Mavericks have little to lose with move for Zaccharie Risacher

The Mavericks could’ve done a lot worse than Zaccharie Risacher, especially considering what they gave up to get him.

Risacher is coming to Dallas from the Hawks, as part of the three-team deal that will send Thunder wing Lu Dort to Atlanta, per ESPN. The Mavericks are sending out backup guard Ryan Nembhard to the Hawks and a second-round pick to Oklahoma City.

Risacher was selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft but never quite found his footing with the Hawks. He averaged 11.1 points and 3.7 rebounds over his first two NBA seasons, though his role diminished significantly during Atlanta’s playoff stop this past season.

Dallas now has three former Nos. 1 on the roster — Risacher, Kyrie Irving and reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.

Still just 21, Risacher now gets a fresh start under new coach Dusty May. And new head of basketball operations Masai Ujiri is hoping a change of scenery can help Risacher live up to his draft status. In fact, clearly, the Mavericks are banking on it.

Whether that happens is anyone’s guess. But considering what the Mavericks gave up, it’s easy to see why they viewed Risacher as a worthwhile gamble.

RELATED | Thunder send Dort to Hawks in three-team deal