By Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist
So far author of 12 matches this season, Zaccharie Risacher has allowed American fans who have little information about him to get a good idea of his level. Regardless, several of them have delivered a first verdict concerning him.
Despite the opening of the NBA and the gain in popularity of international prospects in recent years, some of them still struggle to make a name for themselves in the United States before landing there. As such, Zaccharie Risacher arrived in the league surrounded by a large element of unknown in the eyes of American observers. Few of them followed his performances in Betclic ELITE last year.
The young French winger’s first steps in the Summer League, then in pre-season, were therefore eagerly awaited on the other side of the Atlantic. Not to mention his official debut with the Hawks, which could allow him to justify his status as first choice in the Draft. After almost a month of competition, it is now time to take stock of him… and it is clear that his case is quite divisive.
After 12 matches, opinions differ on Zaccharie Risacher in the US
A simple substitute during Atlanta’s first two regular season games, Risacher has never left the major five since. This, whether after his 33-point card against the Knicks, or much less memorable outings on a statistical level. Despite this contrasting assessment, journalist Brett Usher has made very flattering remarks about him in recent hours on X :
Brett Usher : For me, Risacher is the most impressive rookie so far. His length, basketball IQ, confidence and defense really stood out to me quickly, and I think his athleticism is underrated, although I’m not sure why. And I’m not at all worried about his jump shot; this kid is a real shooter.
Apart from a more than questionable marksmanship (37.2%, 24.6% at 3 points), the French international therefore stood out in several areas in the eyes of the analyst. More in any case than the other members of his Draft. Unfortunately for him, not everyone shares this opinion. Internet users have in fact alternated between validating this point of view and highlighting other talented rookies:
@ActuallyJebBush : I think McCain and Castle are the most brilliant. The more the season goes on (and if McCain gets the minutes he deserves), the more I think this will become obvious.
@BallUpTopBrad : I also love the image that Risacher conveys. Good defensively, long, good finisher near the basket… His long shot will become more reliable
@tdhoops : I’m a Hawks fan, but Bub Carrington deserves more recognition
@cookoutsessions : The level of requirements is low this year
If the presentation of the Rookie of the Year trophy still seems distant, Zaccharie Risacher has not yet been unanimous on his talent in the NBA sphere. It’s up to him to take advantage of the coming months to reap a shower of praise similar to that of Brett Usher.
