The
Atlanta Hawks had a huge win, obtaining Zaccharie Risacher with the very first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. With Evan now on the team, the rest of the team needs to prove that he can push them from feeling lucky about just making the playoffs to being real threats in the East.
Trae Young reaching his top form and Dejounte Murray’s future not certain, Risacher’s improvement must happen. Here are the steps the Hawks can take to show Trae Young’s greatness and change the future of the team.
Why Risacher is the Perfect Fit
No true two-way wing has been on the Hawks’ team since DeMarre Carroll. Risacher makes this happen.
• Ability to hit jump shots (40% or higher)
• Mountain height enables him to play both inside and outside (can guard 2-4)
• Being able to understand the game well (Cuts, moves to open spaces without having the ball)
Risacher is prepared for the NBA, while previously Cam Reddish needed more time. The Hawks are short on time and require impact right away.
The Risacher Breakout Blueprint
1. Immediate chance to make an impact
Everyone had to start at the same high level. The Hawks need to make him the starting small forward and see what happens.
• The starters for the game will be Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Risacher, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu.
• Why? With this group, the Hawks now have easy spacing, athleticism and defenders who can switch positions—all things they missed in 2020.
If Trae Young sits on the bench to start, it could weaken his confidence. People become great while facing strong challenges.
2. Turn Him Into Trae’s Ultimate Sidekick
Trae needs someone at the wing who is a strong scorer without having to touch the ball. Risacher feels just right for the role.
• Spot-Up Threat: Trae makes enough space for Risacher to get open three-point shots.
• It would be powerful to have Risacher launch threes while Trae gets in the paint–unstoppable.
• With Young and Murray fast on the break, Risacher can get off to a good start offensively.
When Risacher gets 14+ PPG and shoots 38% from three, the Hawks move into the top 10 for scoring.
3. Unleash His Defense
The Hawks finished the season with the 25th best defensive numbers. That issue can be resolved with Risacher.
• Can Play Across All Five Spots: Using his athleticism to defend both guards and forwards.
• Great Instincts: If he plays as currently, he could lead the league in SPG in his first year.
• Defender is there to take on tough guards, so Trae can hide on less tough opponents.
If Risacher is able stay positive in run defense early, Atlanta’s level of play can take off.
4. Avoid the Rookie Wall
European prospects tend to experience a slump somewhere in the middle of the season (for example, Wembanyama hit a rough patch). The Hawks have to:
• Prioritize making Miles’ playing time lower early in the season (30-32 minutes per game max).
• Let him have a simple task; avoid giving him responsibilities as a main contributor.
• Relied on Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic to take some load off the team.
What a Successful Season Looks Like
Risacher’s NFL prospects are so high that he might prove to be the best-ever pick at No. 1.
• He averaged 12 to 15 points per game, had five rebounds per game and 38% three-point shooting, making the All-Rookie First Team.
• Hawks win, netting a top-6 finish and avoiding the Play-In game mess.
• In the future, Risacher’s IO restricts him, but Murray is traded for a big name player.
If the Hawks choose to play him too little or put him in tasks he’s not set up for, they are wasting a great chance.
Final Verdict: The Hawks’ Future Rides on Risacher
Atlanta hasn’t had a core wing player for a long period. Risacher isn’t only an Atlanta Hawks draft pick—he’s the reason they could succeed as a championship team.
If the Hawks make good decisions, Risacher will be both Rookie of the Year and the face of their upcoming era.
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