ATLANTA — For Zaccharie Risacher , it was the perfect start to an NBA career of such promise.
A wide-open look from outside the 3-point stripe.
Nothing but net.
But the French teenager quickly learned what a steep learning curve he faces in his rookie season with the Atlanta Hawks .
Risacher, the league’s No. 1 draft pick, missed his next six shots and finished the night with seven points on 2-of-8 shooting.
Still, he was all smiles after the Hawks held on against the Brooklyn Nets for a 120-116 victory in the season opener Wednesday.
“It was amazing,” Risacher said. “That’s a dream come true. I really enjoyed it. I’m glad we won — and on to the next one. I can’t wait to play another game in two days. That’s going to be fun. Just try to keep winning, you know.”
The slender, 19-year-old forward made his debut with 3:43 left in the first quarter, drawing a big cheer from the sellout crowd at State Farm Arena. While the Hawks are in a bit of a rebuilding mode, they’re counting on Risacher to help take the franchise to heights it has rarely experienced in Atlanta.