By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Dallas Mavericks hosted their preseason media day on Friday, with focus falling on Zaccharie Risacher.
They acquired the 21-year-old French forward in a multi-team trade this offseason. Speaking with reporters, he opened up about leaving the Atlanta Hawks and adjusting to his new team.
Risacher’s departure from Atlanta drew plenty of attention online. After the trade went public, Hawks guard Trae Young posted a supportive message on social media to back his former teammate. When asked if a change of scenery would help him reach his full potential, the former BKT EuroCup Rising Star and Betclic Elite champion praised Young’s leadership.
“Shout out to Trae,” he said. “During my whole NBA career, he’s been there for me since day one. So, I really appreciate him for that. And yeah, I’m super excited about this new chapter.”
Turning the page
This move gives the young forward a clean slate. Selected as the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, Risacher faced heavy scrutiny right away. He played in 145 games over two years in Atlanta but struggled to find consistency, which eventually led the Hawks to move on.
“It’s been good,” he described dealing with a trade in his third year. “I’ve learned a lot from my two seasons. Just being able to play at a high level and competing every night has been great.”
In Dallas, he believes he can finally find his rhythm.
“Just being able to be myself for the team. It’s going to be a huge thing for me,” he explained. “I know what I can do. Like I said, super excited. I’m in the right position to be good, to be great.”
Road ahead
The hard work starts immediately for Risacher.
“Can’t wait to start training camp tomorrow and overall super excited. And I feel like it’s going to be a great season,” he noted.
The Mavs are traveling to Macao for two preseason games against the Houston Rockets. After that, they return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans and the Rockets at the American Airlines Center.
They will see a lot of Houston early on. The Mavericks officially open the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season on October 21 against the Rockets at the Toyota Center.
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