The Hawks are seeing progress from rookie and No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher

Risacher is averaging 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game this season.

His professional background in Europe helped with the transition. But in his 25 games this season, Risacher has faced the likes of Jordan Poole, Donovan Mitchell, DeMar DeRozan and LeBron James.

“I was sitting next to him on the plane and I asked him the other day which player he was most excited to play against, LeBron and Steph (Curry),” Hawks center Clint Capela said. “He has definitely shown that he is not afraid, even when playing against his favorite players. I really feel like he’s grown up when I talk to him, or even when he plays.”

For the newcomer, it’s important to give his best every night.

“I feel like I’m just focused on winning,” Risacher said. “Focus on myself and my teammates. It’s really all about us, and yeah, I’m not saying it’s not great to play against superstars and great players. It’s special of course, but I think it would be even more special if I give my best against them and we keep winning.”

He has been aggressive in attacking the basket and the Hawks have encouraged him to continue to follow his instincts and get to the basket. Forty percent of Risacher’s shots this season came at the rim, especially since he only made 28.6% of his shots from three balls.

“I think the word I would use to describe Zacch’s mental approach is resilient,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “So we wanted him to be aggressive, and whatever the results, you can learn from them, get better and change what you do, but also for him to be resilient and not stop being aggressive.”

Snyder is hesitant to set any benchmarks for Risacher so the Hawks can keep track of his progress. But Snyder has seen improvement in Risacher’s ability to finish at the rim.

On November 29, in the Hawks’ NBA Cup Group Play win over the Cavaliers, Risacher hit both Mitchell and Evan Mobley with a pump fake before lining up and executing a hook shot.

As he tried to be more aggressive, opposing defenses didn’t hold back. They have defended him physically, especially in the last two or three games. Risacher has taken some tough hits, and like many rookies, not many of those decisions go his way. But he knows it’s all part of the game.

“I don’t know the answer, but I just tried to play my game, play hard,” Risacher said. “And yeah, I’m not afraid of getting hit and I feel like that’s part of the game. And I’m not worried about why. I’m just worried about whether I can score, whether I can play with the consequences, and I’m just trying to play my game, play hard, score, make the right play.”

The Lyon, France native gave as much as he could on the defensive side of the ball. In the same game against the Cavs on November 29, Risacher shot forward with his elbow, raised his hand and blocked Isaac Okoro’s shot at the rim with 9:03 left in the first quarter.

But Risacher also had many defensive moments that weren’t in the penalty area. He moves his feet and turns to help when needed. He leaves fewer players open for uncontested threes and recovers when he notices a man wide open.

His increasing confidence defending at the rim has allowed the Hawks greater defensive versatility, and the team has confidence in his ability to handle difficult transitions.

“Those are two things (finishing and perimeter defense), and when you come into this league and play against bigger, more athletic players, a lot of times there has to be a transition there,” Snyder said. “I think he did a great job in both areas.”

His work ethic and style of play have inspired his teammates, even the veterans, this season.

“First of all, Zacch is a really hard-working guy and he motivates me now at this age,” Bogdan Bogdanovic said. “I see a little bit of myself through him. He’s a lot more talented than I was when I was 19 or 20 or whatever. So as long as he keeps working hard, he’ll make it.”