The Atlanta Hawks selected JL Bourg-en-Bresse’ Zaccharie Risacher with their first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This marked the second year in a row that a player from France went first off the board.
The Hawks, who unexpectedly won the NBA lottery, have considered a number of options for the No.1 selection. The team reportedly was interested in moving down but with the lack of attractive offers settled on Risacher, being tantalized by his three-point shooting, defensive capabilities, and athleticism.
Risacher averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 32 games in France’s LNB Pro League A last season. He also scored 13.1 points and had 3.6 rebounds in the European competition EuroCup.
“It’s a blessing, you know,” Risacher in a chat with reporters. “So exciting. There’s a lot of feelings and emotions right now. I don’t know what to say, but it’s definitely special. I’m so blessed.”
Risacher was one of four French players to be selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Center Alex Sarr, who was also in contention to be taken first overall, was selected at No. 2 by the Washington Wizards. Forward Tidjane Salaun was taken sixth overall by the Charlotte Hornets, while the New York Knicks selected guard Pacome Dadiet at No. 25.
Elsewhere in the draft, the Houston Rockets took Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick, while the San Antonio Spurs went with Stephon Castle of UConn with the fourth overall pick. The top five was rounded off by Ronald Holland II, who went to the Detroit Pistons.
