The Atlanta Hawks lucked into successful the primary total decide within the 2024 draft, and used it to pick Zaccharie Risacher. They seen including Risacher as a bonus for his or her younger core and an economical blue-chip piece.
Sadly, issues haven’t labored out for each the Hawks and Risacher. He has not developed into the all-around wing they envisioned. His factors per sport has gone down, his three-point capturing has remained the identical, and he disappears from video games far too usually.
Risacher wasn’t even chosen to take part within the Rising Stars problem. The final time a wholesome first total decide didn’t make the sport was Markelle Fultz. That’s not firm you need to be in if you’re Risacher. Given his underwhelming play over his first two seasons, Atlanta’s choice relating to his future ought to be clear, particularly with the commerce deadline subsequent week.
The Hawks ought to transfer on from Risacher if the proper deal is on the market
Whether or not it’s for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, or some other participant that presents a significant improve, Atlanta shouldn’t hesitate to contain Risacher. They reportedly needed to carry on to him throughout their commerce discussions with Dallas for Davis, however that shouldn’t be the case.
The Hawks have the depth. Jalen Johnson is clearly spearheading that unit, however Atlanta has sufficient versatility with Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Corey Kispert to resist the lack of Risacher.
They primarily all do the identical factor Risacher does: shoot and defend. They don’t want extra redundancy. Utilizing Risacher to get a frontcourt improve subsequent to Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu or a playmaking guard ought to be their high precedence.
Risacher’s impression on the crew can be minimal. Atlanta has a -0.3 internet ranking with him on the court docket, which isn’t horrible, however it’s also not nice. Even when he’s paired with Johnson, the web ranking solely jumps to +0.8.
Atlanta has been on the heart of commerce rumors, and already moved on from Trae Younger. With the deadline approaching, we’ll see how aggressive they find yourself being, however even when they wait till the offseason to make a transfer, they need to embrace Risacher of their affords. To date, they haven’t proven a real willingness to take action, but when his streak of uninspiring play continues over the subsequent couple months, they might be sensible to vary their tune.
