Zaccharie Risacher Impresses NBA Fans in Hawks' Preseason Loss to Jared McCain, 76ers
Oct 15, 2024
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 14: Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during a preseason game on October 14, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and the Atlanta Hawks took on the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, falling 104-89 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
The rookie finished the night with 14 points, eight rebounds and one steal while shooting 5-of-11 from the field.
No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher shows some wiggle for two 🔥 #NBAPreseason
On the other side of the ball was fellow rookie Jared McCain, who posted 11 points, four rebounds and one steal.
Risacher's preseason is off to a strong start, highlighted by his performance in the team's last game against the Indiana Pacers, where he posted 18 points, three rebounds and two assists while shooting 7-of-9 from the field in the victory.
The 19-year-old Frenchman joined the Hawks after their 36-46 finish last season, which resulted in a failure to make the playoffs.
With the addition of the 6'9" power forward following the loss of John Collins in 2023, Risacher is making a strong case for the starting position and fans appear to be fully behind him.
If the Atlanta Hawks don't start Zaccharie Risacher I'm gonna be pissed.
Zaccharie Risacher looks so much better than he did in Summer League.
I think some of the Euro guys come over and have to jump right in and are tired at Summer League. Some time off and time to adjust to the NBA does them well. Risacher looks pretty good so far this preseason.
So far preseason has brought in focus that the 6'9 forward duo of Jalen Johnson and Zacc Risacher is pretty compelling. Height + skill are the two most important traits in bball.
Risacher and the Hawks continue their preseason on Wednesday against the Miami Heat.
Zaccharie Risacher Dazzles NBA Fans as Hawks Beat Haliburton, Pacers in Preseason
Oct 9, 2024
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 8: Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during a NBA preseason game on October 8, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
No. 1 overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher shined in his preseason debut on Tuesday, posting 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting in 23 minutes amid a 131-130 home win against the Indiana Pacers.
The Hawks outscored the Pacers by 15 points with Risacher on the court. No other Hawk finished with a plus/minus higher than plus-two.
Risacher made a great impression right away with this Euro step and finger roll for his first bucket after coming off the bench.
That bucket helped kick-start a 24-7 run, turning a 24-11 deficit into a 35-31 lead after one quarter. Risacher's three here gave Atlanta a 32-31 edge.
Risacher later hit a pair of threes after that dunk, finishing the night with his 18 points.
As is the case with preseason games, starters' and rotation players' minutes were limited, and others closed the game down the stretch. So stars such as the Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton and the Hawks' Trae Young made appearances but enjoyed the rest of the game from the bench.
Risacher himself took a seat midway through the fourth quarter and did not return. But needless to say, he was tremendous and made an excellent impression.
I cannot tell you how much I love Risacher’s confidence to make a between the legs pass
A lot of people gonna be eating their words when it comes to Risacher. Best player in his class and a future all star. Idc what they gotta say about it
Risacher and the Hawks will take the court next at home on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers for more preseason action.
Vince Carter's No. 15 Nets Jersey to Be Retired at Jan. 25 Game vs. Heat
Sep 19, 2024
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 18: Vince Carter #15 of the New Jersey Nets shoots against the Golden State Warriors on December 18, 2006 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Brooklyn Nets will retire the No. 15 jersey of Hall of Famer Vince Carter during a Jan. 25 home game against the Miami Heat.
The game is set to tip off at 6 p.m. The Nets said in a press release that there would be further programming details for the retirement ceremony shared "at a later date."
Carter urged fans to come to Barclays Center for the ceremony in a video shared by the Nets on Thursday.
Carter played parts of five seasons with the Nets while the team was located in New Jersey. He set a single-season franchise record by totaling 2,070 points in 2006-07.
He averaged 23.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals through 374 games as a Net before the team relocated to Brooklyn in 2012.
Carter is one of just three Nets players to represent the franchise in at least three All-Star Games.
He also ranks third only to Brook Lopez and Buck Williams for the all-time franchise lead with 8,834 career points in the regular season.
Also having appeared in 27 playoff games for the Nets, Carter trails only Kevin Durant for a franchise-high average of 26.0 points per postseason contest.
Carter's No. 15 will mark the seventh jersey retired by the Nets, joining the No. 5 of his former teammate Jason Kidd in the rafters at Barclays. Kidd's jersey was retired in October 2013.
The Nets have also retired Drazen Petrovic's No. 3, John Williamson's No. 23, Bill Melchionni's No. 25, Julius Erving's No. 32 and Buck Williams' No. 52.
Carter was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in August for his work with Team USA as well as his accomplishments with the Nets and seven other NBA franchises, most famously the Toronto Raptors. There could be more jersey retirement ceremonies in Carter's future should the Raptors decide to present him with a similar honor at Scotiabank Arena.
