Evaluating the Atlanta Hawks' Selection of Zaccharie Risacher as the First Overall Pick

Mara Lang
June 28, 2024 06:03am
149

Despite the Atlanta Hawks' decision to select French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, skepticism has emerged from former NBA player Frank Mason III and sports analyst Ryen Russillo.

The Atlanta Hawks' selection of Zaccharie Risacher as the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft has raised eyebrows in the basketball community. Despite Risacher's impressive physique and performance in the French league, former Kansas Jayhawks standout Frank Mason III expressed his doubts, stating, "Played this young guy in France this past season; no way he's the number one pick in the NBA raft lol, but I guess! Solid young player, but #1 pick is absurd."

Mason, who had a brief NBA career after being drafted 34th overall in 2017, has since played overseas and missed both games against Risacher's team in France. However, other critics have echoed Mason's sentiments.

Evaluating the Atlanta Hawks' Selection of Zaccharie Risacher as the First Overall Pick

Ryen Russillo, a respected sports analyst for The Ringer, believes that players in France, including Risacher's teammates, were likely surprised by the Hawks' decision. "I get what the high side of it is, but I imagine there's teammates of him in France that are like, 'I cannot believe that guy was the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft,'" Russillo said on the "Bill Simmons Podcast."

Risacher's statistics in France are not particularly impressive. In 22 minutes per game in the ProA League, he averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. While he played against Mason's team twice, averaging 11 and 10 points, Mason missed both games.

Evaluating the Atlanta Hawks' Selection of Zaccharie Risacher as the First Overall Pick

Risacher's teammate, Alexandre Sarr, was considered another potential top pick, but the Washington Wizards selected him with the second overall pick.

The Hawks' decision to select Risacher comes as a surprise to many, given the availability of other highly-rated prospects. The French forward is undoubtedly talented, but his performance in France does not justify his status as the first overall pick. The Hawks' decision will likely be scrutinized over the coming years as Risacher's NBA career progresses.