Zaccharie Risacher, the top pick in the NBA draft, began his professional journey with the Atlanta Hawks on a high note, making his first shot in a game against the Brooklyn Nets. In a promising moment, he scored from beyond the arc, delivering a flawless 3-pointer. However, the 19-year-old rookie faced challenges afterward, missing his next six attempts and wrapping up the game with just seven points on 2-of-8 shooting. The Hawks managed to secure a 120-116 win in their season opener on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his debut, Risacher expressed excitement, stating, “It was amazing. That’s a dream come true. I’m glad we won — and on to the next one.” He eagerly looked forward to his upcoming games. Risacher made his entrance late in the first quarter, receiving an enthusiastic reception from the crowd at State Farm Arena, where the Hawks are aiming to rebuild and rely on his potential as a key player.
“It was definitely a special moment,” he noted, appreciating the positive atmosphere around him. The cheers intensified when he made his initial shot, calling it the “perfect situation.” Despite his early success, the rest of the game proved to be more challenging for Risacher. He recorded three missed shots from long range and even committed a turnover while attempting another 3-pointer. His only other basket came from a powerful dunk assisted by star guard Trae Young.
Risacher acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to the NBA level after playing in France, admitting, “I’m only 19, so this is a big adjustment for me. I’ll be better and better and better.” Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised Risacher’s efforts during his 19 minutes on the court, focusing on the importance of contributing in ways beyond scoring. Snyder emphasized the need for players to keep their confidence, indicating that despite the shooting struggles, Risacher’s skills as a shooter were evident.