Zaccharie Risacher’s run in Atlanta ended almost as quickly as it began, and the former No. 1 overall pick still doesn’t have a clean answer for why.
The Hawks took Risacher first in 2024, passing on Alex Sarr, Stephon Caste, Reed Sheppard and Donovan Clingan, among others, with the idea that he could grow into the face of the franchise. Instead, after two seasons in Atlanta and a role that never grew much beyond that of a contributor on a mid-level playoff team, he was traded away with little warning.
“I honestly don’t know, because I feel like I had a good first season,” said Risacher. “I was told I exceeded expectations.
It was really surprising to me, this second season; I didn’t really know what was happening. But at the same time, I was part of a team that was competing for a playoff spot, and I understand that’s part of the game.
I was also told the NBA was really competitive, and it’s a part of the game. Someday you could be somebody who’s valuable, and another day…”
Risacher did show enough to keep the conversation going. In 2024-25, he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting with 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. The next season brought a dip across the board as Atlanta chased a playoff spot, with his numbers sliding to 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game on 45.5% shooting.
“I feel like it was definitely a lot of pressure,” said Risacher. “But, at the same time, everything happened so fast that I just put the work in and I don’t think about that.
It was good for me to be in Atlanta, trying to win and get to the playoffs. I didn’t have time to overthink; the main thing for me was just putting in the work and focusing on the right things…”
The Hawks, clearly operating in win-now mode, didn’t have the patience to wait for a longer runway. And when the chance came to move Risacher for an NBA champion and defensive specialist like Lu Dort, they jumped on it.
Now Risacher lands in Dallas, where the situation looks very different. On a young, developing Mavericks team, he should have more room to work without the same pressure that came with being the No. 1 pick in Atlanta. He’ll also have veteran support from Kyrie Irving and a chance to connect with reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
At 21, Risacher’s story is far from finished. But after the way things ended in Atlanta, he arrives in Dallas with plenty to prove.
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