Hawks found the perfect lineup construction to launch improbable win streak

CJ McCollum (3) smiles after a play against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. | Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesThe Atlanta Hawks are the hottest team in the NBA at the moment, immediately cruising to a 10-game win streak after subbing CJ McCollum into the starting lineup for Zaccharie Risacher.

When the swap occurred, Risacher was the bigger point of discussion over McCollum. After all, he was the first overall pick two years ago, while McCollum was a mere expiring salary Atlanta acquired with the intention of letting him walk in free agency. Ten games later, however, it is clear that McCollum’s promotion was a decision made independent of Risacher’s…