The Atlanta Hawks accelerated their timeline as a contender with their moves this offseason.
After acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, Atlanta suddenly has a roster capable of winning the Eastern Conference. This accelerated timeline demands a higher level of play from Atlanta's young core than was required last season.
There's nobody this change in expectation affects more than Zaccharie Risacher. Many doubted the choice to select Risacher number one in last season's draft, but Risacher silenced his doubters by proving to be the ideal wing player to complement Trae Young.
With their change in expectation comes an increased responsibility on Risacher, who will presumably enter the season with the starting job.