The Atlanta Hawks have decided to bench Zaccharie Risacher in favor of CJ McCollum for their Sunday game, marking Risacher’s first time coming off the bench since his second NBA appearance. This decision aims to address both immediate team performance issues and Risacher’s individual growth amid concerns about his second-year struggles.
Alterations in Atlanta’s Starting Lineup
Risacher was selected as the No. 1 overall pick less than two years ago, making this bench move particularly significant, as young top picks rarely face early demotion. The Hawks have increasingly been disappointed with Risacher’s offensive inconsistencies throughout the season. His recent 1-for-8 shooting showing during Atlanta’s loss to the Miami Heat highlighted ongoing struggles despite improvements on the defensive end. His offensive limitations have become more noticeable in a starting lineup that already faces scoring challenges.
Replacing him, the Hawks will start CJ McCollum alongside Nickeil Alexander-Walker at guard, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson at forward, and Onyeka Okongwu at center. This new configuration was confirmed by team reporter Brad Rowland, who detailed the updated roster and noted key players currently inactive or in the G League.
“Hawks roster breakdown today against Brooklyn: STARTERS (new) — McCollum, NAW, Daniels, Johnson, Okongwu Bench — Risacher, Kispert, Landale, Gueye, Newell, Vincent, Hield, Wallace OUT — Kuminga, Koloko (Inactive) G League — Dennis, Houstan” — Brad Rowland, Hawks Reporter
Why This Change Aligns With Team Needs
CJ McCollum’s playing style fits more naturally with Atlanta’s approach, especially compared to Risacher’s current output. While Johnson has evolved into a capable halfcourt playmaker, he requires reliable secondary scorers. Players like Risacher, Alexander-Walker, and Daniels have shown flashes but have not consistently filled that crucial offensive role for the starters.
McCollum is well-suited as a secondary scorer due to his skill in the pick-and-roll, allowing Johnson more space to operate effectively. Statistical analysis supports the switch: metrics from Cleaning the Glass reveal the Hawks’ offensive rating improves by nearly six points when McCollum replaces Risacher in the starting lineup.
Atlanta’s recent offensive struggles were evident in their poorest first quarter of the season, managing just 16 points against Miami. This adjustment aims to enhance the team’s competitiveness in early game stretches, especially against tight defenses.
Risacher’s Demotion Serves Multiple Purposes
Beyond improving the lineup, benching Risacher acts as a wake-up call and development strategy. Risacher was initially inserted into the starting lineup early in his career as a replacement for De’Andre Hunter, another former top-five pick whose production failed to meet expectations before being traded twice within two seasons. Risacher’s promotion over Hunter was notable but based on relatively modest standards.
Now, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder is signaling that no starting position is guaranteed, not even for recent high draft picks, despite potential discomfort for the franchise. Many organizations hesitate to bench high-profile young players due to the embarrassment it may cause, but Snyder is prioritizing performance and fit.
Playing off the bench offers Risacher a chance to shine defensively in Atlanta’s notoriously vulnerable reserve unit. Snyder favors lineups including Jock Landale and Asa Newell in the frontcourt, both of whom are not strong defenders, giving Risacher the opportunity to serve as a defensive “free safety,” which suits his abilities well.
Offensively, playing alongside less creation-dependent teammates and facing bench-level defenders could allow Risacher more freedom to experiment and improve his scoring games. This arrangement may ultimately enhance his contributions and accelerate his development.
Looking Ahead for Atlanta and Risacher
The Hawks will begin their game shortly after this announcement, unveiling their new starting lineup with McCollum leading the backcourt. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how this strategic adjustment influences both the team’s immediate results and Risacher’s performance trajectory moving forward. The shift reflects the franchise’s commitment to competitiveness while managing the growth of a promising yet challenged young player.
Hawks roster breakdown today against Brooklyn:
STARTERS (new) — McCollum, NAW, Daniels, Johnson, Okongwu
Bench — Risacher, Kispert, Landale, Gueye, Newell, Vincent, Hield, Wallace
OUT — Kuminga, Koloko (Inactive)
G League — Dennis, Houstan
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) February 22, 2026
