With Zachary Rizacher, Quinn Snyder always advocates patience

In the middle of the season, Zachary Risacher he’s putting up stats remarkably similar to those from his rookie season. Last season, he averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 24.6 minutes. In 36 games this season, he averaged 11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists, with very tight percentages.

But for a first-round draft pick, this stagnation raises questions, especially since we were able to detect a little frustration with the Frenchman, especially regarding his playing time and his departure in the fourth quarter.

“There’s a microscope on Zack which is understandable, but also a bit unusual” Quin Snyder told us before the Golden State game. “He played well last season. When you score, for example, 38 points (his record set at the end of last season), the risk of turnover is higher.”

Since the arrival of Zachary Rizacher in the NBA, the Hawks have tried to put this mark of the first draft pick on the back burner. For them, the winger is a promising young player who is progressing at his own pace, regardless of the good performances of other players drafted after him.

“I like to see him more aggressive lately”

“We must not forget that he is only 20 years old, some of his difficulties are normal even for a young player” Quinn Snyder assures again. “It’s rare for NBA players to progress in a linear fashion. I hope he doesn’t let the noise around him affect him and stays focused on his individual progress.”

With the arrival of Kristaps Porzingis etc Nickeil Alexander-WalkerTree Young’s unavailability, and now the arrivals of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, the Hawks have seen a lot of changes in recent months. And that may also explain Zachary Rizaher’s breakout season.

If the debate surrounding the Frenchman often boils down to his scoring average, Quin Sneijder still wants to point out that he appreciates his player’s more aggressive approach in recent weeks.

“I like to see him more aggressive lately, especially on offensive rebounds. Being more aggressive offensively isn’t just about scoring more points, it’s about being in a more entrepreneurial state of mind at all levels. He’s going to continue to develop, and the current period also allows him to see where he needs to improve.”

Comments collected in San Francisco.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.