French Revolution Continues in NBA as Zaccharie Risacher Goes No. 1 Overall

The NBA is in the midst of a French revolution with the Atlanta Hawks selecting Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 pick in the recent NBA draft. This marks the second consecutive year that a French player has been chosen as the top pick, following Victor Wembanyama‘s selection by the San Antonio Spurs last year.

Risacher, a 19-year-old forward, stood out as the best choice in a draft that was perceived to lack elite talent. He won the best young player award in the French League last season, surpassing contenders like Alex Sarr and UConn‘s Donovan Clingan to claim the top spot.

With ideal size for a wing player at 6ft 9inch and 215 pounds, Risacher is expected to join the likes of Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and Jalen Johnson as foundational players for the Hawks, who have been striving to make a deeper playoff run.

In a historic NBA draft moment, Risacher became the first non-American college player to go No. 1 in consecutive years. The draft night saw more French talent making waves; the Charlotte Hornets picked Tidjane Salaun, and the Washington Wizards drafted Alex Sarr.

Following Risacher’s selection, the draft unfolded with notable picks like Reed Sheppard to the Houston Rockets, Stephon Castle to the San Antonio Spurs, and Zach Edey to the Memphis Grizzlies, hinting at a diverse and dynamic incoming rookie class.