The Atlanta Hawks secured a 113-110 preseason win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on October -12, 2026, a game that featured new acquisition Aaron Wiggins facing his former club. Wiggins, the first player Atlanta traded for this offseason, arrives with championship experience and a versatile 3-and-D skill set aimed at boosting the Hawks' depth and defensive flexibility.
Wiggins fits the modern NBA mold as a wing who can shoot and defend. Last season with the Thunder, he shot 36 percent from three-point range on 4.2 attempts per game. That outside threat gives Atlanta another perimeter option, especially when defenses pack the paint.
But his game isn't just catch-and-shoot. He can attack closeouts, finish at the rim, and handle the ball in a pinch. This versatility helps keep the offense flowing when the first option breaks down. His scoring potential flashed in a career-high 41-point performance for Oklahoma City against Sacramento on February 1, 2025.
Defensively, Wiggins can guard multiple perimeter positions. He uses active hands to disrupt passing lanes and smart rotations to create steals or blocks. Head coach Quin Snyder connects this directly to building offense from defense. "Fundamentally, you do understand the importance of defending," Snyder said, linking Wiggins' championship background to establishing strong habits.
With Zaccharie Risacher and Jonathan Kuminga no longer on the roster, the Hawks have wing minutes and responsibilities to redistribute. Wiggins is expected to help fill that void, though Atlanta's improved depth means he'll need to earn his playing time with consistent production.
His championship pedigree, shared with fellow addition Lu Dort, adds a layer beyond stats. Wiggins believes his competitive drive can be infectious for a young team. "There's championship pedigree and experience that I bring, but with that as a basketball player, there's competitiveness and just the motivation to win again that exists within me," Wiggins said. His daily approach in practice and preparation could prove as valuable as his points on the scoreboard.
The win over Oklahoma City was part of a mixed preseason slate. The Hawks opened with a 123-132 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on October 5. They then bounced back with consecutive victories, beating the San Antonio Spurs 123-116 on October 8 and edging the Indiana Pacers 119-117 on October 10 before the Thunder result.
These games are helping Snyder integrate new pieces like Wiggins and test rotations. The focus remains on building defensive identity and cohesion ahead of the regular season.
The Hawks conclude their preseason schedule with an away game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 16, 2026. It's a final tune-up before the regular season tips off. For Wiggins, it's another chance to solidify his role within Snyder's system and demonstrate how his specific blend of shooting, defense, and veteran experience can help Atlanta take the next step.