Hawks 2024-25 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions
Aug 15, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 05: Trae Young #11 and Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks converse against the LA Clippers during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on February 05, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks could once again find themselves in NBA purgatory following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, but at least the arrival of No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher points to a potentially brighter future.
By trading Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta didn't commit to a full rebuild in part because it can't. Thanks to acquiring Murray in the first place, the Hawks don't control their first-round draft capital for the next few years.
The organization does at least seem to be embracing a reset anchored around a nucleus of Trae Young and Jalen Johnson.
Because he's entering his seventh season, it's easy to forget Young is still only 25 — he'll turn 26 in September. Missing the playoffs for a second straight year wouldn't be the worst outcome if it means Risacher, Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Kobe Bufkin were afforded some time to develop and improve. Then, Atlanta would be on stronger footing for 2025-26 and beyond.
The backcourt tandem of Murray and Young simply wasn't working and needed to be broken up in some way. The upcoming season could reveal whether general manager Landry Fields can continue to make Young the centerpiece or if more drastic measures are required.
2024-25 Hawks Schedule Details
Season Opener: vs. Brooklyn Nets, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. ET
Championship Odds: +34000 (bet $100 to win $34,000), per FanDuel
Full Schedule: The full schedule is available on the team's official site.
Top Matchups
Toronto Raptors
Of the five teams that finished below the Hawks in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors are their strongest threat in the battle for a play-in berth. Toronto is building for the future but not quite to the extent the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets are.
Scottie Barnes made his first All-Star team last year and cemented himself as a true cornerstone talent. RJ Barrett averaged 21.8 points and shot 55.3 percent from the field in his 32 games with the team after his midseason trade. Immanuel Quickley benefited from his slightly increased role as well, putting him 18.6 points and 6.8 assists per contest in Toronto.
The Raptors didn't make any major additions with Davion Mitchell, Ja'Kobe Walter and Garrett Temple the biggest names. They didn't suffer any major losses, either. Gary Trent Jr. was a solid option on the wing, but him settling for a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks wasn't a great endorsement of his on-court value.
Especially with how bad things are at the bottom of the East, Toronto is a play-in contender.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat finished 10 games better than Atlanta in 2023-24, so the Hawks probably aren't overtaking them in the standings. The gap between the two might at least shrink with Miami doing little else but getting one year older.
Caleb Martin overplayed his hand by declining the Heat's contract offer. His departure stings all the same.
Jimmy Butler is potentially in a contract year, which could be very good or very bad given how badly a financial standoff soured his relationship with the Minnesota Timberwolves and led him to request a trade.
A backcourt pairing of Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro doesn't inspire a lot of confidence defensively.
The Hawks are resigned to playing the role of spoiler this year and not much else. Bouncing Miami from the play-in tournament would be something worth celebrating.
Season Forecast
Beyond the absence of true star power beyond Young, the roster construction for Atlanta is a bit odd.
Bufkin is poised to be Young's backup after making just 17 appearances as a rookie. Daniels is a 31.2 percent three-point shooter through two years, so he doesn't help address what was an issue at times for the team. Then you get to the frontcourt, where Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu and Larry Nance Jr. are all centers who don't complement one another that well.
Another deal feels inevitable at some point because Capela and Nance are both in the last years of their contracts. If the Hawks are performing even worse than expected, then maybe they seriously consider cashing in on Bogdan Bogdanović's trade value as well.
Improving on 36 wins will be difficult for Atlanta because it took a step backward. Somewhere a little lower in the mid-30s is still a reasonable target.
Record Prediction: 35-47
Video: Trae Young Reacts to NSFW Chants from Knicks Fans: 'That S--t Is Hilarious'
Aug 12, 2024
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 2: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks bows to the crowd against the New York Knicks during Round 1, Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 2, 2021 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
New York Knicks fans hate Trae Young with a burning passion. The Atlanta Hawks finds it all very entertaining.
Young appeared on Paul George's Podcast P presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment Monday and spoke about the animosity he faces at Madison Square Garden:
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) August 12, 2024
"Oh, it's super funny, he said. "That s--t is hilarious. I'll never forget this young, little girl—if I had to guess, maybe 10 to 12—just giving me the finger, like right behind the scorers table. And I'm looking at her dad, like I don't say nothing to her, I just look at the dad like, 'That's cool?' There's a lot of photos of me looking in the crowd just smiling, that's kind of my reaction, I'm just looking at all these people flipping me off."
The full podcast can be seen here:
New York's hate affair with Young began in earnest back in 2021, when Young absolutely torched the Knicks, averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists in Atlanta's five-game series win over New York in the first round.
In that series, he hit a game-winning shot in Game 1. And here's how he finished the series in Game 5:
So yeah, he doesn't have many fans in the Big Apple. It's all just laughs for Young, though.
