By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After securing the first pick of the 2024 NBA draft, the Atlanta Hawks selected 19-year-old French forward Zaccharie Risacher.
Despite being limited to 3.0% in the chance for the top selection of the draft, the Hawks won the NBA draft lottery in May. The prize was Risacher, coming out of a solid campaign in the BKT EuroCup and France’s Betclic Elite with JL Bourg.
“I have been watching a lot of European basketball. He was not playing at the highest level, EuroLeague basketball, but he was playing a high-level game. I feel like he can contribute right away,” experienced Serbian shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic talked about his new teammate during the Preseason Media Day organized by the Hawks on Monday, “I am happy we drafted Zach with the number one pick.”
Bogdanovic, 32, is gearing up for his eighth year in the NBA and fifth with the Atlanta Hawks. Representing Serbia during the offseason, he was the national team captain and helped alongside leader Nikola Jokic to capture bronze medals. Moving on from his latest international project, he is looking to strengthen the bid for the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Following in the footsteps of the top pick of the 2023 NBA draft, also from France, Victor Wembanyama, Risacher is determined to adjust to a brand new environment as fast as possible, dealing with attached high expectations.
The Hawks open the 2024 NBA Preseason schedule with a scrimmage against the Indiana Pacers in State Farm Arena next Tuesday.