History of Zaccharie Risacher in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2026

Zaccharie Risacher is a highly touted French professional basketball player who gained international prominence as the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Standing as a versatile wing, Risacher is renowned for his impressive 6'8"-6'9" frame, high basketball IQ, and two-way potential. Before entering the NBA, he played for JL Bourg in the LNB Pro A, where he earned recognition as a standout prospect through his consistent perimeter shooting and defensive versatility. As a prototypical modern '3-and-D' wing, he is expected to serve as a cornerstone for the Hawks' future, with scouts praising his court spacing, physical tools, and ability to impact the game without needing high usage. Risacher represents the latest wave of elite international talent transitioning into the NBA, bringing a refined skill set developed through high-level European professional competition.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

12 May 2024: Named LNB Élite Best Young Player

On 12 May 2024, Zaccharie Risacher received the Best Young Player award for the 2023–24 LNB Élite season after maintaining averages of 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game across 22 minutes of play.

19 July 2026: Trade to the Dallas Mavericks

On 19 July 2026, Zaccharie Risacher was officially traded to the Dallas Mavericks, marking a new chapter in his professional basketball career.

1984: Hakeem Olajuwon First Overall Pick

In 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon was selected with the first overall pick in the NBA draft, cited in June 2024 as one of the prominent international players to achieve this status.

2000: Stéphane Risacher wins Olympic Silver Medal

In 2000, Stéphane Risacher, the father of Zaccharie Risacher, achieved a significant career milestone by winning a silver medal as a member of the France national basketball team during the 2000 Summer Olympics.

2002: Stéphane Risacher begins tenure with Baloncesto Málaga

In 2002, Stéphane Risacher, father of Zaccharie, began his professional basketball career playing for the team Baloncesto Málaga in Spain.

2002: Yao Ming First Overall Pick

In 2002, Yao Ming was selected with the first overall pick in the NBA draft, referenced in June 2024 as part of the lineage of international players taken at the top of the draft.

April 2005: Birth of Zaccharie Risacher

Zaccharie Risacher was born in April 2005, marking the beginning of the life of the future professional basketball player.

2005: Andrew Bogut First Overall Pick

In 2005, Andrew Bogut was selected with the first overall pick in the NBA draft, noted in June 2024 as one of the international players to achieve this milestone prior to Risacher.

2006: Stéphane Risacher concludes tenure with Baloncesto Málaga

By 2006, Stéphane Risacher ended his stint playing professional basketball for Baloncesto Málaga before moving back to France with his family.

2006: Andrea Bargnani First Overall Pick

In 2006, Andrea Bargnani became the first international player to be selected with the number one overall pick in the NBA draft, serving as a historical reference point for Risacher's selection in June 2024.

2018: Džanan Musa EuroCup Rising Star Award

In 2018, Džanan Musa was honored with the EuroCup Rising Star award, setting a benchmark for the age record that Zaccharie Risacher would later approach in 2024.

August 2020: Joined ASVEL Basket Youth Program

In August 2020, Zaccharie Risacher officially joined the youth development program of the French professional club ASVEL Basket to continue his basketball career.

2021: Professional Debut with ASVEL

In 2021, Zaccharie Risacher made his professional debut with the ASVEL senior team during a LNB Élite game played against Metropolitans 92.

January 2022: EuroLeague Debut

On 18 January 2022, Zaccharie Risacher made his debut in the EuroLeague, participating in a game that resulted in a 75–100 loss against Monaco.

2022: 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup Performance

In 2022, Zaccharie Risacher represented the France under-17 basketball team at the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup. During the tournament, he averaged 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, ultimately contributing to France securing the bronze medal, despite a difficult final performance against Spain where he recorded zero points and five turnovers.

June 2023: Signed first professional contract with ASVEL

On 16 June 2023, Zaccharie Risacher secured his first professional contract with the basketball club ASVEL, followed by an immediate loan to JL Bourg for the remainder of the 2023–24 season.

November 2023: Named to Team France for LNB All-Star Game

On 29 November 2023, Risacher earned a selection to represent Team France in the prestigious LNB All-Star Game, marking a significant step in his professional basketball journey.

2023: 2023–24 EuroCup Finalist

During the 2023 season, Zaccharie Risacher competed for JL Bourg in the 2023–24 EuroCup, ultimately reaching the tournament Finals before falling to Paris Basketball.

February 2024: Senior Team Debut and Concussion

On February 23, 2024, Zaccharie Risacher made his debut with the France senior national basketball team against Croatia, but his appearance was cut short after four minutes due to a concussion.

April 2024: Declaration for the 2024 NBA Draft

In April 2024, Zaccharie Risacher officially announced his decision to enter the 2024 NBA draft, marking a significant step in his professional basketball career.

June 2024: Selected First Overall in 2024 NBA Draft

On 26 June 2024, Zaccharie Risacher was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, marking a historic moment where France became the first foreign nation to have three native players selected in the top 10.

July 2024: Signing with the Atlanta Hawks and Summer League Debut

On 6 July 2024, Zaccharie Risacher officially signed with the Atlanta Hawks. Following this on 12 July 2024, he played his first NBA Summer League game against the Washington Wizards, scoring 18 points in a 94–88 defeat.

2024: 2024 NBA Draft Selection

In 2024, Zaccharie Risacher achieved a significant career milestone when he was selected as the first overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft.

2025: Career-High Scoring Milestones

Throughout 2025, Risacher achieved significant scoring milestones. On 30 March 2025, he set a career-high of 36 points against the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming the fourth 1st overall pick rookie to record 35+ points and 5+ threes in a game. Subsequently, on 10 April 2025, he surpassed that by scoring 38 points in a win against the Brooklyn Nets.

2025: EuroBasket 2025 Participation

Throughout 2025, Risacher participated in the EuroBasket qualifying games and the final tournament, where he averaged 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

January 2026: Season-High Performance Against New Orleans Pelicans

On 7 January 2026, Zaccharie Risacher recorded a season-high performance of 25 points and eight rebounds during a 117-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.