Mavericks should fully embrace Zaccharie Risacher's playoff confidence

The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2026-27 season with low expectations. Despite the team improving significantly by adding young talent and plenty of frontcourt depth, Dallas is already being counted out before even playing a game. Most power rankings have the Mavericks somewhere in the 20s, and ESPN's BPI gives them just a 10.1 percent chance to make the playoffs.

This is a bit shocking, especially after seeing how well Cooper Flagg played as a rookie. He's only going to get better during his second year, and Kyrie Irving's return is going to be crucial as well. They have the pieces to make the Play-In Tournament at the very least, but outsiders don't have much faith in them to take the next step after a 26-win season.

Zaccharie Risacher thinks the Mavericks will make the playoffs

Despite the outside doubt, Zaccharie Risacher doesn't care — and neither should his Mavericks teammates. They're entering the first year of the Dusty May era with something to prove, and the third-year forward believes that Dallas will be back in the NBA Playoffs very soon.

Damien Peters of Basketball Network asked Risacher if he believes the Mavericks will make the "playoffs in the future," and Zacch emphatically responded, "hell ya," with a smile. He didn't even think about his answer, and his Mavs teammates should carry this confidence ahead of the 2026-27 season.

P.J. Washington shares Risacher's playoff urgency

P.J. Washington has been vocal about his desire to return to the playoffs as well, even saying that winning is the "biggest thing" for him. He knows what it feels like to be on a losing team, as he has only played in the NBA Playoffs once during his seven-year career, and the rest of the Mavericks should follow in Zacch and P.J.'s footsteps.

Washington is one of the oldest players on the team, and the young players will look to him for leadership and guidance. P.J. is one of five players remaining from the 2024 Finals team, making his leadership extra valuable during May's first season as head coach.

Why making the playoffs would be huge for Dallas' young core

The playoffs should be everyone's No. 1 goal. Of course development and growth matter as well, but getting a playoff series under these young players' belts would be huge for future confidence and experience, and would be a foundation for them to build on moving forward.

Risacher made the playoffs for the first time in his career last season with the Atlanta Hawks, but was benched in three of the six games that he was active for. He's excited about the confidence that the Mavericks have in him, and he believes in what they're building.

"One thing about this team is how much we like to work together," Risacher said. "We're definitely building something special, and I love being a part of it."

Confidence, optimism, and excitement are extremely important, especially for a young team that has missed the NBA Playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Belief starts with the guys in the locker room, and Risacher's confidence that they will get back to the playoffs is a great start.

Rather than succumbing to the low expectations, the Mavericks should embrace the challenge of proving the doubters wrong.

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