NBA Draft 2024 Rumors: Zaccharie Risacher ‘Firmly in the Mix’ for Hawks’ No. 1 Pick

Adam WellsMay 24, 2024

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One month away from the 2024 NBA draft, the Atlanta Hawks have several options they are looking at with the No. 1 overall pick.

Per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Zaccharie Risacher from France is among the group of prospects “firmly in the mix” for the Hawks right now.

The Hawks’ luck in the draft lottery has opened up a world of possibilities for the franchise. There was speculation even before they won the No. 1 pick that the pairing of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray would be split up this offseason.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported on April 20 that there is a “growing belief” within the NBA that Atlanta would prefer to shop Young over Murray in trade talks.

B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman projected the Hawks to select Risacher with the top pick in his most recent mock draft.

One reason Risacher moved into that spot is because he scored 28 points on 5-of-9 three-point shooting in JL Bourg-en-Bresse’s 90-84 playoff loss to Nanterre on May 18.

Wasserman noted Hawks’ “big decision-makers” were in France to watch Risacher’s previous game. He also played well in that contest with 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting and six rebounds in 23 minutes.

Alex Sarr is another player who has been a popular choice to go No. 1 overall. He was the top pick in Wasserman’s mock released immediately after the lottery.

Connecticut star Donovan Clingan has seen his stock soar recently, which could make him an option for the Hawks.

All of this shows the lack of one elite-level prospect in the 2024 class, but it also opens the door for someone to step up and make themselves the best option for a Hawks team that could be looking for a quick turnaround after a disappointing 36-46 record this season.

Risacher averaged 10.9 points on 38.3 percent three-point shooting and 3.9 rebounds in 62 games with JL Bourg-en-Bresse this season.