The 2024-25 NBA season is just two months away, but with the offseason effectively at a standstill, it’s now time to look ahead to the upcoming campaign and consider how each team stacks up in their conference, who the favorites are for the MVP award, and who could win the Rookie of the Year award. This year’s Rookie of the Year race is going to be interesting because this draft class has been criticized multiple times for not having a top-tier player and an immediate impact player. I think that was a bit overblown, but it was clear in today’s game. ESPN NBA Panel that there will be several players in the running for the prize.
In fact, the first pick in this year’s draft was a secondary consideration in choosing Rookie of the Year. When the jury voted for Rookie of the Year, Risacher finished tied for sixth with second-round pick Alex Sarr. Rockets point guard Reed Sheppeard ran away with the vote, earning 62 percent of the first-place vote. Grizzlies center Zach Edey came in second, followed by Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle and Rob Dillingham.
While Risacher has flaws in his game, I think it’s a bit disrespectful to not give him much consideration for the award, which is what this vote shows. He won’t be asked to do much and he’ll get to play with one of the best point guards in the NBA in Trae Young. Young will be able to give Risacher some nice offensive perspective and Risacher is considered a good shooter. He showed off his rebounding and defensive skills in the NBA Summer League and I think that’s where he’s underrated. If Risacher becomes a starter sooner rather than later (which is very possible), he could have a chance to immediately improve the Hawks’ defensive numbers. For a guy who showed good overall feel and didn’t turn the ball over in Summer League, Risacher isn’t as highly regarded as some of the other players in this class, which is unusual for a No. 1 pick. It seems like we talk more about his flaws than what he brings to the table.
I’m not saying Risacher should be the pick that wins the game, but for a player who was selected No. 1 overall, getting a few votes doesn’t make a lot of sense. Risacher is in a good position to step in and help the Hawks in a number of areas without being asked to carry the team. Risacher is one of the most overlooked No. 1 picks in recent memory and will have a chance to prove a lot of people wrong this season and show why the Hawks selected him with the first pick.
