Hawks Struggle as Zaccharie Risacher’s Future Hangs in Balance
The Atlanta Hawks find themselves in a troubling spiral, having dropped six consecutive games and winning just two of their last twelve outings. With a dismal 2-10 record for December, the team has slipped from a playoff contender to barely holding onto a position above the 11th place in the Eastern Conference. This alarming decline raises critical questions about their roster and strategy, particularly concerning their defensive performance and lack of size at the center position.
Risacher’s Underwhelming Development
One of the key factors contributing to the Hawks’ struggles has been the stagnation of Zaccharie Risacher, the former No. 1 overall pick. After a promising rookie season that hinted at potential growth, Risacher has encountered significant challenges in his second year. Currently, he averages 10.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, posting shooting splits of 46% from the field, 33% from three-point range, and 68% from the free-throw line. Alarmingly, he frequently finds himself playing less than 20 minutes per game, limiting his ability to make a substantial impact.
Trade Rumors Heat Up
As the trade deadline approaches, the Hawks have emerged as a team to watch in the ongoing trade discussions, particularly in their pursuit of Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis. The franchise is reportedly open to exploring various options, including the potential trade of their star point guard, Trae Young.
NBA insider Marc Stein recently noted that under certain conditions, the Hawks would consider moving Risacher as part of a deal. The rationale is clear: the Hawks’ expectations for the young forward have not been met, prompting them to reassess their assets. However, the complexity of potential trades looms large.
Navigating Complicated Trade Scenarios
In any deal involving Risacher, the Hawks would likely need to package him with the expiring contracts of Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kennard to entice the Mavericks to part ways with Davis. Yet, the question remains—how much additional draft compensation would the Hawks be willing or able to offer to make the deal palatable for Dallas?
Stein further elaborated on the situation, stating, “Davis is owed $58.5 million next season and is likewise known to be eager to secure an extension in August when he becomes eligible for one.” In contrast, Young holds a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season. There is a growing sentiment across the league that the Hawks may be more open to trading Young than ever before. However, the ramifications of such a move raise concerns about the team’s payroll and overall direction if they fail to execute a trade.
A Critical Month Ahead
As the clock ticks down to the February 5 trade deadline, the Hawks are in a precarious position. If they wish to secure Davis without sacrificing Young, they may have no choice but to consider moving Risacher. The next month will be pivotal for both the franchise and Risacher’s development as they navigate a challenging landscape filled with tough decisions.
The Hawks face a daunting task ahead, and how they respond will not only define their season but also shape the future of the organization.
