3 Keys to Atlanta Hawks Reaching Their Ceiling in 2026-27

The Atlanta Hawks have lofty expectations heading into 2026-27. What are the keys to their success? Well, there are plenty. The Hawks need some things that every team needs — namely, health and luck. Those are too obvious. Let's look at some needs that are specific to Atlanta. What does this team in particular need to accomplish its 2026-27 goals? Here are three keys that could impact the outcome. Every team needs to pay attention to the math game. If your numbers don't add up, you'll struggle to win many games. Often, that means ensuring your 3-point volume and efficiency are at least league average. Last season, Onyeka Okongwu shot 37.6% from long range. That made him one of the league's better shooting big men. In 2026-27, he needs to replicate that success. The Hawks roster Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels. The former is a shaky 3-point shooter, and the latter is a dismal one. Since they're both integral to the team's success, keeping a legitimate stretch five on the floor is paramount to making up the numbers difference. CJ McCollum was viewed as a throw-in in the Trae Young deal, but his play in Atlanta was a revelation. He averaged 18.7 points in 41 regular-season games with the Hawks, and he was even more impactful in the postseason. That said, McCollum is 34. It's entirely possible that 2025-26 was his last prime NBA season: But if the Hawks are going to succeed in 2026-27, it can't have been. This roster is light on ball-handling shot creators. McCollum serves an invaluable purpose in Atlanta. If they're going to make a deep playoff run, they need one last gasp of prime basketball from the aging guard. As a rookie on a contender, Kingston Flemings is in a tough spot. As a recent lottery pick, that spot is even tougher. The No. 8 overall pick in any given draft isn't likely to be a starting-caliber player in his rookie year. His long-term projection is what landed him in the lottery. Typically, the team selecting him isn't too concerned with its postseason outcome. The Hawks' pick came by way of the New Orleans Pelicans, so they're an exception. Yet, drafting a player eighth only to keep him off the floor would also be a waste of resources. Flemings will be on the floor. He will also struggle. That's fine, but he needs to add some value in his minutes for the Hawks to reach their ceiling in 2026-27: And with some health and luck, that ceiling is awfully high. Best Newest first Oldest first