Zaccharie Risacher

Zaccharie Risacher Bio

Zaccharie Risacher is a French professional basketball player who currently serves as the small forward for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Selected with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Risacher became the second consecutive French player to achieve this distinction, following Victor Wembanyama. His selection marked a historic moment as the sixth international player ever chosen with the first selection in NBA history. At just 19 years old when drafted, Risacher brought considerable promise to Atlanta, built upon years of professional experience in France’s top basketball league.

Early Life and Background

Zaccharie Risacher was born on April 8, 2005, in Málaga, Spain, where his father, Stéphane Risacher, played professional basketball for Baloncesto Málaga from 2002 to 2006. His family relocated to Lyon, France, where he began playing club basketball at Élan Chalon at the age of three and a half, starting with youth club Tassin in the suburbs of the city. Basketball was woven into his life from the earliest stages, given his father’s professional career and the basketball environment surrounding his family.

Risacher entered the youth program of ASVEL Basket in August 2020. He primarily competed for the club’s youth team in LNB Espoirs, the French under-21 league. His progression through ASVEL’s development system laid the foundation for his eventual transition to professional basketball. Stéphane Risacher, his father, was also a distinguished player who won a silver medal with the France national team at the 2000 Summer Olympics, establishing a remarkable basketball lineage in the family.

Path to Basketball

Growing up in France with a professional basketball player as a father provided Risacher with both the technical foundation and basketball intelligence that would distinguish him as a prospect. His time at ASVEL Basket’s youth academy from 2020 exposed him to elite-level coaching and competition, accelerating his development ahead of many of his peers. The structured environment at one of France’s premier basketball institutions prepared him for the physical and tactical demands of professional basketball.

His early promise earned him recognition at the international youth level. Risacher represented France at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, where he averaged 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, helping France secure the bronze medal. He also participated in the prestigious Nike Hoop Summit in 2023, further establishing his reputation among top international prospects. These experiences against quality competition polished his skills and visibility ahead of his professional debut.

Zaccharie Risacher Career

LDLC ASVEL (2021–2024)

Risacher made his debut with ASVEL’s senior team in 2021, appearing in an LNB Élite match against Metropolitans 92. He also made his EuroLeague debut later that season, on January 18, 2022, in a 75–100 loss to Monaco. During his time with ASVEL’s youth team in LNB Espoirs competition, he averaged 12.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly at a young age.

His performances at the youth level translated into opportunities with the senior squad, though his primary development continued through the Espoirs league. The experience gained against older, more experienced players prepared him for the physical nature of professional basketball. ASVEL, one of France’s most storied clubs, provided an ideal environment for his growth.

JL Bourg (2023–2024)

On June 16, 2023, Risacher signed his first professional contract with ASVEL before being immediately loaned out to fellow first-tier club JL Bourg for the 2023–24 season. This move allowed him to gain valuable playing time in France’s top division while continuing his development. On November 29, 2023, he earned recognition when he was named to the Team France roster for the LNB All-Star Game, validating his strong early professional performances.

Internationally, Risacher featured prominently for JL Bourg in the 2023–24 EuroCup, where the team reached the Finals before losing to fellow French side Paris Basketball. His contributions throughout the campaign were substantial, and in April 2024, he was awarded the EuroCup Rising Star prize. At 18 years and 362 days old, he became the second-youngest player to win this award, just a month older than Džanan Musa, who received the honor in 2018. On May 12, 2024, he was named the Best Young Player of the 2023–24 LNB Élite season after averaging 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 22 minutes per game over 33 matches.

Atlanta Hawks (2024–Present)

On April 22, 2024, Risacher announced that he had declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, with his entry officially confirmed by the NBA on May 2. On June 26, 2024, he was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This selection made him the second consecutive French player to be drafted first overall, after Victor Wembanyama went first to the San Antonio Spurs in 2023. Furthermore, Risacher became the sixth international player ever chosen with the first selection, joining the company of Wembanyama, Andrea Bargnani, Andrew Bogut, Yao Ming, and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Risacher signed with the Hawks on July 6, 2024, and made his NBA Summer League debut six days later against the Washington Wizards, recording 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists in a 94–88 loss. He made his NBA regular-season debut on October 23, recording seven points and one rebound in 19 minutes played during a 120–116 win over the Brooklyn Nets. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, including a career-high 33 points on November 6 in a 121–115 victory over the New York Knicks.

