The Atlanta Hawks are constructing a roster that follows the blueprint of recent NBA champions, focusing on a balance of youth and experience. Their average age has dropped to 24 years old, a strategy that helped the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Boston Celtics win the last three titles. The Hawks are looking to move past their first-round playoff defeat, a 140-89 loss to the Knicks on April 30, 2026, which capped a five-game losing streak to end their season.
How are the Atlanta Hawks building their roster?
Atlanta's roster transformation is clear. According to the site SleeperHawks, the team's average age is now 24, down from over 26. Only two players, guards Buddy Hield (33) and CJ McCollum (34), are over 30. The franchise is now centered on forward Jalen Johnson, who enters his sixth season after averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists last year.
The offseason saw significant activity through the draft, trades, and free agency. The Hawks drafted guard Kingston Flemings and forward/center Zuby Ejiofor in the 2026 NBA Draft. They extended McCollum on a one-year, $21 million deal and signed center Jock Landale to a one-year, $14 million contract.
Trades brought in younger backcourt help. Atlanta acquired guard Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round picks. They also got guard Devin Carter from the Sacramento Kings. Both Wiggins and Carter are under 30, adding to the team's youthful depth. You can track the evolving roster on our [squad](/squad) page.
Why does the Atlanta Hawks' age matter?
Recent history shows a clear trend. Each of the last three NBA champions had a roster with an average age under 30. The champion New York Knicks averaged 27.23 years old last season. The Oklahoma City Thunder won in 2025 with an average age of 25.6 years. The Boston Celtics' 2024 title team averaged 28.2 years.
Atlanta's current roster, at 24 years old on average, is younger than all three of those champions. The challenge is finding the right mix. Young players like Johnson need to develop while veterans like McCollum provide guidance and immediate production. This balance is what the Hawks are trying to replicate.
What is next for the Atlanta Hawks?
The projected starting lineup reflects this new direction. It could feature McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Lu Dort, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. The second unit has depth with Flemings, Corey Kispert, and Aaron Wiggins. This setup aims to improve on last season's 46-36 record and sixth-place finish in the East.
After trading guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in 2026, the team's identity has shifted. Johnson is the new focal point, and the supporting cast is built for athleticism and two-way play. The Hawks want to return to the playoffs for a second straight year. Their recent form, losing their last five games including that heavy playoff defeat, is a clear motivator. The upcoming schedule, which you can see on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page, will test this young group quickly.
The goal is clear. Atlanta wants to prove that a young team can compete at the highest level, just as the Thunder and Knicks recently did. It's a high-risk, high-reward strategy that defines their current era.
