In the Atlanta Hawks’ Sunday afternoon win over the Brooklyn Nets, there was a noticeable shift in the starting five: a healthy Zaccharie Risacher moved to the bench in favor of CJ McCollum. The decision wasn’t solely an indictment of Risacher’s development this season — Atlanta clearly needed another reliable ball-handler with the first unit — but it was still significant. When a former No. 1 overall pick reaches a point where his role must be reevaluated midway through the season, it underscores why this lineup change felt less surprising and more inevitable.
Zaccharie Risacher’s move out of Hawks starting lineup was inevitable

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 21: Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on December 21, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
By Abe Gordon,
Abe Gordon
See Full Bio
Follow:
Midday Show w/ Andy & Randy
See Full Bio
Follow:




