Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images
No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and the Atlanta Hawks took on the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, ultimately falling 104-89 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
The rookie finished the night with 14 points, eight rebounds and one steal while shooting 5 for 11 from the field.
On the other side of the ball was fellow rookie Jared McCain who posted 11 points, four rebounds and one steal on the night.
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-for-9 from the field in the victory.
The 19-year-old from Spain 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 tough case for the starting position and fans appear to be fully behind him.
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Zaccharie Risacher looks so much better than he did in Summer League.<br><br>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.
Risacher and the Hawks continue their preseason on Wednesday against the Miami Heat.