Atlanta Hawks Rookie Turns in Well Rounded Stat Sheet vs. Knicks

The Atlanta Hawks have seen Zaccharie Risacher turn in a well rounded stat sheet in a game that the New York Knicks took home.

Apr 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shown on the court before the game against New York Knicks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The 2024 NBA Awards race is heating up and one honor that is wide-open is NBA Rookie of the Year. For as criticized as the 2024 NBA Draft class was, viewed rightfully so as devoid of star talent and some going as far to say it was a weak group of even contributing prospects, the class has quickly shifted at least the latter narrative.

With the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks went away from the player that many thought would be Alex Sarr, instead siding with Zaccharie Risacher.

The Hawks top pick has put together a nice first season for the Eastern Conference play-in squad, averaging 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 stocks per game while shooting 44% from the floor, 34% from beyond the arc and 72% at the charity stripe.

Against the New York Knicks on Saturday, in a lopsided loss to the Eastern Conference contenders, the Hawks rookies turned in 12 points, hauled in four rebounds, dished out an assist and swatted a shot all in 26 minutes of work while making half of his shots from the floor, including a 2-for-6 stretch from beyond the arc and didn't get to the free throw line once.

Risacher could bag the NBA Rookie of the year with a strong close to the season, as the Hawks end with Utah, Orlando, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Orlando again before the play-in tournament for the 36-41 squad.

All things considered, this is a successful start to the youngsters NBA career.