Atlanta Hawks 2024 NBA Draft Picks: Who did lottery winners pick? Full list of selections
With a couple of players looking like solid options to become the top pick in this revamped edition of the draft, the Atlanta Hawks went with Zaccharie Risacher.
The Hawks surprised the world when they won the 2024 NBA Draft lottery back in May. The Hawks beat the Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons for the right to select the No. 1 overall pick this year.
The Hawks only owned one draft selection this year, but it was the most important, or desired of all.
Alex Sarr was mentioned as a potential No. 1 overall selection this year, but Rishacer won the race, joining a Hawks team with the likes of Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela. After a tumultuous 2023-24 season, the Hawks are ready to start fresh and see if Risacher can address some of their issues from last season.
What can Zaccharie Risacher bring to the Atlanta Hawks?
Richaser is a 3-and-D wing of those who get more relevance in the NBA as the seasons go by. The Hawks haven't been the best defensive team in the league by any means, shooting 36.4% from deep last season. On that same note, their defense has been their Achilles' heel, meaning that Risacher can bring a lot of help on both ends of the field.
His ball handling is an ability that the Hawks could benefit from, considering that they've been rumored to be planning to trade one of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray this offseason.
What did Zaccharie Risacher say after being drafted?
Despite not having the same hype that other No. 1 overall picks like Zion Williamson, Anthony Edwards, or Victor Wembanyama, Zaccharie Risacher has the skills to become a reliable player in the NBA. After being selected by the Hawks, the player shared his honest feelings about being an Atlanta Hawks player.
"It's a blessing, you know? So exciting. There are a lot of feelings and emotions right now. I don't know what to say, but this is definitely special. ... So blessed. My family is here. This is amazing," he said.
Risacher now needs to get to work to become the best player he can be. The French forward must be consistent with his 3-point shooting and work on his athleticism to fulfill his potential. The Atlanta Hawks have found a gem, but they still have to wait to see it shine.