Despite challenges, Risacher returns to the Rising Stars game, aiming to reignite his game and boost the Hawks' playoff push.
The Atlanta Hawks have two players representing the team during the NBA's All-Star weekend. Jalen Johnson has been named an All-Star for the first time, and Zaccharie Risacher will participate in the Castrol Rising Stars game for a second consecutive season.
Risacher wasn't originally nominated for the Rising Stars contest, which features the league's best rookies and second-year players. However, due to Ajay Mitchell's injury, Risacher got the call to participate in the round-robin event, which will also feature G-League players. The NBA is really attempting this All-Star weekend to showcase everything the league has to offer.
On Wednesday, Risacher spoke with the media to discuss how he's assessing his sophomore season:
"Feel like it's been some ups and downs," said Risacher. "Feel like it's been hard to be out for like, more than 10 games I think. I really enjoy being back on the court with my new teammates, so it's been an adjustment, but I miss the game so much, and I'm super excited to be back on the court."
Over 42 games played this season, Risacher is averaging 10.5 points on 45% field-goal shooting, but his recent performance has brought down some of his season averages.
Aside from an 18-point performance against the Hornets last week, Risacher hasn't been able to find the net as much as Atlanta would like. He has a 5, 3, and 0 point games in Atlanta's last four games heading into the break.
Ever since Risacher returned from injury on Jan. 29, he has averaged 6.6 points per game in six games.
It's good that he acknowledges the struggles, and hopefully, the Rising Stars game can help Risacher gain some momentum back, as the Hawks will need his minutes down the stretch.
Risacher has also started every game he's played in this year, so maybe Quin Snyder could re-evaluate what the starting five looks like, and Zaccharie might be more effective as a scorer off the bench.