CJ McCollum’s early stint with the Atlanta Hawks was underwhelming, marked by poor shooting and a lack of defensive presence. However, since early January, McCollum has significantly improved his play, making a strong argument to team executive Onsi Saleh for a contract renewal this summer. His impact on the Hawks is measurable, as he has helped the team add games to their win tally.
Though McCollum has played fewer than 500 minutes this season, his influence is clear. With him on the court, Atlanta boasts a +6.3 net rating, whereas without him, the team records a negative -2.6 net rating. This nearly 9.0-point swing in net rating is almost double that of the next best Hawk, Dyson Daniels, whose net rating stands at +5.0. Beyond that, McCollum has developed excellent chemistry with a particular lineup. When he shares the floor with Dyson Daniels, NAW, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, the unit achieves an impressive +18.7 net rating over at least 150 possessions, ranking them 11th among all five-man lineups in the league.
Risacher’s Playing Time Diminishes Amid McCollum’s Success
The Hawks’ recent game against the Brooklyn Nets highlighted the shift between CJ McCollum and Zaccharie Risacher. In a victory fueled by McCollum’s efficient stat line of 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, Risacher found himself benched for the first time this season and only the third time in his career. During his 20 minutes of play, Risacher managed just 7 points and failed to score in the second and third quarters, ultimately sitting out the fourth quarter entirely in a closely contested game.
McCollum’s seamless fit alongside core players NAW, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu suggests Risacher may become expendable moving forward. Considering McCollum’s demonstrated value, it is plausible the Hawks could offer him a three-year, $45 million contract extension as he approaches the latter stages of his career. Additionally, given the strong guard talent expected in the upcoming draft, McCollum’s experience could prove invaluable in mentoring a young scoring guard entering the Hawks’ roster.
Risacher’s Future with Atlanta Appears Uncertain
As McCollum solidifies his place in Atlanta, Zaccharie Risacher faces a precarious situation. His current contract beyond the rookie scale seems unlikely to be renewed if his role continues to diminish. There’s a real risk that Risacher may encounter the same challenges that former high draft picks Jonathan Kuminga and Jeremy Sochan experienced under coaches in Golden State and San Antonio, respectively.
Atlanta’s evolving rotation presents a critical juncture for Risacher to reclaim his position. With the team aiming for a late-season playoff push, Risacher’s performance and adaptability will be closely scrutinized as his career trajectory appears to be downward at this moment.
