In a surprising twist, Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is facing unexpected disrespect in his home country. Paris, a city renowned for celebrating its sports heroes, seems to have turned its attention away from Risacher. Instead, French fans appear to be more focused on American star Trae Young, Risacher’s Atlanta Hawks teammate. The sight of Trae Young jerseys overwhelming NBA store racks in Paris starkly contrasts with the noticeable absence of Risacher’s merchandise.

In the NBA store in Paris, the dominance of Young’s jerseys highlights his immense global appeal. Known for his electrifying performances and magnetic personality, Young has become a prominent international figure. The Athletic NBA, senior columnist John Hollinger shared the picture from the store saying, “Interesting that Paris NBA store has lots of Trae Young jerseys but no Risacher, at least yet”. Is this indicative of a trend where established stars often overshadow emerging talents? The lack of Risacher jerseys, despite his recent high-profile draft status, could indicate a disconnect between the fanbase’s enthusiasm and the support for homegrown talent.

At 19, Risacher’s selection marks a historic moment, being the second consecutive French player to secure the top draft spot. His 6’9″ frame and solid performance in the French League, where he earned the Best Young Player award, made him a compelling choice for the Hawks. Despite the draft’s perceived lack of elite American talent, the Hawks saw Risacher as a foundational piece for their future. The team, which has struggled since its 2021 Eastern Conference Finals appearance, invested heavily in Risacher with their sole draft pick, signaling their belief in his ability to contribute alongside key players like Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.

Despite Trae Young’s rising prominence and the overshadowing of Risacher, Dominique Wilkins, the Hawks’ former star and current vice president, remains pivotal in shaping the team’s future. His role in nurturing young talent like Risacher is crucial, and he maintains that with time, Risacher will prove his worth and meet the high expectations set for him.

“He is going to be just fine” – Dominique Wilkins on Zaccharie Risacher.

“He is young, man. What is this kid, 19? He is skilled. He is skilled, but you’ve got to be able to give him time. Give him time. He is going to be just fine. Believe me. He is going to be just fine”, Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins said in the ‘All the Smoke’ podcast. Dominique Wilkins, the leader of the Hawks for 12 seasons, has been a central figure in their history. He emphasized that Risacher, being only 19 years old, needs time to develop by acknowledging Risacher’s skill but stressed the importance of patience.

According to Wilkins, despite the current pressures and challenges, Risacher will eventually prove his worth and succeed. His reassurance highlights confidence in Risacher’s potential, suggesting that with time and proper support, the young player will thrive and become a key asset for the Hawks.

Risacher showcased his talent in the Summer League 2024, averaging 14.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in two games. His strong performance, including an 18-point outing in his first game, earned the trust of Wilkins. This solid display highlights his ability to adapt quickly. Could this be an indication of what we’re likely to see from Risacher? Regardless, he’s expected to develop further and become a valuable asset in the Hawks roster.

Now, the question is how Risacher will fit into the Hawks’ strategy and meet the high expectations set for him? Will the young French star live up to the promise, become a key asset for the team, and overcome challenges?

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.