The Hawks are reportedly open to trading away their recent No. 1 overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher, per NBA Insider Marc Stein (subscription needed). The Bucks could acquire his services if things fall into the right place. Risacher is exactly the type of do-it-all winning player that the Bucks should be targeting in trades.
There's been chatter of a potential trade sending Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to Atlanta in exchange for one of the Hawks' franchise cornerstones and additional young talent or draft picks. Adding Risacher to sweeten that deal could give the Bucks a fair haul for their franchise legend. He's another promising young forward with plenty of time to develop.
Risacher is perfect for a Bucks rebuild
In any Giannis trade, the Bucks should prioritize adding young talent. They've had plenty of blunders over the years that have left them barren in that department. But getting back the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft can help change that. Risacher isn't a transcendent prospect by any means, but he's a nice complementary piece who can help a team win.
Risacher profiles as a great role player at 6-foot-8 with a solid jump shot. Last season, he shot 42 percent from three in the last 32 games of the season. After a slow start, he's replicating that efficiency this season with 39 percent from deep in December. Adding yet another potent shooter on the wing will only help Milwaukee's offense and the development of its young guards.
He's already figured out how to leverage his shooting for easier baskets, too. Risacher is a smart cutter who's always a threat to sneak backdoor. Against the Bucks last March, he dominated the game with his cutting while scoring 36 points. He's not an elite athlete at the NBA level, but he's certainly capable of some nice finishes when he gets a step on defenders.
At the same time, Risacher is a capable defender. He's quick enough to stay with ball-handling wings and even guards on a switch. He's also strong enough to disrupt big men rolling to the rim and provide some paint protection. With his physical attributes, defensive IQ and hustle, Risacher provides value whether he's guarding the ball or playing help defense.
Risacher is exactly the type of two-way wing the Bucks are desperately missing. At 20 years old, his skills on both ends should only continue to develop as he reaches his prime. His smart play on both ends can make the game easier for his teammates. He shouldn't be the centerpiece of any rebuild, but adding him can give the Bucks another solid rotation piece as they build their next contender.
Of course, this only happens if the Bucks are forced to move on from Giannis and the Hawks are one of the legitimate suitors.