It took a couple of months for Zaccharie Risacher to find his rhythm, but now that he has, there’s no looking back.

In 25 games since last February’s All-Star break, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft has raised his averages to 15 points, 2.3 three-pointers, and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Atlanta Hawks. He’s still just scratching the surface of his potential, but the flashes of the player he could eventually become are already beginning to show.

At 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Risacher has the perfect physical tools and skill set for today’s NBA. He is shooting 40.3% on 4.9 three-point attempts per game since January 1 and this smooth stroke, paired with his size and agility, makes him an ideal complementary piece on any team. If he can fulfill his potential, he should wind up becoming one of the league’s best second options in the years ahead–and maybe even more if things break his way.

Players in his mold tend to flourish alongside high-level playmakers—and Risacher has that in Trae Young, the NBA’s assist leader this season and a four-time NBA All-Star. Risacher’s instinctive cutting and quick release on jumpers have made him a favorite target for Young, and their growing chemistry has made Atlanta’s fans hopeful that they can form their core for many years to come.

Risacher is no slouch on the other end of the floor too. If not for the emergence of the ‘Great Barrier Thief’ Dyson Daniels, it is likely that Risacher would have been tasked with the responsibility of covering opponents’ top perimeter scorer on a nightly basis. The 20-year-old forward is capable of guarding any perimeter player with his length, lateral movement, and strong instincts. It should only be a matter of time before he fills up his frame and begins guarding power forwards and even centers as well.

Though Risacher might not have the consistent scoring numbers to keep up with his main Rookie of the Year rival, Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, his all-around impact should warrant him consideration to win this year’s award. The Hawks are in the thick of the East’s play-in race and the contributions of Risacher, who has started 71 of his 73 games played so far this season, have been invaluable.

Recently, Risacher’s scoring has picked up which has given him a late push in this race. He has scored at least 21 points six times since March 4, including two games with over 36 points. Risacher set a new career-high of 38 in Atlanta’s latest win, a 133-109 blowout over the Brooklyn Nets. The Hawks’ rookie hit all nine of his two-point field goal attempts and converted on six-of-11 three-pointers in the win.

With the play-in looming, Risacher is peaking at just the right time for Atlanta. He’s gone from a promising prospect to a potential franchise cornerstone over the course of his rookie year. He might not be the top rookie right now, but by the time it’s all said and done, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he justifies the Hawks’ decision to pick him first overall and emerges as the best player from this class.