Hawks select Zaccharie Risacher with first pick of 2024 NBA draft. What to know

2024-12-24 21:34:39 source: category:Back

For the second straight year, the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft came from across the pond.

The Atlanta Hawks took French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the top overall pick in Wednesday's first round.

The 6-foot-8 forward is coming off a strong showing in the Betclic Elite League playoffs for JL Bourg, where he averaged a combined 15.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in two series vs. Nanterre and Monaco — which helped boost his draft stock along with establishing him as the presumed No. 1 overall pick according to several draft analysts.

Risacher becomes the fourth international player to be taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the modern draft era, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He is also the second straight French forward taken with the top overall pick after Victor Wembanyama was taken No. 1 overall last year by the San Antonio Spurs.

With that, here's what you need to know about Risacher, including a scouting report, international stats and more:

OPINION:Why the stakes are so high for Atlanta Hawks, who hold No. 1 pick in 2024 NBA draft

MORE:Follow the 2024 NBA Draft live with USA TODAY's tracker!

Zaccharie Risacher scouting report

From Jeff Zillgitt and Scooby Axson: "Has the scoring ability, size, length, quickness and athleticism teams are seeking in today’s NBA. Quick release on catch-and-shoots, is able to create off the dribble and runs the court well."

Check it out:NBA draft's first two picks show NBA going global

Zaccharie Risacher stats

Risacher is coming off his first season with JL Bourg in the Betclic Elite League in France. He previously played two seasons for LDLC ASVEL in the Betclic Elite League.

Here's a breakout of Risacher's stats from this past season with JL Bourg in LNB Pro A play only, according to Basketball Reference:

  • Games played: 32
  • Points per game: 10.1
  • Rebounds per game: 3.8
  • Field-goal shooting percentage: 43.9
  • 3-point shooting percentage: 35.2
  • Free-throw shooting percentage: 74.0

Zaccharie Risacher height, weight

  • Height: 6-foot-8
  • Weight: 204 pounds

Risacher is listed at 6-foot-8 inches and 204 pounds according to his RealGM page.

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