The 2024 NBA Draft tips off on Wednesday, June 26 and the second round concludes Thursday, June 27.
French forward Zaccharie Risacher enters this year’s draft as the favorite to be the taken by the Atlanta Hawks with No. 1 overall pick, potentially becoming the second straight top pick to come out of France after Victor Wembanyama last year. Pro basketball runs in his genes and he has the potential to make an impact when arriving to the U.S. to play in the NBA.
Zaccharie Risacher Draft Profile
Risacher is the son of French Basketball Hall of Famer Stephane Risacher, who was a six-time French League All-Star and helped win France the silver medal at the 2000 summer Olympics. Zaccharie made his pro debut in 2021 for ASVEL Basket and began boosting his profile when he was loaned to JL Bourg in 2023. Through 32 games, he averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game to earn Best Young Player in LNB Elite. He also led Bourg to the 2024 EuroCup Finals, averaging 13.1 points and 3.6 rebounds through 17 games.
Strengths
Stafano Makris of NBADraft.net describes Risacher as a 3-and-D wing with great size at 6-9. He has the potential to be a dangerous spot-up shooter and showed that when shooting over 40% from three for JL Bourg this past season. His height and wingspan will help make him an effective defender on defense as he can use his athleticism to move laterally and potentially guard multiple positions.
Weaknesses
Risacher is not a shot creator and particularly struggles at the rim according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor. He’s not a particularly skilled dribbler and that will limit his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Even though he is 6-9, he weighs just 195 pounds and will have to put on some more weight/muscle in order to combat the physicality of NBA defenders.
Player comparison: A mix of Harrison Barnes and Franz Wagner
Risacher has drawn multiple comparisons to Harrison Barnes for his spot up shooting and competence as a lengthy defender. While that’s not necessarily a comparison you’d want to hear for a potential No. 1 overall pick, he could prove to be a solid secondary option if he bulks up and has a smooth adjustment to the league.