When considering Zaccharie Risacher’s game, it’s helpful to compare it to his English proficiency. Both are still in progress, reflecting the 19-year-old NBA rookie’s background of being born in Spain to French parents and growing up in France. While neither is completely refined, they both exceed expectations and are poised to improve significantly over time.
Risacher’s evolving grasp of English was evident during a conversation in New York City, where he demonstrated a solid understanding of the language, largely acquired from teammates in the top French pro league, LNB Elite. Starting his senior team debut at 16 in 2021, he spent the next three seasons honing his skills in the league. “It’s locker room English, not what you’d typically learn in a classroom,” he explains. Besides that, he picked up nuances from basketball movies like He Got Game and Coach Carter, which he now enjoys watching in English without French dubbed versions.
His time in France’s pro league proved invaluable for the development of his game, as seen in his impressive performance in the NBA preseason. Standing at 6-8 and weighing 200 pounds, Risacher, selected as the top pick by Atlanta in the 2024 NBA Draft, made a remarkable NBA debut with 18 points on 7-9 shooting in just 23 minutes against the Pacers. Although these statistics may not directly impact the Hawks’ season, the significance of Risacher’s debut cannot be understated.
Both Hawks coach Quin Snyder and star player Trae Young acknowledged Risacher’s promising start in the NBA. Snyder highlighted Risacher’s enjoyment on the court and potential for growth, while Young praised his performance and predicted a successful career ahead. Despite not receiving the same hype as other top picks, Risacher remains confident in his abilities and looks forward to showcasing his versatility and determination to win.
Basketball runs in Risacher’s blood, with his father, a former professional basketball player, being a significant influence in his journey to the NBA. From being immersed in basketball since a young age to making his professional debut at 16, Risacher credits his father’s guidance and the challenges of playing among seasoned professionals for shaping his development as a player.
Risacher’s transition to the NBA has been smooth, thanks to his experiences in France and hard work leading up to the draft. He quickly felt at home in Atlanta, attributing it to the city’s atmosphere and the support of the Hawks organization. By continuing to focus on improving his game and building a strong partnership with Trae Young, Risacher aims to contribute to the Hawks’ ambition of becoming a formidable team in the league.
With a dedication to hard work and a versatile skill set, Risacher is determined to prove himself as a worthy No. 1 pick for Atlanta. As he continues to showcase his potential and make strides in the NBA, his impact on the team and their devoted fans is bound to be significant.
Portraits by Christian Quezada.
Photo via Getty Images.
