The Atlanta Hawks could look to pair 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher with one of his countrymen and another potential international star in Frenchman Noa Essengue.
A new mock draft from Fox Sports would see that exact scenario play out with the No. 13 pick.
“France continues to produce top-tier prospects after boasting the likes of Wemby and Zaccharie Risacher to name a few, and Essengue could be the next one in line,” Fox Sports Research wrote on May 31. “A 6'9 forward whose just 18 years old, he took a huge jump for Bundesliga club Ulm in the 2024-25 campaign— averaging 12.4 points per game 5.3 in Euro Cup play.”
Essengue also averaged 1.1 assists and shot 29.4% on threes, an encouraging improvement from the year prior.
He could step in right away behind Jalen Johnson, who has a history in injuries.
“Essengue is a toolsy forward with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package, and highly versatile defense,” Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor wrote in March. “His long-term upside hinges on the jumper clicking. And if it doesn’t, his defense must reach a level that prevents coaches from keeping him off the floor.”
Whether or not the Hawks are in position to select a project like Essengue is unclear. He could take a year or two to develop into a regular contributor.
The Hawks thrust Risacher into that situation this past season.
Risacher started all but two of the games that he played in for the Hawks as a rookie, and his defense often kept him on the floor when his offense would have otherwise earned him a spot on the bench.
Essengue would not come in with nearly as high expectations, and could learn and even get plenty of run in the G League with the College Park Skyhawks.
Hawks mock highlights critical potential issue
Again, the Hawks have Johnson at power forward, and they even have veteran Georges Niang behind him, as well as Mouhamed Gueye, who may have a future at backup center. The idea that they could target Essengue seems telling.
It is only an outside opinion, but it also reflects the Hawks’ reality.
Despite Johnson’s immense talent and ceiling, he has to prove he can remain healthy for a full season.
Niang is not a long-term or even starting solution, given that he is a poor defender and gets into foul trouble, negating his offensive impact. Essengue could prove to be a wise investment for the Hawks if they go that direction.