Zaccharie Risacher had an incredibly strong rookie performance last season, but the reason for his early success partly explains why he has stagnated this season.
Risacher was an incredibly unique selection at the first overall spot. Teams broadly understood there was no sure-fire franchise player available in the class of 2024, so the Hawks took a bold move: drafting the best role player available.
Risacher was their man, and the Hawks were instantly vindicated for their decision to select him during his rookie season. He immediately took over as the starter over fellow former top prospect De’Andre Hunter and was a clear upgrade despite an eight-year age gap.