NBA.com has released its official season outlook for the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The analysis arrives as the Hawks prepare for media day following a summer of significant roster turnover, aiming to build on a 46-36 division-winning season that ended with a playoff loss to the New York Knicks.
The Hawks engineered a major roster reshuffle this summer. Key additions include guards Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins, acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and guard Ryan Nembhard from the Dallas Mavericks. The team also extended veteran CJ McCollum and re-signed center Jock Landale. Through the 2026 NBA Draft, Atlanta selected Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, and Henri Veesaar.
Departures include forwards Jonathan Kuminga and Zaccharie Risacher, along with center Tony Bradley and guards Gabe Vincent and Keaton Wallace. One NBA executive described the summer as "terrific" for the Hawks, specifically highlighting the value of adding wings like Dort and Wiggins in today's NBA. The team's core now features McCollum, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu alongside the new arrivals.
The primary concern for Quin Snyder's squad is the interior. Analyst Shaun Powell noted the season "will likely come down to how Atlanta compensates for a lack of quality big men." This uncertainty creates a wide range of potential outcomes, from winning 50 games to being forced into the SoFi Play-In Tournament. The projected starting five of McCollum, Alexander-Walker, Daniels, Johnson, and Okongwu looks strong on paper but must prove its defensive mettle.
The Hawks haven't won a playoff series since 2021, adding pressure to this new group. Their first-round exit last season was marked by a hard-fought series where they were the only team to beat the eventual champion Knicks twice in the 2026 playoffs. The final games were difficult, however, with the team losing three straight to close the series. You can review the team's full schedule and track their progress on our schedule page.
Veteran leader CJ McCollum is focusing on internal growth rather than external comparisons. "Right now, it's about focusing on getting better individually and collectively," McCollum told HoopsHype. He emphasized controlling their approach, understanding Snyder's schemes, and building on their playoff experience against the championship-level Knicks. That experience, playing in big environments on the road and at home, is seen as a valuable foundation.
The team believes its offseason work has addressed needs. The executive who praised the moves stressed that "you can never have enough wings," validating the front office's strategy. Integrating the new players quickly will be essential for Snyder. The Hawks begin their 2026-27 regular season on the road against the Orlando Magic, offering an immediate test for this revamped roster. Their ability to gel will determine if they can end their playoff series drought next spring.
