PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 28: Zaccharie Risacher of Bourg en Bresse Basket takes a jump shoot during the ... [+]
One of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s NBA draft is 6’9 French forward Zaccharie Risacher. Early projections had Risacher going second overall, but the movement amongst the top five over recent weeks has been in flux.
The Houston Rockets, of course, own the third overall pick in the draft, conveyed to them from the Brooklyn Nets as a result of the 2021 blockbuster trade which sent James Harden to Brooklyn. The pick was projected to land ninth overall before jumping to third on lottery night, much to the delight of Rockets brass. Now, the Rockets have a chance to add another premium talent to an already very encouraging young core. Houston won 41 games last season and is looking to make a push towards the postseason in 2024-2025.
Risacher is a ‘3&D’ wing with prototypical size and shooting ability in an era where such an archetype is one of the most valuable on an NBA roster. He has plus size and above average athleticism along with an NBA ready three-point shot. Risacher projects to be able to guard multiple positions in the NBA. On the other hand, his weaknesses are limiting. Risacher struggles creating his own shot off the dribble which makes it unlikely he ever becomes a star player.
It’s unclear whether Risacher will be available when Houston is on the clock. Early projections had French center Alex Sarr going first to the Atlanta Hawks but recent reports suggest the Hawks may have their sights set on Connecticut big man Donovan Clingan. It’s anyone’s guess right now what Rockets general manager Rafael Stone is looking for in this draft. The team already has multiple long-armed defenders in Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason, though none project to become the shooter Risacher already might be. Would Stone look to load up on perimeter defense or prioritize adding a different element to his young core?
If Sarr and Clingan go first and second, the Rockets could find themselves choosing between Risacher and Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, a 6’3 sharpshooter who would stretch defenses to allow center Alperen Sengun to operate. A trade down could also be a possibility.
There wouldn’t appear to be a clear path to Risacher cracking Houston’s starting lineup. Jalen Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft has a hold on the incumbent shooting guard spot and Dillon Brooks, signed last offseason, presumably will return at small forward. Thompson, Eason, and sophomore Cam Whitmore will eat up the remainder of the available minutes at the wing. But cream rises to the top and Houston’s philosophy may be to simply select best player available regardless of fit.
All in all, it would be a surprise if Zaccharie Risacher were wearing Rockets colors next fall.
