Hawks Coach Explains Benching of Rookie Risacher

Quin Snyder prioritizes veteran CJ McCollum's scoring in starting lineup change

Feb. 23, 2026 at 4:38pm

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In a surprising move, Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder has removed rookie Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup, replacing him with veteran CJ McCollum. Snyder emphasized that the decision is not a reflection on Risacher's performance, but rather a strategic move to improve the team's starting unit and leverage McCollum's scoring prowess.

Why it matters

The lineup change signals a shift in the Hawks' strategy, as they look to stabilize their often-struggling starts and provide another ball-handler on the floor. While the move may be seen as a demotion for Risacher, Snyder believes it could be a positive step in the young player's development, as he will now face different matchups and have the opportunity to contribute in a different role.

The details

Snyder highlighted that the lineup featuring McCollum, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu currently boasts the team's best 'Net Rating' – a metric measuring point differential per 100 possessions – at +4.2. However, data suggests a potential wrinkle, as a five-man unit of McCollum, Daniels, Alexander-Walker, Johnson, and Okongwu has a +4.2 Net Rating, while replacing Daniels with Risacher yields a +5.8 Net Rating, despite limited playing time together.

  • On February 23, 2026, the Atlanta Hawks announced the lineup change ahead of their 115-104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

The players

Quin Snyder

The head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, who made the decision to remove rookie Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup in favor of veteran CJ McCollum.

Zaccharie Risacher

A rookie player for the Atlanta Hawks who has been removed from the starting lineup, despite showing potential with a higher Net Rating when paired with certain lineups.

CJ McCollum

A veteran player for the Atlanta Hawks who has been inserted into the starting lineup, as Snyder believes his scoring impact will be more beneficial in the starting unit.

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What they’re saying

“I've said it to you guys in a lot of different ways: it's not about who starts, it's about who finishes and the rotations.”

— Quin Snyder, Head Coach, Atlanta Hawks (newsy-today.com)

“Not starting CJ was giving us some dribble, some scoring, and some impact off the bench. But we weren't seeing our best five as often.”

— Quin Snyder, Head Coach, Atlanta Hawks (newsy-today.com)

“I even think it can be positive for him: to come into the game against different matchups, against different players.”

— Quin Snyder, Head Coach, Atlanta Hawks (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

It's unclear if Risacher will regain his starting spot, as Snyder has emphasized that rotations will be fluid and based on performance and matchups.

The takeaway

This lineup change highlights the Hawks' willingness to make strategic adjustments to improve the team's performance, even if it means temporarily moving a promising young player like Risacher to the bench. Risacher's ability to adapt and contribute in a different role will be crucial for his long-term success with the team.