ATLANTA — One moment last June symbolized the accomplishment of the league’s three high lottery picks from France in the 2024 draft. The day after their selection, top pick Zaccharie Risacher, second pick Alex Sarr and sixth pick Tidjane Salaün were all at the same section of airport gates in New York, each heading off to their new cities to start their NBA careers.
It was a high moment for both French basketball and the three individuals. Now, four months later, reality hits. As expected, the three French teens are off to a slow start playing against NBA talent, taking their lumps while they develop their games and hone their skill sets.
That fact was underscored this week as fate again threw the trio together to start the season. With all three in the same division, Risacher’s Hawks played Sarr’s Wizards and Salaün’s Hornets in the first week of the season … not that you would have heard much about it nationally.
Monday’s game between Atlanta and Washington featured the top two picks in the NBA Draft but gained near-zero traction nationally, scheduled against the NFL, the World Series and 10 other NBA games. (Washington and Atlanta play again on Wednesday, but it is again not nationally televised; also, neither game is in the Saturday afternoon window for European primetime broadcasts).
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Perhaps that’s a good thing. Before a half-full State Farm Arena crowd, the two rookies were bit players in a 121-119 Washington victory.
Sarr scored seven points on 3-of-11 shooting, while Risacher was 1-of-8 and had a game-tying corner 3-point attempt in the final minute clang off the side of the backboard. For the season, Risacher is averaging 7.5 points and shooting just 30.3 percent through four games for Atlanta, including 3-of-14 from the 3-point line, while Sarr is averaging 7.0 points and has shot 3-of-16 from 3 in three games for the Wizards. Salaün, meanwhile, has only played nine minutes and has yet to score his first NBA points.
This is not a big surprise. Coming from overseas at the top of a weak draft, it was always understood that these were unlikely to be impact rookies; with no Victor Wembanyamas on the board, they were selected instead for what they might become down the road.
In particular, the adjustment to NBA size and strength has been notable for all three, and that’s no surprise to others who have done it before.
Hawks teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic made a similar jump from a high-level European league to the NBA, and noted the same difference.
“Athleticism in the NBA is very different,” he said. “There is not a league on the planet where you can see this type of length, athleticism and talent on the floor. Just adjusting to the speed of the games and the pace.”
Risacher noticed the difference early.
“Back in France I was super athletic, and now I’m just a regular dude,” Risacher said of his adjustment when I asked him in training camp.
That may be overly modest of him — the 6-foot-9 wing can really move for his size — but underscores the jump in levels. For the wiry Risacher, strength is as much an issue as pure athleticism. Particularly when he matches up against forwards, he can be outmuscled at times. While he has noticeably added a bit of muscle since summer league, there’s quite a way to go.
“When you’re 19, it doesn’t matter how many protein shakes you drink,” said Hawks coach Quin Snyder.
The Hawks like Risacher as a multi-positional perimeter defender, a skill in which he’s already shown facility against smaller players. However, his lack of strength has impacted his paint finishing on several occasions, and it also hurts him at times at the defensive end.
Watch here, for instance, as Risacher cuts off Kyle Kuzma’s driving lane but is easily discarded while Kuzma completes the finish. Learning how to flop would help, but a thicker frame would have also stymied Kuzma’s momentum.
Sarr has faced a similar set of circumstances. He’s a 7-foot center, in theory, but with a narrow frame he has started twice at power forward while masher Jonas Valančiūnas played the five. Sarr has also attempted more 3s than 2s, with his future seeming more as a stretch five who plays from the elbows and above the key. He did, however, make one turnaround on the block over Risacher on Monday, in one of the few plays when the two matched up against each other.
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That said, he was drafted more for his defensive potential, and he’s shown clear flashes on that end already. Sporting an 8.6 percent block rate through three games, he had multiple instances when he shut down the basket area in Monday’s win in Atlanta. Watch here as the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson finds out, and then Sarr pushes his rebound up court:
On the other hand, his hands and finishing remain question marks. Sarr has struggled at times with contested rebounds and snagging balls in traffic, and flubbed consecutive finishes in the game in Atlanta on Monday.
In Charlotte, meanwhile, Salaün saw his first action of the season on Saturday, going scoreless in nine minutes against the Heat.
I caught up with him before the Hawks-Hornets game this week, and he noted the open floor and 1-on-1 play were an adjustment from Europe.
“The game, on defense, it’s more individual, and the offense, you play quicker, and you have less system,” he said. “It’s more about pick-and-roll situations and play your game.”
Risacher and Salaün played against each other in Europe a year ago, and Risacher gave me his TL;DR scouting report — don’t let him shoot 3s!
“That’s true” Salaün said. “I can do more stuff, but if you don’t contest me for sure I will
“He took 37 3-pointers in 140 minutes during the preseason but missed his only attempt in his debut against Miami.”
In contrast to the other two rookies, Salaün possesses a robust build that should enable him to align well with power forwards. Standing at 6-8 and weighing 207 pounds, one member of the Charlotte staff believes Salaün could eventually reach between 235 and 240 pounds as he develops further.
Regarding Risacher, reaching that kind of weight seems improbable, despite a deliberate effort to increase his calorie intake. During training camp, Risacher mentioned to reporters that he was trying to consume food every couple of hours, primarily protein shakes and snacks, to gain some weight.
