Dominique Wilkins was a guest recently on the ‘All The Smoke’ podcast. He was asked about the Hawks‘ number one overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and his poor performance at the NBA Summer League. Wilkins noted that he is still very young, and Risacher can develop through the season into a solid player.
“He’s young, man. What is this kid, 19? He’s skilled. He’s skilled, but you gotta be able to give him time. Give him time. He’s gonna be just fine. Believe me, he’s gonna be just fine.”
(33:30 onwards)
Dominique Wilkins is a Hawks legend, who spent the prime years of his career with the franchise. As the third overall pick in the NBA Draft, Wilkins was traded to the Atlanta Hawks immediately after being drafted and was expected to do big things for the franchise.
He of all people will understand the pressure Risacher will be feeling as a top draft pick, especially considering how many people are underestimating him. The Summer League didn’t pan out for him the way Risacher would have hoped, but he shouldn’t get too upset about how things went during that time.
Risacher headed up a draft class that many considered to be weak. In fact, the Hawks reportedly drafted Risacher as Alex Sarr allegedly refused to work out with the franchise going forward. Regardless, they will now try to build around him and Trae Young.
The Hawks traded away Dejounte Murray, so they need Risacher to deliver for them at a high level right out of the block. A player like Young will be trusted to ensure that Risacher gets good looks early on to develop his game and his confidence in the early part of the season so Risacher can become a reliable star.
Will Trae Young Ask Out Of The Hawks?
While Trae Young may be trusted to lead the team, there are doubts about his future with the Hawks as well. Young has looked disinvested and disinterested in the Hawks for the last year. His partnership with Dejounte Murray did not work out, and he seems to be frustrated by his downturn these last few years.
Young might be biding his time to see how his partnership with Risacher pans out next season. But if they stumble early into the season, Young could decide it is time for him to leave and demand a trade. With his contract being valid till 2027, the Hawks could try to play hardball.
But considering how much they are paying him, they don’t want that valuable an asset holding out or even refusing to pay, should things between the two parties get hostile. It will be interesting to see how things with Trae Young pan out next season, as it could be the last year we see him wear a Hawks jersey.
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