver ont fait le déplacement jusqu’à Bourg pour observer Zaccharie Risacher en playoffs de #BetclicÉLITE ! pic.twitter.com/N2l9ZrQ2yQ— Alexandre Lacoste (@Alex__Lacoste) May 16, 2024
It remains uncertain whether Zaccharie Risacher was aware of the Hawks’ presence during the game. However, with Atlanta’s front office occupying prime seats, Risacher delivered an impressive performance. In the quarterfinal matchup against Nanterre, Risacher recorded 14 points, six rebounds, and shot 6-for-12 from the field, including 2-for-5 from beyond the arc.
#NBADraft prospect Zaccharie Risacher put on a SHOW for @JLBourgBasket 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Yz8jOnolT9
— NBA Future Starts Now (@nbafuturenow) May 16, 2024
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 204 pounds, Risacher is a versatile forward known for his quick and accurate shooting from long range. Throughout the season, he has maintained averages of 10.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game, showcasing a 3-point shooting percentage of 38.8%. With the Hawks addressing issues in their frontcourt, Risacher has the potential to emerge as a key building block for the team.
Saddiq Bey
Despite being a strong defender, Saddiq Bey struggled in the role of a stretch-four during the 2023-24 season, posting a career-low 3-point shooting percentage of 31.6%. Additionally, following a knee injury that ended his season in late March, there are uncertainties surrounding his future with the team, especially since he will be a restricted free agent in the upcoming offseason. Risacher is being considered as a potential replacement for Bey
De’Andre Hunter
Risacher presents a cost-effective option that could potentially replace De’Andre Hunter, the former fourth overall pick. Atlanta had actively sought to trade Hunter last offseason without success. However, with Hunter’s improved performance in the 2023-24 season, averaging 15.6 points per game and shooting a career-high 38.5% from 3-point range, there might be a shift in interest. Hunter is under contract for nearly $70 million over the next three seasons. Risacher could serve as a more budget-friendly alternative to Hunter.