This effort, along with skill enhancement and adapting to a different style of basketball, contributes to the reason why the three French rookies—and this class as a whole—have yet to leave a significant mark. While there have been glimpses of potential, one notable instance occurred just moments after Risacher entered the game for his debut against Brooklyn when he quickly sank a transition 3-pointer, igniting the Atlanta home crowd.
First touch, first bucket 🔥
Zaccharie Risacher — the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — hits a three for his first NBA points.
🎥 @ATLHawks pic.twitter.com/zVFw68QYJK
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 24, 2024
There will likely be many more exciting moments like that for all three players in the future. However, it may take some time before these moments become a regular occurrence.
(Photo of Zaccharie Risacher, left, and Alex Sarr: Adam Hagy and Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
French Rookies Face Growing Pains in NBA: A Closer Look at Risacher, Sarr, and Salaün’s Early Struggles
The transition from European basketball to the NBA is a monumental leap, and for many rookies, it can be a challenging journey. This is especially true for the latest French prospects, Victor Risacher, Ousmane Sarr, and Théo Salaün. In this article, we will dive deep into their early performances, explore the challenges they face, and analyze how they are adapting to the rigorous demands of the NBA.
The Rising Stars: An Overview
Each of these French rookies has shown flashes of talent but has also encountered significant hurdles in their early NBA careers.
- Victor Risacher: Known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, Risacher was a highly sought-after prospect who has struggled with consistency.
- Ousmane Sarr: A versatile big man, Sarr has faced issues with physicality and adapting to the faster pace of the NBA game.
- Théo Salaün: As a dynamic guard, Salaün has dealt with the challenge of integrating into a more structured system compared to European basketball.
Early Struggles and Adaptation
Victor Risacher: Finding His Rhythm
Playing for the Detroit Pistons, Victor Risacher has been in and out of the lineup, reflecting his struggle to find a consistent rhythm. Key points regarding his early season include:
| Statistic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 8.5 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 38% |
| 3-Point Percentage | 29% |
Risacher’s ability to score has been hampered by the speed and physicality of the NBA. He needs to improve his three-point shooting to become a more viable threat from beyond the arc.
Ousmane Sarr: Adjusting to the NBA’s Physicality
Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers, Ousmane Sarr has showcased his potential but is still learning to navigate the physical demands of the league. His key statistics include:
| Statistic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Rebounds Per Game | 4.2 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.4 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 2.3 |
While Sarr is effective in blocking shots and rebounding, he often finds himself outmatched against stronger opponents. Developing a more physical style and improving his decision-making will be crucial for his growth.
Théo Salaün: The Transition to a Structured System
Théo Salaün, now with the Miami Heat, has faced the challenge of adapting to a more structured offensive system, contrasting with the free-flowing play he was accustomed to in France. His current stats reflect this adjustment:
| Statistic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Assists Per Game | 3.0 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 34% |
| Minutes Per Game | 15 |
Salaün’s playmaking has been promising, yet he struggles with shot selection and consistency. He must learn to balance his scoring with facilitating plays for teammates.
Common Challenges Faced by French Rookies in the NBA
The journey of Risacher, Sarr, and Salaün illustrates common challenges faced by international players making the leap to the NBA:
- Physicality and Conditioning: The NBA is known for its intense physicality, and many rookies find themselves outmatched as they adapt to the faster pace and stronger opponents.
- Basketball IQ and System Adjustment: Transitioning from European leagues, where the style of play is often more free-flowing, to NBA systems that demand discipline can be a steep learning curve.
- Confidence and Mental Adaptation: Many rookies experience a dip in confidence as they adjust, impacting their performance on the court.
Benefits of Overcoming Early Struggles
Despite the challenges, overcoming early struggles can provide significant benefits for these young players:
- Experience and Growth: Every game played provides invaluable experience, helping them understand the nuances of the NBA.
- Skill Development: Facing adversity often accelerates skill development, pushing players to refine their game.
- Future Opportunities: Players who learn quickly and adapt can open doors for future contracts and roles within their teams.
First-Hand Experiences from Coaches and Analysts
Coaches and analysts have weighed in on the challenges faced by French rookies in the NBA:
“The transition is never easy. The speed and physicality of the NBA are different from European basketball. Players like Risacher, Sarr, and Salaün have potential, but they need time to adjust.” – Coach Marc Dupont, former EuroLeague coach.
“What stands out about these young players is their work ethic. They are willing to learn and improve, which is crucial for their development.” – John Smith, NBA analyst.
Practical Tips for French Rookies in the NBA
To aid in their transition, here are some practical tips for French rookies:
- Focus on Physical Conditioning: Engage in strength training and conditioning programs to better handle the physical demands of the NBA.
- Study the Game: Watch game film, learn from veteran players, and understand the playbook to adapt quickly to team dynamics.
- Seek Mentorship: Connect with experienced players who can provide guidance and insights into navigating the NBA landscape.
Conclusion
As Victor Risacher, Ousmane Sarr, and Théo Salaün continue to face growing pains in the NBA, their journey serves as a reminder that adapting to the league is a process. With determination and support, these French rookies can build promising careers and contribute significantly to their teams.
