He is drafted in the expected place. In the top 3 all season, after being predicted at 36th place last August by The Athletic (!), Zaccharie Risacher (2.08 m, 19 years old) had taken first position in most mock drafts after his very good Betclic Élite playoffs with JL Bourg. The Hawks’ interest in the Frenchman was certain, although that of the Spurs was perhaps even more so. While a transfer between the two teams was once considered, it ultimately did not take place. It is therefore logical that the Atlanta franchise selected Risacher, who did a workout with them last week. A rookie contract of $57 million awaits him over his first four seasons.
The choices made by Alexandre Sarr (2.16 m, 19 years old) accelerated the process for Risacher. Because the former resident of the Perth Wildcats in the NBL – competitor for choice No. 1 – has pushed hard in recent weeks to be selected by the Washington Wizards at No. 2, by refusing a workout organized by the Hawks to only do with the franchise of the capital. He and his clan feel this was a better situation for him, for different reasons. He finally got what he wanted. Selected second, Sarr joins his compatriot Bilal Coulibaly to the Wizards. A rookie contract of $51 million awaits him over his first four seasons.
With Wembanyama then Risacher, this is the second time in history that two first Draft choices in a row have come from the same country (excluding the United States), after Canada in 2013 and 2014 with Anthony Bennett et Andrew Wiggins. And with Risacher and Sarr, the first time in history thatThe No. 1 and 2 picks in the same Draft come from the same country (again, outside the United States).
Zaccharie Risacher in Atlanta, the best environment to progress?
Rarely, the No. 1 of a Draft joins a competitive team. The Atlanta Hawks have indeed made the playoffs in their last three seasons. Even if certain things are dysfunctional within the franchise and could change this summer, the team is not rebuilding. Risacher will therefore play for something next year, as he did with Bourg-en-Bresse this season. In addition, he arrives in a squad where he will be able to establish himself in his position. Neither DeAndre Hunteris Bogdan Bogdanovicis AJ Griffin are indisputable holders at position 3. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to benefit from the creation of the two leaders Trae Young et Dejounte Murray, who could be on the move. Its integration will also be facilitated by the presence of French speakers Clint Capela (Switzerland) and Mouhamed Gueye (Senegal). For his first press conference, Risacher said he was delighted to join Atlanta:
“During the workout with them, I told them what I was ready to do for them. I told them I wanted to contribute to a winning team, and to do whatever was asked of me to get there. I can bring my versatility, my defense in several positions, my aggressiveness… Everything that is important in the league today. »
Because the native of Malaga in Spain is indeed a winger who can provide many services to the Hawks. Particularly thanks to his height (2.08 m with shoes), which allows him to play from position 2 to position 4. He still needs to gain weight and muscle for that, but the NBA environment is conducive to this kind of transformation. physical. Risacher will blend into the Hawks collective, which he has always done, at Bourg as at ASVEL. Particularly thanks to his outside shot, in a team that shoots a lot at 3 points. He also confided that his exact role was still to be determined with the staff. He might not have the usual offensive responsibilities of a Draft No. 1. Probably a blessing in disguise.
Alexandre Sarr in Washington, the preferred destination
Alexandre Sarr had only done one workout during his entire pre-draft process: with the Washington Wizards. He and his clan had targeted the capital franchise as a preferred destination. And the interest was mutual. For good reason, Sarr arrives in a team in reconstruction, which has also transferred one of its major pieces (Deni Avdija) a few minutes before the start of the Draft. The Wizards have not made the playoffs since the 2020/21 season. And it certainly won’t be right away. Everything has to be done again in Washington, with unstable leaders (Kyle Kuzma et Jordan Poole) which can be transferred from one moment to another. The leaders intend to rest on their now two tricolors (Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly) to build their future. Note that the former hope of Chalon Kyshawn George was drafted No. 24 by the Wizards.
As position 5, Sarr will have free rein for the Wizards. He provides a defensive anchor role than the other interiors of the squad (Marvin Bagley et Richaun Holmes) are very far from bringing. His profile is unique in this squad, since the departure of Daniel Gafford at the trade deadline. He should therefore probably be a starting pivot upon his arrival, and have significant playing time. This is also why he set his sights on this franchise. But beyond the sporting aspect, Sarr above all realized his dream by being drafted. Asked about this a few minutes after his appearance on the podium, he wanted to dedicate his Draft to his brother Olivier Sarrwith tears in his eyes:
“He shared everything with me. Everything I learned came from him, he gave me all his knowledge. It’s truly incredible to have someone like him by my side… I was present at his Draft [en 2021], I lived it with him, I know what it feels like to be undrafted. And I’m a top pick now, it’s really special. »