On March 30, 2025, Risacher scored a then career-high 36 points in a 145–124 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming the fourth first overall pick to record 35 or more points and 5 or more three-pointers in a game as a rookie, joining Allen Iverson, LeBron James, and Anthony Edwards. On April 10, he set a new career high with 38 points in a 133–109 win over the Brooklyn Nets. His strong rookie campaign earned him a place on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2025.

Playing Style and Strengths

Playing at small forward, Risacher excels as a catch-and-shoot player and demonstrates strong capability as a shooter off screens or from mid-range. His versatility has been noted for his ability to defend both guards and forwards, providing defensive flexibility that NBA teams value highly. At 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) with solid frame and basketball IQ inherited from his father, he projects as a player capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor.

Notable Events and Milestones

Risacher’s first NBA season was highlighted by multiple career-best performances and historic achievements. His 36-point game against Milwaukee placed him among elite company as a rookie first overall pick. Being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team validated his immediate contributions at the professional level. His selection as the EuroCup Rising Star in 2024, before even entering the NBA, demonstrated that his talent had been recognized internationally long before his draft day.

Zaccharie Risacher Career Wins

Across his professional career spanning France and the NBA, Risacher has accumulated significant achievements at a remarkably young age. His honors span both individual accolades and team accomplishments, reflecting his impact at every level he has competed.

NBA Highlights

In his rookie NBA season (2024–25), Risacher was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He posted multiple career-high scoring performances, including his 38-point game against Brooklyn. His 36-point effort against Milwaukee joined him among rare company as a rookie to achieve that statistical milestone. Throughout his first season, he demonstrated the consistency and skill that justified his first overall selection.

France Career Highlights

Before joining the NBA, Risacher won the LNB Élite championship with ASVEL in 2022. He captured the Leaders Cup with JL Bourg in 2023 and was named an LNB All-Star that same year. His EuroCup Rising Star award in 2024 and LNB Élite Best Young Player honor underscored his status as one of France’s most promising prospects. His participation in JL Bourg’s run to the EuroCup Finals highlighted his ability to perform on the international club stage.

Zaccharie Risacher Family

Family Background and Basketball Lineage

Zaccharie Risacher comes from a distinguished basketball family. His father, Stéphane Risacher, played professionally in Spain for Baloncesto Málaga during Zaccharie’s birth and had a notable career that included winning a silver medal with the France national team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Stéphane’s professional experience and international success established a basketball legacy that Zaccharie has continued. The family is of Martiniquais descent through Stéphane.

Basketball talent runs through the entire Risacher family. Zaccharie’s younger sister, Aïnhoa Risacher, is also a professional basketball player. She currently plays for LDLC ASVEL Féminin of the Ligue Féminine de Basketball, following a similar path to professional basketball that her brother has traveled.

Personal Life

Born in Spain while his father played for Baloncesto Málaga, Risacher spent his formative years in Lyon, France, after his family relocated when he was young. His upbringing in France provided him access to one of Europe’s strongest basketball development systems. Despite his young age, he has handled professional expectations with maturity, demonstrating composure both on and off the court throughout his rapid ascent in basketball.

2025 Season Performance

The 2024–25 NBA season marked Risacher’s rookie campaign with the Atlanta Hawks. From his debut against Brooklyn to his breakthrough scoring performances throughout the year, he demonstrated the skills that made him the top draft selection. His ability to score efficiently, rebound, and defend multiple positions translated effectively to NBA competition. The recognition as an All-Rookie First Team member validated his immediate impact at the league’s highest level.

During his sophomore season, Risacher’s role evolved as the Hawks adjusted their rotation. His playing time and usage decreased compared to his rookie year, reflecting the typical challenges young players face when opponents have extended film and scouting reports. On January 7, 2026, he posted a season-high 25 points alongside eight rebounds in a 117–100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, showing his continued ability to contribute when given opportunities.

The Hawks qualified for the playoffs and faced the New York Knicks in the first round. Risacher made his playoff debut on April 18, recording four rebounds in a Game 1 loss. However, the Knicks ultimately won the series in six games, and Risacher played limited minutes throughout, averaging only 3.7 points per game in 7.7 minutes per game. The playoff experience, though challenging, provided valuable lessons for his continued development in the league.