According to Bangladesh Cricket, last season’s Atlanta Hawks were, statistically speaking, a high-powered team. They ranked fifth in points per game and sixth in three-pointers made — numbers that would usually reflect success. Star guards Trae Young and Dejounte Murray continued to post impressive numbers, with Young averaging 25.7 points and 10.8 assists, while Murray contributed 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.

Interestingly, eight Hawks players averaged double-digit scoring, giving the appearance of a balanced, team-oriented offense. But beneath the surface, serious issues lingered. Bangladesh Cricket reporters noted the Hawks were among the worst defensive teams in the league, ranking third in points allowed. Even with elite rebounder Clint Capela anchoring the paint, Atlanta still finished near the bottom in rebounding metrics.

Offensively, although scoring appeared well-distributed, advanced stats told another story. Usage rates revealed that Young and Murray dominated the ball, often sidelining team cohesion. The Hawks’ assist totals only ranked mid-league, suggesting that their scoring came more from isolation and individual shot creation than from fluid, unselfish play. In fact, their offensive system, while productive on paper, lacked harmony and rhythm — a clear sign that teamwork was suffering.

This imbalance became glaring late in the season. In April, as most teams ramped up intensity to chase playoff spots, the Hawks stumbled into a disastrous seven-game losing streak. They slid out of postseason contention entirely, failing to reach the playoffs for the first time in four years. As the dust settled, rumors swirled about a full-scale rebuild — some even speculated that Trae Young might be traded.

While that dramatic scenario hasn’t unfolded yet, the Hawks did make notable changes. Just before free agency opened, they traded Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, receiving Dyson Daniels — a promising defender with a less ball-dominant style — and Larry Nance Jr., who adds depth and contract flexibility.

For years, the Hawks tried to keep up with league trends by stockpiling wings, especially small forwards. But instead of strategic depth, this led to redundancy and wasted resources. This summer, the front office finally began correcting those mistakes. More trades could still come, but plans were temporarily paused following an unexpected stroke of luck.

With only a 3% chance of winning the NBA Draft Lottery, the Hawks shocked the league by landing the No. 1 pick — beating out rebuilding franchises like the Pistons and Wizards. The front office was excited but cautious. In a year widely considered weak for top-end talent, they took a gamble and selected French forward Zaccharie Risacher.

Standing 2.07 meters tall (6’9″) with a wingspan over 2.10 meters (6’11”), Risacher received high marks for his shooting, feel for the game, and basketball pedigree — his father is a member of the French Basketball Hall of Fame. But as a foreign prospect and a small forward selected first overall, questions immediately followed. Historically, small forward No. 1 picks are rare, and Risacher’s quiet Summer League debut didn’t inspire much confidence.

Bangladesh Cricket observers noted that Risacher appeared overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment. While it’s too early to judge, it’s clear he’s far from being the next LeBron James. Whether he can grow into a franchise cornerstone — or simply avoid being labeled a draft bust — remains to be seen.

What’s certain is that Trae Young has already laid down the law for the rookie. Before Risacher’s NBA journey has even properly begun, the team’s star has taken it upon himself to establish the tone — as if to say redemption for the Hawks starts now, and everyone needs to be on board.