For the no. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, it was an up and down – or rather a down, then up – rookie season for Zaccharie Risacher.
Risacher started out slowly, averaging 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game on unspectacular 40/28/71* shooting splits through the first 39 games of the season.
*FG%/3P%/FT%
Though he displayed sound decision making and solid defensive chops for a 19 year-old getting to experience his first taste of NBA action*, outside of a 33 point (11-for-18 shooting, 6-for-10 from three), seven rebound, five ‘stock’ outburst against the Knicks on November 6th, it appeared as if Risacher was going to take the scenic route towards becoming a reliable offensive player.