NBA DRAFT

June 26, 2024

Zaccharie Risacher

Q. I'm curious, what have you learned about the Hawks in the short time that you've been discussing with them and what their plan is for you?

ZACCHARIE RISACHER: I had a workout a couple weeks ago. I really enjoyed the time that I spent with them trying to understand their philosophy. As soon as we were talking, kind of understand more about the organization.

Just start to present myself and told them what I was ready to do for them. I was saying that I wanted to contribute to -- I want to be a part of a winning team and contribute to winning and compete. For that, I say that I was ready to do whatever it takes to do it.

Basically my versatility could be -- defensively in this league is really important. Trying to guard multiple positions, trying to be aggressive. I will know more soon, but now that's what I've got to say right now.

Q. I think you might have mentioned something about Victor earlier but just with Victor, Rudy Gobert, Alex, obviously, there's so much French talent in the league now. What is it like being part of that and being in this new generation of French players, if you will?

ZACCHARIE RISACHER: That's amazing. We are trying to represent our country, and I'm so glad to be a part of it. There is more players coming in. I'm really proud of being a part of the success of my country. Trying to understand what Victor, Rudy or other French players really help me to develop myself as a player, first of all, in France, and hopefully now in the NBA.

Q. On that note, you got the first pick, second pick, sixth pick. Is that pretty shocking to you that three of you guys got picked that high, or is that what French basketball is now?

ZACCHARIE RISACHER: I'm not shocked. I'm not shocked. I've known Tidjane and Alex for a long time. We grew up playing against each other. So I know them really well.

Like I said, that's amazing for our country. That's amazing for us, first of all. Just to be able to realize our dream together is special. I feel like French players are going to take some inspiration, and that's going to be better and better for us. I really feel lucky because there's so many young players that are good. That's it.

Q. How do you think you will impact this Atlanta team playing alongside guys like Trae Young and Dejounte Murray? How do you think you will impact this team, and what does it means for you being selected the first pick in the 2024 class?

ZACCHARIE RISACHER: I'm a versatile player. I feel like I can fit easily into this team. I can't wait to figure out what is going to be my role or my goals, or, you know, just to make sure we win games.

So I don't know yet, but I know that I can do a lot of things. Defend multiple positions, grabbing some rebounds, finishing strong, being aggressive, shooting threes obviously. I think that's going to be -- that's a part of my game. That's something that I need to keep it up for helping the team to win the next season, because I know that we are going to have to shoot the ball. And that's it.

Q. What are you looking forward to most about moving to Atlanta?

ZACCHARIE RISACHER: For now, I just want -- I just know the facilities of the Hawks. I can't wait to get in there and to just work in those conditions. I think that's a style of life that I'm not used to. I talk about the gym, the cold baths, locker room, whatever. I feel like if I could basically sleep in the gym. In Bourg-en-Bresse, which is a great gym, too, but not as good as the Hawks have. I can really sleep in the gym.