2024 NBA Mock Draft: Timberwolves grab seasoned prospect, Wizards reach for center
By Austin McGee
3. Houston Rockets - Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg
The Houston Rockets are in need of a star. While Alperen Sengun may qualify for star status, another All-Star caliber year will help catapult the Turkish star into the NBA's elite. Zaccharie Risacher isn't a surefire bet, not even as a borderline All-Star, but he is an intriguing 3-and-D prospect.
Houston's star search likely won't be fulfilled in this draft. Nevertheless, adding Risacher adds to an already impressive, young core. The 19-year-old is loaded with potential and can immediately add value as a spot-up shooter.
Even though drafting another forward might seem a bit redundant after adding Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore a season ago, Risacher is the best prospect available at this point in the draft. It wouldn't be a major surprise to see Houston select either of the Kentucky guards in this spot instead.
Risacher, however, is a seamless fit on any squad. His size combined shooting potential will be too good to surpass. Between the LNB Pro A season and the EuroCup, the French wing knocked down 42.4 percent of his triples. Risacher doesn't possess great assist numbers, but that's because he hasn't been asked to create.
The sharpshooting wing has only shown glimpses of playmaking thus far. He's a spot-up threat who relies on others to create for him. Risacher is similar to another former third-overall selection—Otto Porter. The former Georgetown Hoya came into the league with a thin frame and loads of potential. He fit in extremely well as a 3-and-D wing on a fairly good Wizards team.