Southeast Roundup: Risacher adjusts, Whitmore absence explained, Herro effective, Knueppel tops rookies, Salaun gains traction
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Atlanta, GA – After finishing second in last season’s Rookie of the Year voting, Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher has seen a modest statistical slide in his second NBA campaign. Through 22 games, the former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 11.1 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 45.3% from the field, 29.6% from three-point range and 67.7% at the foul line. As a rookie he posted 12.6 points, 3.6 boards and a 45.8/35.5/71.1 slash line. Risacher, slowed by a pair of early-season injuries, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he is focused on building good habits, a sentiment echoed by teammate Vit Krejci. “If you’re consistent with your work, you’re obviously going to go through ups and downs, but I think he’s been handling it very well,” Krejci said.
Whitmore’s DNP clarified
Wizards head coach Brian Keefe has backed off weekend comments that suggested rookie wing Cam Whitmore sat out Saturday for disciplinary reasons. A team spokesperson told RG.org the DNP-CD was not punitive, and Keefe reiterated during a Wednesday radio appearance that Whitmore “didn’t do anything wrong” and the coaching staff simply wanted to look at other rotation options.
Herro’s return not hurting Heat
Miami has dropped four straight and five of six, but guard Tyler Herro’s reintegration from a left ankle injury has not been the primary culprit, according to The Miami Herald. The Heat own a plus-3.6 net rating with Herro on the floor this season, including a plus-13.0 mark when he shares the court with Norman Powell.
Knueppel leads rookie class
Hornets wing Kon Knueppel tops The Athletic’s early list of the NBA’s 10 best rookies, edging former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg. Knueppel leads all first-year players in scoring, ranks as the class’s most efficient shooter, and has contributed steady rebounding and playmaking. Charlotte center Ryan Kalkbrenner landed at No. 8 on the same list.
Salaun showing progress
Second-year Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun, selected in the 2024 lottery, may be turning a corner after spending nearly all of November with the G League’s Greensboro Swarm. The 20-year-old logged a career-high 21 points in 22 minutes last Friday in Toronto. “I have loved the mindset that Tidjane has come back with from his Greensboro stint,” head coach Charles Lee said, noting increased comfort and confidence in his role.
Source: Hoops Rumors
