The Atlanta Hawks are in dire need of true center production. Their eyes are reportedly set on Anthony Davis, and per a recent publication from Marc Stein on ‘The Stein Line,’ Atlanta seems comfortable in trading their former first overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, to the Dallas Mavericks. This indirectly hints that the LA Clippers could shift the Hawks’ vision for Davis to Ivica Zubac, creating a generational opportunity to secure Risacher.
The Hawks like Davis because he is a two-way center with a championship, who does what Onyeka Okongwu cannot. The USC product is an excellent scorer, but he shoots 48.9% from the field and has defensive weaknesses.
Yet, compared to Davis, Zubac is younger, has a night-and-day difference in salary, and is essentially invincible in terms of availability.
Therefore, the Clippers should swoop in, snag Risacher, along with the expiring contracts Stein reported Atlanta would include, and an all-star talent who shines in Peachtree City.
Risacher and the other assets Atlanta has would tremendously aid the Clippers
Zaccharie Risacher was drafted with the top pick a little over a year ago. He has been underwhelming this season, but as a rookie, he averaged 12.6 points, played 75 games, and was named a Rookie of the Year finalist and to the NBA’s all-rookie team.
His success as a first-year pro was all too recent to call him a bust. Though he is certainly not the best player from his draft class, Risacher’s potential is evident, and has not disappeared despite underperforming as a sophomore.
Moreover, the LA Clippers must play chess with the Atlanta Hawks if Ivica Zubac is offered. They will want a whole lot more from Atlanta for the best center since DeAndre Jordan, especially if John Collins is included due to his lucrative salary.
Thus, with Risacher, the Hawks will be forced to include Nickeil Alexander-Walker and their highest-valued expiring contracts.
This is the only way to obtain a yes from the Clippers. Lawrence Frank will want guarantees, and Alexander-Walker fits that category, with averages of over 20 points this season, in the first year of his four-year contract.
That said, the Clippers should take advantage of a rare encounter for a former first overall pick. These types of players are not on the trade block every year, and now that one is, LA needs to act on it to save their future, which is already in a deficit.