Mavericks' starting lineup shakeup was the right move all along

All preseason long, Dusty May started Zaccharie Risacher. This was a move that many Dallas Mavericks fans begged for all offseason, as his potential as a former No. 1 overall pick seemed high, but May decided to look elsewhere in his starting five on opening night.

Dusty May started Max Christie over Zaccharie Risacher

Against the Houston Rockets, May started Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford. Irving, Flagg, Washington, and Gafford starting was not a shock, but Christie starting was initially shocking after seeing how things unfolded during the preseason.

It seemed like May would want to start Risacher, given the team's focus on developing its young players and its confidence in Zacch, but May started Christie at the two instead. While both Risacher and Christie struggled on opening night, it was quickly clear why Max was in the starting unit.

This move seemed like the smarter decision all along, as Mavs fans were betting on Risacher's potential rather than Christie's proven production. It didn't look pretty, but Christie as the starting shooting guard alongside Kyrie always seemed like the safer decision.

Christie struggled, but his fit still makes sense

Christie finished with just five points, three rebounds, and two assists while shooting 2-for-8 from the field against the Rockets, but the vision is at least there. He was getting good looks from beyond the arc, looked comfortable, and had a nice short pull-up jumper in the first quarter. Christie even growing as a creator would be huge for his development, and he's far more proven than Risacher.

Christie projects to be a strong 3-point shooter again after shooting 40.4 percent from three last season, and his experience as a shooter will help give Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving the room they need to operate. Dallas' shooting was not great against Houston, and they still need more playmaking, but Christie is in a good spot to have a breakout season. May predicted that he would have a big year during the offseason, and it's only a matter of time before he begins to hit open shots.

Risacher's shooting makes it risky for May to start him

Risacher, on the other hand, doesn't look ready to make a big impact offensively. His hustle, play in transition, and defense were all positives against Houston, but his offensive game is rough.

Zacch's struggles as a shooter from the preseason carried over into the regular season, and his shots were all over the place. He's leaving many shots from beyond the arc short, and his jump shot has not looked consistent or smooth.

Risacher has to get more consistent as a shooter if he wants to have a big role in May's rotation, as the team is in jeopardy of having another down year from long range if something doesn't change.

Christie is the better fit in the starting unit

On top of being more reliable as a floor spacer, Christie is better off the ball and a better perimeter defender as well. Christie has made it clear that he wants to be a stronger defender this season, and he's better at the point of attack than Risacher.

Zacch often calls his own number, forcing turnaround jumpers from the paint, but Max doesn't need the ball in his hands to thrive. He moves well without the ball and understands his role.

May's starting unit didn't yield the results that MFFLs wanted on opening night, but the new head coach made the right decision to start Christie. His fit is smoother alongside Dallas' star duo, and he has already shown that he can be successful as a starter next to Flagg.

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