Hawks recall Zaccharie Risacher from G League as knee recovery progresses, but he'll miss another game, signaling cautious return planning.
Zaccharie Risacher will miss a ninth consecutive game Monday as the Atlanta Hawks continue to bring him along cautiously following a left knee bone bruise.
The Hawks recalled Risacher from their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, but listed the second-year forward as out for Monday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers. The recall signals continued progress in his rehabilitation, though the team has not yet cleared him for game action.
The recall follows a brief assignment to Atlanta’s G League affiliate, a common practice for players coming off extended absences. While such assignments can sometimes lead directly to a return, they are more often used to allow players to resume full basketball activity — including practices and controlled scrimmages — without the demands of NBA competition. In Risacher’s case, the move appears to represent progress rather than clearance.
Risacher has appeared in 36 games this season, averaging 11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 24.6 minutes per game. He is shooting 46.2% from the field and 35.8% from 3-point range, numbers that reflect his ability to contribute as a floor spacer and secondary scorer when healthy. His season, however, has been interrupted repeatedly by injuries, making sustained availability elusive.
Before suffering the knee injury, Risacher had shown signs of offensive momentum. He was playing with greater assertiveness, taking more 3-point attempts and converting them at a higher clip as the Hawks encouraged him to be aggressive within the flow of the offense. That stretch was cut short by the bone bruise, forcing Atlanta to shift its wing rotation while prioritizing long-term health over immediate reintegration.
With Risacher unavailable, the Hawks have leaned on added depth to stabilize the rotation. Corey Kispert has been one of the primary beneficiaries of the expanded opportunity. Kispert has averaged 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in seven games with Atlanta, playing 17.7 minutes per contest. While his shooting percentages have fluctuated, he has provided spacing and energy off the bench, including a 19-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers and a 16-point outing against the Boston Celtics.
Kispert’s role has varied from night to night depending on matchup and game flow, but his ability to move without the ball and stretch the floor has helped offset some of the offensive gaps created by Risacher’s absence. Vit Krejčí has also continued to see consistent minutes, offering defensive versatility and playmaking as the Hawks manage their wing depth.
Atlanta’s decision to keep Risacher out despite recalling him underscores the organization’s emphasis on avoiding setbacks. Bone contusions can be unpredictable, and teams often err on the side of caution when dealing with knee-related injuries, particularly for young players expected to play meaningful roles beyond the current season.
For now, Risacher’s status remains day-to-day, with his availability tied to how his knee responds to increased workload following the G League stint. While Monday’s game will come too soon, the recall suggests he is nearing the final phase of his recovery.
Until then, the Hawks will continue to rely on rotation flexibility and depth as they wait for one of their promising young forwards to take the next step toward returning to game action.