Portland Trail Blazers Poised to Land Intriguing International Prospect in Latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft
Because they have the fourth-worst record in the league this season at 21-61, the Portland Trail Blazers have the fifth-best odds of getting the top overall pick in this summer’s NBA Draft.
Either way, the Portland Trail Blazers should be able to nab a top-four pick. And Jonathan Wasserman from Bleacher Report suggests that the team should consider picking Zaccharie Risacher, a 19-year-old combo forward from France, because of his Harrison Barnes-like potential.
“Despite a late-season slump, there is still belief in Zaccharie Risacher’s shotmaking. The Portland Trail Blazers figure to be drawn to the idea of giving Scoot Henderson a 6’8″ shooter and athletic finisher,” wrote Wasserman in his latest mock draft.
“With his jumper off lately, it was a good sign to see him convert five two-point field goals against Paris, showing off his slashing, some finishing strength, and bounce on a contested two-handed alley-oop. Still, the appeal to Risacher focuses mostly on three-and-D, as the eye test buy his high, quick release, while his positional size, length, and foot speed consistently pop on defensive contests,” he added.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert chimes in on Zaccharie Risacher
Fellow Frenchman and Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard Rayan Rupert had good things to say about Zaccharie Risacher during his recent interview with Cesare Milanti of Eurohoops. The 43rd overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft shared that he has known Risacher since they were little and that he offers a “ton of versatility” that could help the team.
“It’s funny because my dad used to play with his dad when we were three years old.” Rayan Rupert said about Zaccharie Risacher.
“We used to play together a lot when we were babies. That’s my guy. He’s very good, still pretty young but he also has tons of versatility, he’s everywhere on the court. I think he’s gonna have a bright future,” he added.
Zaccharie Risacher is not the only Frenchman the Portland Trail Blazers should look out for in this summer’s NBA Draft, as Alexandre Sarr is also viewed as a top-four pick. Like Risacher, Sarr is 19 and last played for the Perth Wildcats in the Australian National Basketball League.
