CJ McCollum earns Hawks starting role over Zaccharie Risacher

Feb 23, 2026 11:10 AM

CJ McCollum entered the Hawks’ starting lineup for Sunday’s matchup against the Nets, replacing Zaccharie Risacher in a notable rotation change.

The adjustment marked the first time Risacher has come off the bench since just the second game of his NBA career, after previously starting 117 of his first 119 appearances.

The decision highlights head coach Quin Snyder’s growing confidence in McCollum’s leadership and on-court impact, particularly in high-leverage moments.

Snyder recently addressed the team’s late-game rotations, explaining why the veteran guard has frequently been part of Atlanta’s closing unit instead of the former No. 1 overall pick.

“That is, by far, our best lineup from a plus-minus standpoint,” Snyder said of the group that features McCollum alongside Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu, per Kevin Chouinard of Hawks.com.

“You could make an argument that we should start that lineup … How can we best use CJ?”

League observers believe the lineup change could also benefit Risacher personally.

According to Lauren L. Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, there is a sense around the NBA that the young forward places significant expectations on himself, and moving him to the bench may help ease some of that pressure while allowing him to develop more comfortably.

Despite falling behind early against Brooklyn, Atlanta rallied in the fourth quarter to secure a 115-104 comeback victory.

McCollum contributed across the board with 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in his starting role, while Risacher added seven points coming off the bench as the Hawks adjusted successfully to the new rotation.