Hawks' Trae Young Talks Stephen Curry Comparisons, Reveals Advice from Warriors Star
Aug 12, 2024
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up court during first half of the 2024 Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Since entering the league ahead of the 2018 NBA season, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has received comparisons to Golden State Warriors great Steph Curry.
The two have similar games as both get their bread and butter from the three-point line and are productive creators for their teammates. On Paul Georgie's podcast, Podcast P presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment, Young addressed those comparisons, saying he sees the similarities while also pointing out a key difference.
"I never paid too much attention to it. I never was like, yeah, I'm about to be the next Steph," Young said (22:21 mark). "No, I always felt like I took a little bit from everybody's game. My favorite player was Steve Nash growing up and he's led the league in assists, multiple years. Unfortunately he's also led the league in turnovers, which I've done a couple years too. But I take pieces from a lot of players and so that's why I feel like me and Steph, we have some similarities, but I mean I also get 10 assists a game."
Young also mentioned that he has a relationship with Curry, with the two touching base every now and then.
"I remember the first time I ever was on the trade block and it was right before play-in game," Young said (24:54 mark). I think it was two years ago. He texted me just telling me to stay focused and keep my head going and things like that. So he'll drop some knowledge and give me some advice and things like that every now and then as a supporter. So he's always been helpful."
Over Young's six-year career, the comparisons to Curry have dwindled some as he's established his own game. While Young is still the prolific three-point shooter he was when he was compared to Curry, he's also become one of the best passers in the league, something that has never been a big part of Curry's game.
Young has averaged 9.5 assists per game across his career, recording a career-high 10.8 assists per game last season.
But something that Young is still looking to take from Curry's game is leading his team to wins. Since he was drafted in 2018, Atlanta has only made it past the first round of the playoffs one time in 2021 and missed the postseason entirely last year.
Young played just 54 games during the 2023-24 season due to a hand injury, and he'll look to stay healthy this year and help lead the Hawks to success.
Hawks' Trae Young 'Of Course' Wants to Play for Team USA in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Aug 12, 2024
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up court during first half of the 2024 Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Trae Young wants to go for gold in 2028.
The Atlanta Hawks guard discussed his desire to be a part of Team USA when the Olympics are in Los Angeles in 2028 during an appearance on the Podcast P with Paul George presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment (45-minute mark).
"Cali Olympics in 2028, of course," he said. "I mean of course nothing is given. Everything is earned. So we got a couple years that it's just going to have to be earned and obviously USA has a lot of talent. We have a lot of players that could be a part of it, but of course, of course I want to, but we'll see. I definitely will. It ain't up to me, but if it was, I would definitely want to."
Young was at least considered for the team for the 2024 Games as one of the 41 finalists but was not named to the 12-man roster.
There may be some spots opening up ahead of the 2028 Olympics, though, as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Jrue Holiday are all 34 years old or older and may not play in four years.
Throw in 30-year-old Joel Embiid talking about potentially playing for Cameroon, Jayson Tatum being relegated to role player status on this year's team and no guarantee for role players such as Derrick White, and Team USA could look drastically different at the next Olympics.
An opportunity will be there for Young and others to make a case for themselves in the immediate future, which he pointed out by saying "it's just going to have to be earned."
His desire to be a part of the team can also serve as a motivating factor as he looks to continue building on a resume that includes three All-Star Game selections and five straight seasons of averaging better than 25 points per game.
His Hawks haven't enjoyed some of the sustained playoff success they surely hoped for after reaching the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, but Young is still a game-changing playmaker who can handle the ball and stretch opposing defenses with his three-point shooting.
Team USA might need a long-range option if Curry isn't playing in 2028, and Young fits the bill as someone who can hit from well beyond the arc and create additional spacing for his teammates on the wing and down low.
It will be up to him to prove as much to the Team USA coaches in the coming years.
De'Andre Hunter's Top Landing Spots amid Hawks Trade Buzz in NBA Free Agency 2024
Aug 7, 2024
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 27: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics on April 27, 2023 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks have been active the entire offseason, but De'Andre Hunter has surprisingly stood pat.
Hunter, the fourth pick of the 2019 NBA draft, has spent his first five seasons in Atlanta. While he never developed into the type of co-star next to Trae Young the Hawks hoped, he's developed into a reliable 3-and-D wing and has been long been subject to trade speculation.
Hunter averaged 15.6 points and 3.9 rebounds during the 2023-24 season, knocking down 38.5 percent of his threes while starting in 37 games.
While we've reached the doldrum period of the NBA calendar, let's take a look at the potential Hunter market that could form between now and Opening Night.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have been desperate to make a splash all summer after missing out on Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan and essentially every potential target on the open market. Hunter isn't going to suddenly change their championship trajectory, but he's a near-perfect fit on the perimeter.
