A Promising Start, Followed by a Rough Patch
For Zaccharie Risacher, it was the perfect start to an NBA career of such promise. A wide-open look from outside the 3-point stripe. Nothing but net. But the French teenager quickly learned what a steep learning curve he faces in his rookie season with the Atlanta Hawks. Risacher, the league's No. 1 draft pick, missed his next six shots and finished the night with seven points on 2-of-8 shooting.
Still, he was all smiles after the Hawks held on against the Brooklyn Nets for a 120-116 victory in the season opener Wednesday.
"It was amazing. That's a dream come true. I really enjoyed it. I'm glad we won -- and on to the next one. I can't wait to play another game in two days. That's going to be fun. Just try to keep winning, you know."
The slender, 19-year-old forward made his debut with 3:43 left in the first quarter, drawing a big cheer from the sellout crowd at State Farm Arena. While the Hawks are in a bit of a rebuilding mode, they're counting on Risacher to help take the franchise to heights it has rarely experienced in Atlanta.
"It was definitely a special moment. I'm super happy to be here, and I can feel around me the joy and good vibes. I'm super grateful to be a part of this organization, this city."
The cheers grew even louder when Risacher knocked down a 3 with the first shot of his career.
"That was like the perfect situation. I was open on the transition pass, and yeah, it was amazing. The perfect, perfect way to get my first bucket."
A Night of Mixed Results
From there, it was far from perfection. Of his six misses, three were from beyond the arc. He turned the ball over when his foot nicked the sideline as he attempted to launch another shot from long range. His only other basket came with just under 10 minutes left in the game -- a thunderous dunk off a bounce pass from Hawks star guard Trae Young.
"I wasn't as efficient as I'm used to being, so that was a little bit disappointing to me. But it's part of the game."
He knows it's going to take a while to get fully comfortable playing at such a higher level than he was accustomed to in France.
"I'm only 19, so this is a big adjustment for me. I'll be better and better and better."
"I thought he did a really good job. The point of emphasis is you're not going to make shots every night. How do you impact the game other ways, whether it's a pass or a cut defensively?"
Even though the shots weren't falling, Snyder was happy that Risacher had the confidence to keep firing away.
"You don't stop shooting, because he's a really good shooter."
Adjusting to the NBA
Despite a disappointing shooting night, Risacher displayed a positive attitude and acknowledged the need for improvement. He highlighted the importance of adjusting to the league's speed and physicality, a process that takes time for even the most talented young players.
With a young roster and a focus on developing talent, the Hawks are patient in their approach to Risacher's development. Snyder's emphasis on contributing in other ways beyond scoring shows a belief in Risacher's potential to become a valuable asset, even if his offensive efficiency may fluctuate early in his career.
A Long Season Ahead
While his NBA debut might not have been a perfect reflection of his talent, Risacher's performance offers a valuable glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The Hawks will continue to rely on his development as they strive for success in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Risacher's journey is far from over, and his performance in the season opener serves as a reminder that the road to stardom is paved with both successes and setbacks. The Atlanta Hawks and their fans will be eagerly watching as he navigates his rookie year, eager to see how his game evolves and how he ultimately contributes to the team's goals.
