Zaccharie Risacher is looking forward to a fresh start with the Dallas Mavericks after spending his first two NBA seasons with the Atlanta Hawks.
The 2024 No. 1 overall pick was traded to Dallas during the offseason and spoke about his move during Mavericks media day on Friday. Risacher said he is excited about the opportunity and believes the new chapter can help him continue developing.
“It’s been good overall. I’ve learned a lot from my two seasons,” Risacher said. “Just being able to play at a high level and competing every night has been great. I’m super excited about this new chapter of my NBA career. Feel like it’s going to be great.”
Risacher has already embraced the Mavericks’ efforts to build chemistry before the start of training camp. The team spent part of the summer together in Los Angeles, something the 21-year-old believes can help establish a strong foundation.
“I love it. I’m loving it,” Risacher said. “It’s different than what I’m used to, which is hanging out during the summer. Going to LA as a team has been great.”
He added: “I feel like we can say we’re really trying to build something different. We’re building chemistry early in the year and I feel like that’s going to be super helpful for us through the season.”
Risacher expects to contribute in several areas rather than focusing on one specific role. He said his versatility should allow him to impact games on both ends of the floor.
“I feel like first of all I’m a versatile player, so I want to bring a lot of things,” Risacher said. “I’m going to talk about defense, rebounding, running transition, playing hard. Obviously my shooting too.”
The forward also emphasized his willingness to play without the ball and adapt to what the team needs.
“Just be able to affect the game many ways. Play off the ball obviously too. That’s going to be a big thing for us as a team,” Risacher said. “Overall, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win.”
Risacher also addressed his relationship with former Atlanta teammate Trae Young, who publicly commented on his departure. The French forward expressed appreciation for Young’s support throughout his NBA career.
“Shout out to Trae. Shout out to Trae,” Risacher said. “During my whole NBA career, been there for me since day one. So I really appreciate him for that.”
Risacher said joining an organization that wanted him has added to his motivation.
“It’s been huge for me too, be able to see that I’m a part of an organization where they wanted me to be here and to succeed too,” he said. “That’s a big motivation for me.”
Another important part of Risacher’s transition will be playing alongside Kyrie Irving. After participating in team activities during the offseason, Risacher said he is eager to learn from the veteran guard.
“I’m looking forward to play with Kyrie too. Obviously, an amazing player and I feel like I can learn a lot from him on and off the court too,” Risacher said.
Risacher averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 67 games for Atlanta last season, shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range. He now enters his third NBA season with a new team and an opportunity to establish himself in Dallas.
“I know what I can do,” Risacher said. “I feel like for me especially, I’m in the right position to be good, to be great.”