While Trae Young is a stellar passer and makes Hunter's life easier, he's never played with a player with LeBron James' gravity. The veteran's three-point percentage could kick up all the way into the 40 percent mark if he found himself in Los Angeles.
Hunter began a four-year, $90 million contract last season, which isn't much above the market for a player with his skill sets. Given the financial constraints of the new collective bargaining agreement, we're going to see teams becoming increasingly careful about which players receive big long-term commitments.
The Lakers went swinging for big fish, but Hunter could be a medium one out of the same pond.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have been determined to keep their roster intact this offseason, signing Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen to long-term contract extensions and making no other major changes.
The front office's stance is seemingly that the problem lied with coach JB Bickerstaff and injuries. Cleveland fired Bickerstaff and hired Kenny Atkinson as his replacement, which was the most noteworthy move for a team that flamed out in Round 1.
Adding Hunter would not represent a seismic change but a potentially necessary one. Isaac Okoro is an improved shooter, but defenses still don't respect him or his scoring prowess enough on the perimeter. Hunter could essentially slide into Okoro's role and add an upgrade on the offensive end, even if Okoro is a better perimeter defender.
When you're talking adding on the margins, these types of moves don't make many headlines but they do make a difference in the postseason.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs need competent basketball players. It's as simple as that. That's why Chris Paul is now plying his trade in San Antonio.
The Spurs are ready to start building an actual basketball team around Victor Wembanyama, and Hunter is the exact type of player who has always thrived under coach Gregg Popovich. San Antonio also has money to spend and a couple assets it could throw Atlanta's way to make the trade seem palatable.
Similar potential options include the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets, all of whom could kick the tires on Hunter in the coming weeks. We just like the idea of Wemby having better teammates as he begins his ascent.
NBA Rumors: Clint Capela on Hawks Trade Block Entering Contract Year amid Lakers Buzz
Jul 18, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 26: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks passes during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at State Farm Arena on January 26, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela is "on the trade market," according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.
Capela was the subject of rumors ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline. The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans were bothlinked as interested parties.
While the 30-year-old big man wound up staying in Atlanta, that might have simply delayed the inevitable.
The Hawks hit the reset button when they traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans. They're not necessarily rebuilding and should be in the conversation for a play-in berth. However, their ceiling is much lower now than it was with the backcourt partnership of Murray and Trae Young.
That makes Capela a logical candidate to move since he's due to be a free agent in 2025.
Atlanta may not be all that keen on re-signing him when it already committed a four-year extension to fellow center Onyeka Okongwu, so trading him would allow the team to recoup some value. For interested suitors, taking on his $22.3 million expiring salary is also a little more attractive than assuming the $45.9 million over two years that would've come with a swap last season.
Capela is averaging 12.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for his career. He's a solid defender and rim-runner who could help a playoff contender.
In June, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor posited the Los Angeles Lakers could look at Capela to help fortify their depth at center, while Action Network's Matt Moore mentioned the Memphis Grizzlies as a logical landing spot as well.
It sounds like finding a workable deal remains a challenge for Atlanta, though.
"The Hawks have been trying to trade Clint Capela for more than a year, but league sources say that the Atlanta big man drawing the most external interest is newly acquired Larry Nance Jr.," NBA insider Marc Stein reported on July 11.
Given the apparent lack of traction, a midseason trade could be more likely than something happening before opening night. Opposing teams could have a more pressing need to add a center closer to the 2025 deadline, and the Hawks' asking price will have to come down since Capela will be just months out from entering the market.
Hot Takes on Hawks' Zaccharie Risacher vs. Ingram, Spurs with Stephon Castle Out
Jul 15, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a free throw during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on July 14, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
As San Antonio Spurs No. 4 pick Stephon Castle sat out due to a wrist sprain, Atlanta Hawks No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher had the perfect opportunity to steal the show in Sunday's prime-time Summer League matchup in Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, the 19-year-old struggled to get going as he finished with just 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting in a 79-76 loss. He made just one of his seven three-point attempts and added five rebounds, two assists and a block.
Risacher's lackluster performance came after he impressed with 18 points and five rebounds in his Summer League debut. Sunday's game could be an anomaly, as the Frenchman has shown flashes of being an effective NBA player.
E.J. Liddell led the Hawks with 22 points off the bench. D'Moi Hodge had a team-high 13 points for the Spurs, while 2024 second-round pick Harrison Ingram had six points on 2-of-10 shooting.
Despite Risacher's struggles on Sunday, fans were able to find things worth praising from his performance:
No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher gets the lefty hook to go in #PhantomCam. 📸
The box score may not look great tonight for Risacher but that’s more a product of who he’s playing with. Impressed with his IQ, reads, handle, and shot. I see the vision.
Risacher will have a few days to work on things before returning to action when the Hawks take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Fans will surely be excited to see how he performs against the Lakers' impressive rookie duo of Dalton Knecht and Bronny James.
