Zaccharie Risacher admits NBA is ‘big adjustment’ after struggles in Hawks debut | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumours

There will be better days ahead for Zaccharie Risacher.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft was just 2-for-8 from the field in his debut, though his Atlanta Hawks cruised to a 120-116 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.

“I’m only 19 years old, so this is a big adjustment for me,” Risacher said, per Paul Newberry of the Associated Press . “I’ll be better and better and better.”

He got off to a perfect start as he drained a 3-pointer on his first career shot attempt.

However, he finished with just seven points, one rebound and zero assists in 19 minutes off the bench. He was also just 1-for-4 from the three-point line and 2-for-4 from the free-throw line with just one turnover, so efficiency will be a potential area for improvement as he gains more experience.

At least Risacher didn’t have to wait for his first career win as Trae Young poured in 30 points while Onyeka Okongwu added 28 points off the bench. The duo was enough to survive Cam Thomas’ 36 points for a Nets team that doesn’t have much star power this season.

Young pieces that will spearhead the Hawks’ offensive attack in most games, but Risacher can be an important secondary option if he gets “better and better” and starts to live up to his potential.