Why is Zaccharie Risacher not playing tonight against Lakers? Exploring reason behind No. 1 pick's absence

The Atlanta Hawks will face the LA Lakers in Wednesday's NBA Summer League game without their top draft pick, Zaccharie Risacher. The 19-year-old French forward, selected No. 1 overall by the Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft, is sidelined due to injury.

The Athletic's John Hollinger reported that Zaccharie Risacher will miss Wednesday's Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a right quad contusion.

Risacher’s absence is a significant setback for the Hawks, who have struggled to a 0-2 record in the Summer League. The Frenchman, considered a key offensive player with potential two-way versatility, was expected to be a major contributor as Atlanta aims to turn their summer campaign around.

In his Summer League debut, Risacher scored 18 points on 7-for-16 shooting from the field, including 3-for-9 from beyond the arc, along with five rebounds, two assists and one block in 29 minutes. However, the Hawks lost to Alex Sarr and the Washington Wizards 94-88 in the end.

The No. 1 overall pick had a tough time in the next game against the San Antonio Spurs, managing just 11 points on an inefficient 4-for-12 shooting from the field and 1-for-7 from beyond the arc. He added five rebounds, two assists and a block in 29 minutes during Sunday's 79-76 loss.

In addition to Risacher, the Hawks will also be without Dylan Windler, who is dealing with an elbow injury.

The Lakers, who have also struggled with a winless 0-5 record in Summer League so far, will be missing their first-round pick Dalton Knecht but are expected to play Bronny James.

Zaccharie Risacher discusses his ‘welcome to the NBA’ moment

Zaccharie Risacher has yet to play a regular season game, but he has already had a “welcome to the NBA” moment.

Before the Hawks began their Summer League campaign, the first overall pick shared his moment, saying it was putting on his NBA jersey for the first time, which he described as a dream come true (via Sports Illustrated):

"I don't really know. I think it would be when I got my jersey with my number and the Hawks on it. Maybe when I put my jersey on and that was a proud moment for me,” he said.

“It is a dream come true for me to be able to walk into the facilities and put on this jersey and have those great people around me, it was amazing," he added.

With the Hawks, Risacher is expected to develop alongside star guard Trae Young, who can facilitate his growth with his shooting and playmaking skills.