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Hawks’ First Overall Pick Set For Breakout 2025-26 Season

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Zaccharie Risacher did not have an ordinary campaign for a number one pick. The Atlanta Hawks had just a 3% chance to land the first overall selection in 2024, but they did, despite having the 10th-best lottery odds. Atlanta already had an established core with Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. Oftentimes, first overall selections land on rebuilding teams that do not have a direction, but this was not the case for Risacher. The wing settled into a complementary role offensively but still put up the numbers to finish second in Rookie of the Year voting and unanimously make First-Team All-Rookie. He now shifts his sights to a breakout sophomore campaign after a strong finish last season.

Hawks’ First Overall Pick Set For Breakout 2025-26 Season

Expect Risacher’s Shooting Numbers to Rise Quickly After a Rocky Rookie Start

Risacher’s perimeter shot stood out in his pre-draft film. His willingness to move off the ball and let it fly without hesitation encouraged Hawks fans. Nevertheless, he started slowly in this department last season. Risacher drained just 28.9% of his threes in the first three months of the campaign. He still knocked down corner triples, but many of his shots from the wings and top of the key were short. This was likely due to the bigger NBA courts. When he played professionally in France for three seasons, the top of the arc was 1 foot, 7.3 inches further from the rim compared to NBA dimensions.

However, when the calendar flipped to January, Risacher caught fire from beyond the arc. His three-point percentage never dipped below 36.7% for the remaining four months of the regular season. In fact, he shot over 39% from deep from February to April. Hawks Head Coach Quin Snyder praised Risacher’s work ethic in March to push through the slump.

“He shot like 2000 shots since September, and there are some things that he is doing with his feet that are a little different, his balance is better, and he is maintaining his confidence.”

Coming into the 2025-26 season, expect Risacher’s three-point stroke to be on right from the get-go. He shot 35.5% in his rookie campaign, which will likely increase when factoring in his early-season slump. Opposing defenses will have to close out quickly to bother the 6-foot-8-inch wing. Despite his listed height, the 20-year-old certainly looks to be taller. For reference, Alex Sarr (#44), the 2024 second-overall pick, is listed at 7 feet. Risacher stands close to him on the far right.

Risacher’s Hunger for Offensive Improvement

In Risacher’s first season, Young and Dyson Daniels did most of the ball handling on the perimeter. The rookie found his rhythm off the ball in Snyder’s motion-heavy, fast-paced offensive system. He utilized his strong basketball IQ and athleticism to find gaps in the defense and run the floor in transition. However, if Risacher tightens his handle and gets more comfortable against heavy ball pressure, it will make his three-point shot even deadlier.

Risacher detailed his goals for next season during an interview at France’s EuroBasket practice this summer. He wants to add more on-ball tools to his game.

Teams often played tight coverage against him in the second half of last season, limiting his space to shoot. If Risacher can improve his burst off the dribble, defenders might have second thoughts about playing him so close. In a EuroBasket friendly against Great Britain, the French wing displayed the value of attacking an overaggressive closeout.

NBA fans should expect more of these plays from Risacher, should he get more comfortable off the dribble. With the improvements the Hawks made this summer, a second-year leap from the Hawks’ 2024 first-overall pick could propel them to Eastern Conference contenders.

© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The post Hawks’ First Overall Pick Set For Breakout 2025-26 Season appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.