Hawks take French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft

For the first time in history, French players were selected as first picks in consecutive NBA Drafts, as Zaccharie Risachaer was selected by Atlanta this time. This striker was the first of our four to be taken in the first round, as he followed in the footsteps of striker Victor Wembanyama, who was also number 1 and became the Rookie of the Year with San Antonio.

Now the new star of the Hawks has become the fourth overall international prospect to be named the best player in the league, joining Yao Ming from China (Houston Rockets, 2002), Italian center Andrea Bargnani (Toronto Raptors, 2006), and, of course, Wembanyama.

After the draft, Risacher was in disbelief. “It's a blessing, you know,” said the 19-year-old boy. “It's very exciting. There are so many emotions and feelings right now. I don't know what to say, but it's special. I am blessed.”

With the first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select Zachary Risacher! pic.twitter.com/TH713LZYPF

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 27, 2024

Zaccharie played last season for JL Bourg in France's LNB Elite league, posting averages of 11.1 points and 4 rebounds throughout the French tournament and the EuroCup. He also comes from a basketball family, as he is the son of well-known athlete Stephane Risacher, who won a silver medal with his nation at the 2000 Olympic Games.

Despite his age, the striker is confident that he can contribute a lot to his new club. “I am very happy about what will happen,” he said on Wednesday. “I want to do everything possible to help the team. I feel like I can be of great help. I am ready to do anything to be able to enter the field with those great players.”

While the rest of the French continued with No. 2, Houston took the third pick in the draft because it was acquired from Brooklyn during the James Harden trade three years ago. This meant that the Rockets took home Reed Sheppard, a shooter who made 52% of his shots from deep with the Wildcats last season.

“It was unbelievable … a dream come true,” the former Kentucky star said. “… They have a really good thing going on in Houston. Coach [Ime Udoka] he is really beautiful. They have a lot of really young, athletic guys, and we're going to be able to play quickly. It will be fun.”

Four French players were selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, including No. 2 Alex Sarr taken by the Wizards.

Another 19-year-old hit the headlines last night, possibly another Frenchman. We're talking about Alex Sarr, who was selected ahead of guard Reed Sheppard and even his compatriot Tidjane Salaun, who went to the Hornets at No. 6.

When asked about this, the No. 1 choice was: 1 in the NBA Draft revealed that this made him proud. “That's amazing,” Risacher said. “We are trying to represent our country, and I am very happy to be a part of it. There are many players coming. I am very proud to be part of my country's success.”

Sarr, who will represent Washington in the NBA, shared why this is not surprising and can only consider the French team in the future. “It shows the talent we have in France. I am very happy with Zacc. I think our national team will be really good,” said the number 2 player.

Filling out the fourth and final French prospect in the first round, guard Pacome Dadiet went off the board as the New York Knicks took him with the 25th pick.