Zaccharie Risacher's rollercoaster preseason isn't reason for Mavericks to panic yet

Zaccharie Risacher's first preseason for the Dallas Mavericks hasn't gone as smoothly as many fans expected. Through three games, Risacher is averaging 10.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 18.8 percent from long range.

Zaccharie Risacher isn't off to a hot start in Dallas

The counting stats aren't bad, but the game film tells a different story.

He hasn't gotten off to as hot of a start as many fans hoped, with this 3-point jumper being a bit concerning. Zacch became a bit too reliant on his jumper in Dallas' most recent game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, as he shot 0-for-7 from downtown and posted a -9 plus/mins — the lowest of the Mavericks' starters.

He doesn't look comfortable in his new role yet, hasn't been consistent, and the game looks a step fast for him. Risacher has also had some slow starts to these games in the first half, but improved in the second halves.

This isn't a promising sign, especially since teams begin to sub in more of their bench players in the second halves of these games. He has scored just 12.9 percent of his points in the first half of his first three preseason games.

Despite these warning signs, there's no reason to panic yet.

Why Mavericks fans don't need to worry about Risacher's struggles

Risacher is going to benefit from playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, and him receiving some votes in a recent poll should make fans feel even more confident about what he can do in Dallas.

In NBA.com's 2026-27 GM Survey by John Schuhmann, Risacher received at least one vote as the "most underrated player acquisition" of the summer. The Mavericks acquired Risacher in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks near the end of July, and if NBA general managers around the league believe in his potential, Mavericks fans should too.

Risacher wasn't brought to Dallas to be a star, and that's one of the best parts about him playing for the Mavericks. He has the chance to play with Irving and Flagg, two elite players, meaning that his shot quality during the regular season is going to be far better than what we've seen during the preseason. The former No. 1 overall pick won't have to be creating off the dribble nearly as much, and he can settle into a role as a complementary option rather than a primary scorer.

Risacher will benefit from a simpler role

Shot creation isn't his thing at this point in his career, and open threes off the catch, open cuts, and easy buckets in transition will open up the rest of the game for him. He does the little things, as Dusty May has liked the way that he crashes the glass, and he has the tools to be a solid defender as well. Risacher finished with two steals and one block against New Orleans, and his length, frame, and lateral quickness help him defend multiple positions.

Kyrie and Coop are the obvious two stars of the team, and Dallas' offense is naturally going to look way different when they're both off the court. Risacher suffered as much as anyone from their absences, as he is a great play finisher, and he couldn't get into rhythm on Wednesday night.

The confidence from the NBA GMs, combined with natural growth over time as he gets more accustomed to his role, and his upside are enough reasons for Mavs fans to not panic about Risacher yet. A fresh start is exactly what he needed to escape the unattainable first-pick expectations in Atlanta, and while he isn't going to be a superstar, a slow start in the preseason isn't something to be worried about.

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