Evaluating Zaccharie Risacher’s fit on the Houston Rockets

One of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s NBA draft is 6’9 French forward Zaccharie Risacher. Early projections had Risacher second overall, but movement among the top five in recent weeks has been changeable.

The Houston Rockets, of course, own the third overall pick in the draft, which was passed to them by the Brooklyn Nets following the blockbuster 2021 trade that sent James Harden to Brooklyn. The pick was expected to land ninth overall before moving to third place on lottery night, much to the delight of Rockets executives. Now, the Rockets have the opportunity to add another premium talent to an already very encouraging young core. Houston won 41 games last season and is looking to head to the playoffs in 2024-25.

Risacher is a “3&D” wing with prototypical size and shooting ability in an era where such an archetype is one of the most valuable on an NBA roster. He has plus size and above-average athleticism, as well as an NBA-ready three-point shot. Risacher projects to be able to play multiple positions in the NBA. On the other hand, its weaknesses are limiting. Risacher struggles to create his own shot off the dribble, making it unlikely that he will ever become a star player.

It is unclear if Risacher will be available when Houston is on the clock. Early projections had French center Alex Sarr heading to the Atlanta Hawks first, but recent reports suggest the Hawks may have their sights set on Connecticut big man Donovan Clingan. No one currently knows what Rockets general manager Rafael Stone is looking for in this draft. The team already has several long-armed defenders in Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, although no plans to go as shooting guard Risacher already. Would Stone look to take over the perimeter defense or prioritize adding a different piece to his young core?

If Sarr and Clingan go first and second, the Rockets could find themselves choosing between Risacher and Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, a 6’3 sharpshooter who would stretch defenses to allow center Alperen Sengun to operate. A trade down could also be a possibility.

There doesn’t appear to be a clear path for Risacher to crack Houston’s starting lineup. Jalen Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, holds the incumbent shooting guard position and Dillon Brooks, signed last offseason, will likely return at small forward. Thompson, Eason and sophomore Cam Whitmore will eat up the remainder of the available minutes at wing. But the cream comes to the top and Houston’s philosophy might simply be to select the best player available, regardless of form.

Overall, it would be a surprise if Zacharie Risacher wore Rockets colors next fall.