The Atlanta Hawks made a significant move by selecting 19-year-old French player Zaccharie Risacher as the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, not everyone is convinced that Risacher was the right choice. Frank Mason III, a former NCAA star and 2017 National Player of the Year, shared his thoughts on social media, calling the selection of Risacher “absurd.”
Mason, who had a brief stint in the NBA before playing overseas, had the opportunity to face Risacher in France last year. Despite acknowledging Risacher’s talent, Mason expressed his disbelief that Risacher was chosen as the top pick in the draft. He highlighted that while Risacher is a solid player, he does not believe he is deserving of the number one spot.
Risacher has had a successful career playing in France’s top leagues, averaging impressive stats and even earning an All-Star Game appearance. However, skeptics like Mason and sports analyst Ryen Russillo question Risacher’s readiness for the NBA. Russillo suggested that even Risacher’s teammates in France might have been surprised by his selection as the number one pick.
The decision to pick Risacher over other talented players like Alexandre Sarr, who was selected second overall by the Washington Wizards, has raised eyebrows among basketball enthusiasts. While Risacher’s potential is undeniable, some believe that the Hawks may have taken a gamble by choosing him as the top draft pick.
It will be interesting to see how Risacher performs in the NBA and whether he can live up to the expectations that come with being the first overall pick. As the basketball community continues to debate the Hawks’ decision, fans eagerly await the upcoming season to see how Risacher and other rookies will fare in the league. Stay tuned for more updates on Risacher’s journey in the NBA.