Hawks’ Former No. 1 Pick Zaccharie Risacher Reportedly on the Trade Block — What Happens Next?

Atlanta Hawks wing Zaccharie Risacher is back in the spotlight after earning a place in France’s preliminary roster for July’s FIBA World Cup qualifying window, a call-up that signals growing confidence from national-team coach Vincent Collet. The 22-year-old, who averaged 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in his sophomore NBA campaign, will join a Bleu roster heavy on EuroLeague veterans during training camp in Pau before final selections are made. For Atlanta, the invitation caps an encouraging off-season in which Risacher has rebuilt momentum following a rocky spring that saw him slide out of Quin Snyder’s rotation during the stretch run. Hawks officials view the international stint as a springboard to a larger role when the 2026-27 season tips in October. General manager Landry Fields praised Risacher’s “two-way upside” after Summer League exit interviews, noting that the 6-foot-9 forward has added seven pounds of functional strength since April. Coaching staff sources say the team wants Risacher to handle secondary playmaking duties off the bench, mirroring the point-forward responsibilities Collet may test this month. From an on-court perspective, Risacher’s length and improving catch-and-shoot efficiency (38.6 % on corner threes last season) should fit seamlessly alongside France stalwarts Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama if he survives the final cut. Off the court, the call-up positions the Lyon native to become a marketing bridge between the NBA and France in the run-up to the 2027 FIBA World Cup, which organizers expect to award to a European host later this year. For Hawks fans, the schedule is straightforward: France faces Montenegro on July 25 and travels to Portugal on July 28. Both games stream on Courtside 1891, and Atlanta staffers will be on site in Europe to track their young forward’s progress. Should Risacher flash the defensive versatility that made him the No. 8 pick two drafts ago, expect the Hawks to fast-track extension talks ahead of the October deadline. With national pride and NBA minutes on the line, July could prove pivotal for the player once billed as France’s next two-way star.