Who is Zaccharie Risacher? Why former No. 1 overall pick can shine with Mavs
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Who is Zaccharie Risacher? Why former No. 1 overall pick can shine with Mavs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Dallas Mavericks just acquired their third No. 1 overall pick.
After trading for Kyrie Irving and drafting Cooper Flagg, the addition of Zaccharie Risacher from the Hawks in a 3-team trade puts Dallas in a unique position.
The Mavs traded two second-round picks in the deal. Unlike Irving and Flagg, Risacher has yet to produce like a player that was top of his class. But Dallas has bought low on a young prospect that could fit well with their group.
Who is Zaccharie Risacher?
Zaccharie Risacher was drafted first overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft. He was not a consensus No. 1 overall player like his new teammate, Cooper Flagg.
He played for JL Bourg, a team in France. He reached the EuroCup Finals in 2023-24 before declaring for the NBA draft.
Why did the Hawks trade Zaccharie Risacher?
Risacher is in his third year in the NBA. He averaged 12.6 points per game as a rookie and finished runner-up for rookie of the year honors. He dropped off a bit as a sophomore and had some low points.
MORE: Why Thunder traded Lu Dort to Hawks as draft picks give Atlanta scary defensive depth
On his 21st birthday, Risacher was a healthy scratch. It was the first time in his life and it wouldn't be the last.
He was scratched during the Hawks' playoff series against the Knicks. It was clear Atlanta's staff didn't see him as one of their best 7-8 players. A far fall from No. 1 overall pick.
The Hawks have wings like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson that fill Risacher's role. They didn't have a need for him.
Why did the Mavs trade for Zaccharie Risacher?
Dallas they invested minimally in the trade. They didn't give up any players or first round picks and they get Risacher on his rookie contract.
MORE: Mavs trade for former No. 1 overall pick to help Cooper Flagg in 3-team deal
The best part is that the Mavs don't need Risacher to be a iso scorer. Atlanta badly needed more reliable scoring so they traded for Lu Dort, who is an upgrade on both ends of the floor.
Risacher fits well with Flagg, P.J. Washington, and Max Christie. They form a strong group of 3-and-D wings that can guard multiple positions on the floor. With Irving handling the ball and Flagg attacking from the wing, the Mavs just need Risacher to hit his 3's. Risacher shot 36% from deep last season.
If he can't deliver in this lineup, there will be real questions about Risacher's future in the league. We've seen plenty of No. 1 overall picks, from Markelle Fultz to Anthony Bennett, shrink under the microscope of being the top guy. Risacher could be next, or he could become a great player.
Dallas will find out quickly if Atlanta saw a real problem in Risacher's development or if they just wanted a fresh start.