On Tuesday, Zaccharie Risacher was named as a replacement for the Rising Stars event after Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell suffered an abdominal injury. This decision gives the Atlanta Hawks two participants in All-Star Weekend, with Risacher joining Jalen Johnson as representatives, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Jalen Johnson’s Multiple Appearances at All-Star Weekend
Alongside Risacher’s addition to the Rising Stars game, Jalen Johnson will compete in two All-Star Weekend activities. Johnson is set to make his All-Star debut during the main event on Sunday afternoon and also participate in the revived Shooting Stars competition, marking a busy weekend for the Hawks’ players.
Risacher’s Performance and Challenges in His Second Season
Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, earned second place in last season’s Rookie of the Year voting, trailing only Stephon Castle. However, this season has not seen the significant improvement typically expected from a top draft pick. Risacher has encountered ongoing injury troubles that have likely affected his consistency and output.
He has played in 41 of the Hawks’ 55 games, averaging just over 24 minutes per contest. After missing 11 straight games last month, Risacher returned to the lineup on January 31 and has appeared in five games since. His most notable performance came on February 7 against the Charlotte Hornets, where he scored 18 points, grabbed three rebounds, and blocked three shots in approximately 26 minutes, though the Hawks lost the game.
Statistical Overview and Trade Speculation
Thus far this season, Risacher is averaging 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His shooting percentages include 45.1% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc, and 62.5% from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, his name has surfaced in trade discussions linked to the Hawks’ reported interest in acquiring Anthony Davis, adding another layer of intrigue to his current role and future with the team.
Implications and Outlook for the Hawks
Risacher’s addition to the Rising Stars event highlights his continued relevance in the NBA’s young talent pool despite this season’s setbacks. His involvement in All-Star Weekend could serve as a confidence boost and an opportunity to showcase his skills on a national stage. For the Hawks, having multiple representatives at the event strengthens their visibility and underscores their developing roster’s potential impact in upcoming seasons.
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher is replacing OKC Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell in the 2026 Rising Stars during All-Star Weekend.
Mitchell is currently sidelined with an abdominal strain.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 10, 2026
