Oct. 14, 2024 10:03 AM EST

Rookie Zaccharie Risacher Is Key To Hawks' Hopes For A Playoff Return With Trae Young Still The Star

By The Associated Press
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) looks for an open teammate while guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen) Jason Allen, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) looks for an open teammate while guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) gestures towards the Hawks' bench after making a three-pointer during the second half of a preseason NBA game against the Indiana Pacers, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) takes the inbound pass during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) watches the free throws being shot during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) recovers a loose ball and dribbles down court during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)
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Atlanta Hawks

Last season: 36-46, 10th in Eastern Conference.

COACH: Quin Snyder (3rd season with Hawks, 11th overall, 418-321).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 vs. Brooklyn.

DEPARTURES: G Dejounte Murray, G AJ Griffin, F Saddiq Bey, F Fernando Bruno, G Wesley Matthews

ADDITIONS: G-F Zaccharie Risacher, G Dyson Daniels, PF-C Larry Nance Jr., F David Roddy, C Cody Zeller, G-F Nikola Djurisic, F Dominick Barlow

BetMGM championship odds: 500-1

What to expect

Landing Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft after having Jalen Johnson emerge in his third season gives the Hawks reason for hope. That may not be enough to rescue a roster that could be facing more turnover following the decision to trade Trae Young's backcourt partner Dejounte Murray to New Orleans for four veterans and two future first-round draft picks. Young remains the figurehead of the franchise as he enters his seventh season, but the 6-foot-9 Risacher already has demonstrated in the preseason he can add flash and excitement to the team. Risacher made a bounce pass between his legs to the trailing Clint Capela for a fast-break layup while scoring 18 points in the preseason opening win over Indiana. Risacher will play an immediate prominent role on the wing.

Strengths and weaknesses

The good: Even after trading Murray, the Hawks have options with Bogdan Bogdanovic, De'Andre Hunter, Daniels and Risacher on the wing. Daniels also should boost the defense, while Nance adds needed size inside. Jalen Johnson's role as an emerging go-to scoring complement to Young should only be solidified following the trade of Murray.

The not-so-good: Decisions must be made about Capela, who can be a free agent next season, and Hunter, whose struggles with injuries have prevented him from sharing the scoring lead with Young. A slow start by the team could lead to more moves which could make the trade of Murray look like only the start of a roster overhaul.

Players to watch

Snyder says he has been impressed by Risacher’s work ethic and feel for the game, and a big rookie season by the 19-year-old French star could accelerate the team’s path for a return to the playoffs. Johnson played like a rising All-Star by averaging 16 points and 8.7 rebounds last season. With Murray gone, Kobe Bufkin should play behind Young. Onyeka Okongwu already has earned an even share of playing time with Capela and could be ready to take over the starting job at center.

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