The Atlanta Hawks defied the odds by landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and they chose French teen Zaccharie Risacher as their future star. Despite only having a 3% chance of securing the top pick, luck was on their side on draft night.
Risacher, a 19-year-old forward who has been playing in the top professional basketball league in France, was the Hawks’ selection. With no clear consensus on the top pick, this choice was seen as a bit of a risk, especially since it was their only pick in the draft.
General manager Landry Fields revealed that there were offers from other teams to trade for the No. 1 pick, but the Hawks ultimately decided to keep it. This decision was influenced by the fact that their future draft picks had been compromised by a previous trade with the San Antonio Spurs.
Risacher, son of former Olympic silver medalist Stéphane Risacher, is expected to join a young core of players including guards Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, as well as forward Jalen Johnson. The Hawks are hoping that this group can lead them to playoff success, something they have not experienced since reaching the Eastern Conference finals in 2021.
This draft marked the first time the Hawks secured the No. 1 pick since 1975, when they selected Hall of Famer David Thompson. It’s worth noting that the Draft Lottery had not yet been established at that time, making this year’s win even more significant for the franchise.
Overall, the selection of Risacher represents a new chapter for the Hawks as they look to build a competitive team for the future. With a blend of young talent and experienced players, the team is hoping to make a splash in the NBA and bring playoff success back to Atlanta.