Despite a mere 3% chance of securing the top pick, the Atlanta Hawks defied the odds and selected French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. Risacher, a 6'9" forward, joins a promising roster led by Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, as the Hawks aim to build on their recent playoff success.
The Atlanta Hawks had a mere 3% chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, but luck was on their side on Wednesday night when they defied the odds and selected French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the top selection.
Risacher, who turned 19 in April, has been playing for the LNB, the top professional basketball league in France, and was an All-Star last season. The 6'9" forward averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds last season. His father is Stéphane Risacher, who won a silver medal in the 2000 Olympics with the French team.
Hawks Select Zaccharie Risacher with No. 1 Pick Despite Slim Odds
Despite being a highly touted prospect, there was no consensus top selection in this year's draft, so the Hawks' choice of Risacher could be seen as a risk. However, Atlanta could have traded down to go a safer route, especially considering the first pick was their only one in the draft.
Despite the lack of draft capital, the Hawks held onto the pick despite plenty of options. General manager Landry Fields said he fielded calls from executives interested in trading for the No. 1 pick. Fields acknowledged he had to consider offers because the Hawks had no other draft picks this year and few selections in the next few drafts.
Hawks Select Zaccharie Risacher with No. 1 Pick Despite Slim Odds
The Hawks' future drafts were weakened by their 2022 trade with San Antonio for Dejounte Murray. Atlanta traded 2025 and 2027 first-round picks to the Spurs and also included a 2026 pick swap in the trade.
Risacher is expected to join guards Trae Young and Murray and forward Jalen Johnson as foundation players for a team that has not won a playoff series since advancing to the 2021 Eastern Conference finals.
Hawks Select Zaccharie Risacher with No. 1 Pick Despite Slim Odds
Risacher will be tasked with bringing his versatility and athleticism to the Hawks, who have been searching for a reliable forward to complement their dynamic backcourt duo. The French forward has shown the ability to score in the paint, defend multiple positions, and create plays for others.
It was the Hawks' first time securing the No. 1 pick since 1975, when they drafted David Thompson, a five-time All-Star and NBA Hall of Famer. However, the Draft Lottery had not yet been established, so this year marked the first time the Hawks won it through the lottery system.
Risacher's selection brings excitement to Atlanta, as the Hawks look to build a contender around their young core. The French forward has the potential to be a franchise-changing player, and the Hawks will be hoping he can lead them to their first NBA championship since 1958.
