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DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks coach Dusty May said he did not know about the July trade that brought Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas until after it happened. May spoke with reporters before Monday’s game against the Indiana Pacers. Risacher, who turned 21 in April, has started 2 of his 11 games for the Mavericks this season.
The Atlanta Hawks drafted Risacher first overall in 2024 and traded him two seasons later. On July 19, the Mavericks acquired him and a top-55-protected 2027 second-round pick from Atlanta in a three-team deal. Dallas sent guard Ryan Nembhard to the Hawks and a 2027 second-round pick it held from the Chicago Bulls to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Atlanta also received Luguentz Dort from Oklahoma City.
“We don’t really ever talk about that,” May said. “I know a few of the guys in the locker room have talked about it.”
“That shouldn’t be a stigma on anyone,” May continued. “You can’t really control [where you’re drafted], or all of those things. With us it’s just more of making sure he knows that we value what he brings to the team and we like what he does today, but also are incredibly excited on what he can become.”
Through 11 games, Risacher is averaging 7.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 24.2 minutes. He is shooting 38.8% from the field and 25% from 3-point range.
Dusty May Details Zaccharie Risacher’s Defense
Risacher played 15 minutes off the bench in Monday’s 125-122 win over Indiana. He scored 4 points on 2-of-4 shooting and finished with 2 rebounds and 4 fouls.
“He’s not afraid,” May explained. “He gets underneath smaller guards. Longer players just tend to play back. He gets under small guards. I think once he gets the reputation as a defender, he’s trending in that direction, I think he’ll get a little bit of a benefit of the doubt with the calls.”
Risacher ranks second on the Mavericks in blocks per game behind Daniel Gafford. He is tied with Naji Marshall for second in steals per game behind Cooper Flagg.
“He’s still a young player,” May said. “His activity defensively has been really positive. And his decision-making is improving.”
May Recalls Risacher’s Arrival From Atlanta
Dallas hired May on June 23, less than four weeks before the trade. He came to the Mavericks from Michigan, where he won the 2026 national championship.
“I was excited just because he’s a young guy with a lot of talent, and I know his character,” May said. “[Hawks coach] Quin [Snyder] had told me very good things about him after we got him.”
“Just the way he works every day, he’s got unlimited energy and motor as far as getting better,” May continued. “He’s doing a lot of good things for us and he’s going to continue to add to his game. He’s making small steps every night.”
Risacher is making $13.8 million this season. His contract includes a $17.4 million team option for 2027-28.
Dallas visits the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, with tip-off at 7 p.m. CT. The Mavericks play at Atlanta on Jan. 2 and host the Hawks on March 15.
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