NBA Draft 2024: Projecting the top 5 picks in the 1st round of the draft

3rd overall: Houston Rockets - F, Zaccharie Risacher, France

Zaccharie Risacher might just have the most pure upside in this draft, but he also may be the biggest project, and for the Hawks and especially the Wizards, drafting a project is a very big risk. However, for the Rockets, who already have a foundation of pieces in place with Fred Vanvleet, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Sengun, it makes perfect sense to go and get a player like Risacher who can learn, grow, come off the bench, and potentially become the player he is projected to be under Ime Udoka. 

Risacher has a lot of professional experience overseas, which has proven to be a useful tool in the transition to the NBA for many. He's played in the Euro League, LNB Pro A, and the Euro Cup. Most recently, in the LNB Pro A, playing for Mincidelice JL Bourg, he averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. 

The Hawks and Wizards have expressed interest in the France product, and many project him going 2nd overall to Washington, although the jury is always out when it comes to the NBA Draft, and his fit in Washington is not one that stands out.