Hawks Forward Zaccharie Risacher Selected for Rising Stars Challenge

The second-year player will replace Oklahoma City's Ajay Mitchell in the marquee All-Star Weekend event.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher has been selected to replace Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell in this weekend's Rising Stars Challenge as part of NBA All-Star 2026. Risacher, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, is averaging 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in his second NBA season.

Why it matters

The Rising Stars Challenge is a marquee event during NBA All-Star Weekend, showcasing the league's top young talent. Risacher's selection is a recognition of his strong sophomore campaign and the Hawks' promising future with the 20-year-old as a core piece.

The details

In 41 games this season, all of them starts, Risacher is shooting 45.1% from the field and 35.2% from 3-point range. He scored a career-high 25 points on Jan. 7, knocking down 7 three-pointers. Risacher also recently reached the 1,000-point milestone, becoming the fourth-youngest Hawk to do so.

  • Risacher will participate in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Feb. 13 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.
  • Risacher scored his 1,000th career point on Nov. 4 in a win over the Orlando Magic.

The players

Zaccharie Risacher

A second-year forward for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Ajay Mitchell

A guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who was originally selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge.

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What’s next

Risacher is questionable for the Hawks' game against the Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 12 due to a left quad contusion. The outcome of that game could impact the Hawks' standing in the Eastern Conference heading into the All-Star break.

The takeaway

Risacher's selection to the Rising Stars Challenge is a testament to his rapid development and the Hawks' faith in him as a building block for the future. His participation in this marquee event will give him valuable experience and exposure as he continues to establish himself as one of the NBA's top young talents.