Atlanta Hawks 2026-2027 Season Preview
The Atlanta Hawks head into the 2026–27 NBA season looking to build on an encouraging campaign that saw them return to the playoffs. After finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record last season, Atlanta has reason to believe it can establish itself among the conference’s more competitive teams.
The franchise is entering a new era following the departure of Trae Young, who was traded to the Washington Wizards in January 2026. Jalen Johnson has emerged as the team’s leading figure, supported by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and an increasingly experienced supporting cast.
Head coach Quin Snyder will be hoping that the latest additions can improve the team’s defensive consistency while maintaining its offensive production. With greater depth and several players entering important stages of their careers, Atlanta will be targeting another playoff appearance and potentially a deeper run.
Here is a closer look at the Hawks’ previous campaign, offseason changes, key players and expectations for 2026–27.
Atlanta Hawks 2025-2026 Season Recap
Atlanta finished the 2025–26 regular season with a 46-36 record, securing sixth place in the Eastern Conference and an automatic playoff position. It was a significant improvement and demonstrated that the franchise could remain competitive despite major changes to its roster.
Jalen Johnson was the standout performer, averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game. His all-round performances earned him his first All-Star selection and established him as one of the league’s most exciting young forwards.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker also enjoyed a breakthrough season, averaging 20.8 points per game and earning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. Meanwhile, Onyeka Okongwu provided valuable contributions in the frontcourt, averaging 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds.
One of the biggest developments came in January, when Atlanta traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The move marked a major change in the team’s direction and allowed other players to assume greater responsibility.
The Hawks reached the Eastern Conference playoffs but were eliminated by the New York Knicks in the first round, losing the series 4-2. Although the result ended their postseason ambitions, reaching the playoffs represented meaningful progress.
The emergence of Johnson and Alexander-Walker, alongside contributions from the supporting cast, gave Atlanta a solid foundation to build upon. The challenge now is to turn that progress into a more sustained playoff challenge.
Who Is The Head Coach of the Atlanta Hawks?
Quin Snyder remains the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. He took charge midway through the 2022–23 season after previously enjoying a successful spell with the Utah Jazz, where he guided the franchise to six consecutive playoff appearances.
Snyder is recognised for his structured approach to basketball, emphasising ball movement, offensive spacing and opportunities from beyond the three-point line. His teams also aim to defend aggressively, apply pressure on opposing ball-handlers and create opportunities through turnovers.
His experience will be particularly important as Atlanta continues to develop its identity following Trae Young’s departure. With Jalen Johnson becoming the focal point of the team, Snyder has the opportunity to create a more balanced offence in which several players contribute to scoring and playmaking.
The coach also has an increasingly versatile roster at his disposal. Dyson Daniels offers defensive flexibility, Alexander-Walker provides perimeter scoring, and the new additions give Atlanta more options across the backcourt and wing positions.
Snyder’s ability to manage rotations, develop younger players and make tactical adjustments will be central to the Hawks’ ambitions this season.
Atlanta Hawks Offseason Trades
The Hawks approached the 2026 offseason with the intention of strengthening their supporting cast and building a more balanced roster around Jalen Johnson.
One of their most significant moves involved acquiring Luguentz Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a three-team transaction that also included the Dallas Mavericks. Atlanta sent Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas as part of the deal, while Ryan Nembhard joined the Hawks from the Mavericks.
The organisation also strengthened its backcourt by acquiring Aaron Wiggins from Oklahoma City in exchange for future second-round draft picks. His athleticism and scoring ability provide another option for Snyder’s rotation.
Dorian Finney-Smith arrived from the Charlotte Hornets in September, with Atlanta sending Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard as part of the transaction. Finney-Smith brings experience, defensive versatility and the ability to contribute from the perimeter.
The Hawks also added several young players, including Kingston Flemings, Henri Veesaar and Zuby Ejiofor. These acquisitions provide additional development opportunities and greater depth across different positions.
CJ McCollum and Jock Landale also returned on new one-year agreements, ensuring that Atlanta retained some continuity and experience.
Overall, the offseason reflects a clear shift in strategy. Rather than relying on one primary offensive star, Atlanta has assembled a roster with greater defensive flexibility and several players capable of making important contributions.
Who Are The Key Players For The Atlanta Hawks?
Jalen Johnson is now the most important player in Atlanta’s long-term plans. His impressive 2025–26 campaign, which included averages of 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists, demonstrated his ability to influence games in several different ways. His athleticism, versatility and playmaking make him central to the team’s offensive approach.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is another player expected to play a major role. After winning the Most Improved Player award, he enters the season with increased expectations. His scoring ability, three-point shooting and willingness to create opportunities make him a valuable offensive option.
Dyson Daniels provides a different but equally important contribution. Known for his defensive ability, he can guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. His development as a more complete offensive player will also be important.
Onyeka Okongwu remains a key presence in the frontcourt. His rebounding, interior scoring and defensive contributions give Atlanta an important option around the basket.
CJ McCollum brings experience and offensive quality to the backcourt. His ability to create shots, organise possessions and perform under pressure should help the Hawks during difficult stretches of the season.
The new additions also deserve attention. Luguentz Dort and Dorian Finney-Smith provide defensive strength on the perimeter, while Aaron Wiggins offers additional scoring and athleticism. Their contributions could be particularly important when Atlanta faces some of the Eastern Conference’s strongest offensive teams.
Together, these players give Snyder a more balanced group, with scoring, playmaking, rebounding and defensive versatility spread across the roster.
What Are The Atlanta Hawks’ Season Expectations?
Expectations for the 2026–27 campaign are increasingly positive following Atlanta’s return to the playoffs last season.
As of 9 November 2026, the Hawks have recorded seven wins and four defeats, placing fourth in the Eastern Conference. Their encouraging start suggests that the team could once again compete for an automatic playoff position.
Jalen Johnson’s continued development will be central to those ambitions. If he can build on his All-Star season, Atlanta should have a strong foundation. Alexander-Walker will also be expected to maintain his scoring production, while the defensive contributions of Daniels, Dort and Finney-Smith could help the Hawks become more difficult to beat.
A top-six finish would represent another successful regular season, although the team will ultimately want to improve on its first-round playoff exit. Reaching the Eastern Conference semi-finals would be a significant achievement and demonstrate that Atlanta is moving in the right direction.
There are still challenges to overcome. The team must establish consistent chemistry, improve its performances against stronger opponents and ensure that its defensive intensity remains high throughout the campaign.
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