The Atlanta Hawks look to build upon their taste of success in the 2025-26 season where they reached a top 6 seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since the 2020-21 season when they finished 5th and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Atlanta’s front office, led by GM Onsi Saleh, is focused on building a strong roster for head coach Quin Snyder. Thankfully, for Atlanta, the young core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker is locked up for the foreseeable future. 

2026 NBA Draft Analysis

Atlanta had picks 8 and 23 in Round 1 and selected draft picks with both, despite speculation and rumors of discussion involving a trade with New Orleans for talented young wing Trey Murphy III. Atlanta selected Kingston Flemings with pick #8, a guard from the University of Houston. Flemings showed flashes of his playmaking ability in his Summer League debut with 9 assists and only 1 turnover. He is an athletic scorer and playmaker who processes the game extremely fast. His quick decision making alongside his raw athleticism and 6-foot 3 frame at the point guard position will help take some pressure off Jalen Johnson in the half court setting during bench minutes.

Zuby Ejiofor was selected with the 23rd overall pick. He is a strong and athletic front court presence that played the Center position in college but will more than likely see more minutes at the Power Forward position in the NBA. Ejiofor is a six-foot-nine, 245-pound kid that loves to do the little things on the court. He plays with passion and stays active with his hands on defense. A solid rebounder as well, Ejiofor adds some variety to lineups Quin Snyder can run. Ejiofor has the ability to switch on to any position on defense as his quick feet and raw athelticism allows him to guard the perimeter. Combine that with his strength, active hands, and high motor defensive instincts, Atlanta looks to develop Ejiofor into a well-rounded prospect by adding some offensive characteristics that can give them a spark when needed.

Henri Veesaar was drafted with the 2nd round pick. He was mocked to go in round 1 but fell to the 2nd round, and Atlanta jumped on the opportunity by trading up to get him. A 7-foot frame Center is exactly what Atlanta needs, and Veesaar is just that. He adds some spacing with his 3-point shot and rebounds well. He is a bit on the skinnier side of 7 footers, but he knows how to use his body well and attacks angles when needed.

Offseason Moves thus Far

CJ McCollum inked a one year $21M extension to keep him in Atlanta for the 2026-27 season. Atlanta also declined forward Jonathan Kuminga’s team option for $24M. Kuminga is gaining interest from teams around the league after his bounce back performance in Atlanta last year. Atlanta is still in pursuit of Trey Murphy III based on reports that have come out in the last week. Today, it was announced that New Orleans is now looking for “only” 3 first round picks in a trade. Reports for the last month have noted New Orleans has been searching for 3 first round picks, so it appears New Orleans might be trying to boost Murphy’s trade stock through the media. 

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