The No.1 overall pick is the lottery pick that every NBA franchise is dying to get in the NBA Draft, and it’s a pick you must get right to transform the roster. In a stunning report by NBA insider Marc Stein, one NBA franchise has revealed it is willing to give up its No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft due to a lack of development.
With Johnson starting to take over the keys for the future of the franchise, and Trae Young not in the discussions to be traded in a blockbuster deal, it looks as though Zaccharie Risacher could be the man walking out the doors in Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks Could Surrender Former No.1 Pick
Stein wrote, “It is also increasingly believed that Atlanta is willing to surrender Zaccharie Risacher in the proverbial right scenario. The No. 1 overall pick in the draft just 18 months ago has not developed as the Hawks would have hoped to this point.”
The Frenchman has struggled to find his feet in the NBA and has not led his team as a typical No. 1 pick would. This season, Risacher has been a role player on the Hawks, averaging 10.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
His numbers are down from last year, having averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in his rookie season, earning a spot on the All-Rookie First-Team.
Risacher has developed into a steady role player rather than a star that can carry the Hawks into the postseason, with Jalen Johnson taking that baton.
The Hawks have expressed their deep desire to acquire Anthony Davis, and NBA insider Chris Haynes has revealed exactly what they want in exchange for trading Davis.
The Mavs are looking for draft picks, players with expiring contracts, and talented young players they can develop, like the former 2024 top pick. Risacher signed a four-year, $57 million rookie contract with the Hawks after being drafted. His salary this season is $13.2 million, rising to $17 million in his third year.
At 6ft8 in height with a 6ft10 wingspan, Risacher is a versatile player who can guard one through five and makes his presence felt on the defensive and offensive end.
Marc Stein added, “Yet even if the Hawks are prepared to package Risacher with the expiring contracts held by Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kennard for Davis, it is unclear how much additional draft compensation they would be willing (or able) to add to the deal.”
In essence, the incredibly high contract of Anthony Davis ($58.4 million in 2026/27) poses many problems for the Hawks, who have never been a franchise that spends ludicrous money on superstars.
After being selected first overall just a season ago, should the Hawks be more willing to give Risacher a chance to prove he can be an integral part of the organization in the future?
