Unfortunately, Zaccharie Risacher is an unrealistic Hornets draft option at No. 6
By Evan Sidery
The Charlotte Hornets two biggest needs this offseason should be prioritized with an infusion of three-point shooting and defensive versatility. In the 2024 NBA Draft, there might not be a better prospect that checks those boxes than Zaccharie Risacher.
Risacher, who stands at 6’10”, is viewed by draft pundits as a consensus top-five pick in next month’s draft on June 26. And over the last few weeks, the teenage Frenchman has made himself a very serious case to potentially supplant fellow countryman Alex Sarr to go No. 1 overall.
In his last two games JL Bourg in postseason action, Risacher has averaged 24.5 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting an eye-opening 63.7% percent on three-pointers.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Risacher is under heavy consideration by all the teams selecting atop the draft Nos. 1-5: Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons. Givony reiterated that the top two picks in the draft will likely be Sarr and Risacher in either order.
Risacher will also be selective in the pre-draft process for he ends up working out for, another sign that it’s highly unlikely his camp even considers the Hornets at No. 6.
Scouts have compared his game similarly to Michael Porter Jr., but with an added defensive emphasis as well. One scout recently told ESPN that Risacher’s defensive ceiling could mimic Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which is extremely high praise for the projected top-five pick.
For Charlotte, it’s an unfortunate development because Risacher really fits what new head coach Charles Lee wants most in the Queen City. Alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams, Risacher would have easily slid into the four spot as a floor-spacer with untapped upside on both ends of the court.
Unless the Hornets aggressively decide to trade up from No. 6, Risacher won’t be in the cards as a potential draft option. Honestly, Risacher and Sarr are the only prospects that seem like locks to go ahead of Charlotte on draft night. Once the Rockets are on the clock, or whoever else if they trade it, that’s when the draft fireworks will ignite.
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