The Atlanta Hawks had just a 3% chance of receiving the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, but luck was on their side.
They put their future in their hands by selecting Zachary Lisacher with the first pick on Wednesday night.
This could have been a risk as there was no consensus for a higher pick, especially considering it was their only first-round pick in the draft, and Atlanta could have used a lower pick to go the safer route.
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Zachary Lisacher celebrates after being selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks during the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York City. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
But the Hawks held on to the pick despite having plenty of options.
General manager Landry Fields said he has received calls from executives interested in trading for the No. 1 draft pick. Fields acknowledged he had to consider offers because the Hawks have no other draft picks this year and few in the next few drafts.
The Hawks’ draft future was weakened by their trade with San Antonio for Dejounte Murray in 2022. Atlanta traded first-round picks in 2025 and 2027 to the Spurs, plus a swap of 2026 draft picks, in the trade.
Zachary Lisacher smiles before the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images)
Lisacher, who turned 19 in April, plays in France’s top professional basketball league, LNB, and was an all-star last season.
The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds last season. His father is Stephane Lizacher, who won a silver medal as part of the French Olympic team in 2000.
Lisacher is expected to join guards Trae Young and Murray and forward Jalen Johnson as key players for a team that has not won a playoff series since reaching the 2021 Eastern Conference finals.
Zachary Lisacher of Bourg-en-Bresse drives towards the basket during a BetClick Elite match against Paris at the Adidas Arena on April 28, 2024 in Paris. (Aurélien Meunier/Getty Images)
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It was the first time the Hawks had the No. 1 pick since 1975, when they drafted five-time All-Star David Thompson. NBA Hall of FameHowever, since the draft lottery had not yet been established, this was the Hawks’ first year winning the championship.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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