Zaccharie Risacher Named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for February

 

Atlanta Hawks rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher has been named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for February, the NBA announced today. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft continues to showcase his efficiency, versatility, and impact on both ends of the floor.

 

Rising Star in the East

 

In 12 games during February, Risacher averaged 12.8 points per game—the second-highest mark among Eastern Conference rookies and third among all NBA rookies. He also contributed 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 25.7 minutes per game while shooting an efficient 47.4% from the field, 44.0% from three, and 77.8% from the free-throw line.

 

He scored in double figures in 10 of his 12 games, leading all Eastern Conference rookies in such performances and tying for the most among all first-year players.

 

Statistical Standout

 

Among all rookies in February, Risacher ranked:

• 2nd in total points (153)

• 3rd in total field goals made (55)

• 2nd in three-pointers made (22)

• 4th in three-point percentage (44.0%)

• 9th in overall field goal percentage (47.4%)

• 10th in free throw percentage (77.8%)

 

His ability to contribute efficiently while taking care of the ball stood out. He logged over 300 minutes in February but committed just 13 turnovers, making him the first Eastern Conference rookie this season to total 300+ minutes, 150+ points, and 50+ rebounds while committing fewer than 15 turnovers in a single month (min. 10 games played). He also became just the third Hawks rookie in history to accomplish this, joining Paul Graham (January 1992) and Stacey Augmon (December 1991), per Elias Sports Bureau.

 

Dominant on the Road

 

Risacher was particularly lethal in road games, averaging 15.0 points while shooting an impressive 58.2% from the field, 52.2% from three, and 77.8% from the free-throw line in six away contests. His shooting splits made him the only player in the NBA (rookie or veteran) to average at least 15.0 points on .550/.500/.750 shooting splits on the road during February (min. five road games).

 

Offensive Efficiency

 

Per NBA.com/Stats, Risacher posted a 119.0 offensive rating in February—the highest among Eastern Conference rookies (min. 10 games played) and the best among all NBA rookies who met the same criteria while averaging at least 15 minutes per game.

 

Season-Long Success

 

Through 54 games (52 starts) this season, Risacher leads all Eastern Conference rookies with 11.7 points per game, adding 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 24.3 minutes per contest. He ranks first among East rookies in total points (631), made field goals (235), and made free throws (82), while sitting third in three-pointers made (79).

 

Since January 27, Risacher has elevated his game even further, averaging 14.7 points on 51.9% shooting, 49.3% from three, and 71.4% from the free-throw line over his last 15 games.

 

Hawks Return Home for Longest Homestand of the Season

 

Coming off a 132-130 win over the Grizzlies last night, the Hawks will return to the award-winning State Farm Arena tonight, March 4, for a contest against the Milwaukee Bucks on the second night of a road/home back-to-back. Tuesday’s matchup marks the start of a six-game homestand, the longest of the season for Atlanta.

 

The Hawks enter tonight’s game having played only 28 home games this season, tied for the second-fewest home games by any team in the NBA during the 2024-25 campaign. With an extended stretch at home, Atlanta will look to build momentum as they continue their playoff push.