The Atlanta Hawks gathered for their 2026 Media Day, with players expressing a unified sense of purpose and excitement for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. Coming off a preseason slate, the team is focused on building chemistry and translating their work into wins, aiming to improve on a recent form of three wins and two losses in their last five outings. Key players like CJ McCollum and Onyeka Okongwu shared their perspectives on growth and responsibility as training camp gets underway.
CJ McCollum emphasized the value of a full preseason with his new team. Acquired mid-season last year, he said the summer workouts were important for building trust. "We've been able to work out together, play some, and kind of hang around each other," McCollum noted. He believes this foundation is key for executing in close games and holding each other accountable when the regular season pressure mounts.
Jock Landale echoed the sentiment, having arrived in early July to get a head start. He feels the group has made significant progress in learning how to play Atlanta Hawks basketball. Their collective effort in the gym over the summer has started to forge a distinct team identity, which they hope will pay dividends on the court.
Onyeka Okongwu enters the season as the undisputed starting center, a role he's ready to embrace. "I love the fact that they have a lot of confidence in me," Okongwu stated. He's prepared for the increased responsibility and is eager to see how far this group can go, anchoring the defense and providing a presence in the paint.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, following a Most Improved Player-caliber season, is focused on continuous growth. His mindset is to maximize every bit of his potential without getting complacent. For young forward Asa Newell, his rookie-year playoff experience against teams like the New York Knicks set a high standard. He stated the goal is now to make the postseason every single year, using that physical playoff environment as a learning tool.
The Hawks' preparation will be tested quickly.
Rookie Kingston Flemings highlighted the competitive environment in offseason workouts, going against established guards like Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker daily. Veteran addition Aaron Wiggins also brings championship experience and a competitive edge to the locker room. This mix of youthful energy and proven pedigree aims to solidify the Hawks' rotation. Fans can track the team's progress and check the full schedule on our schedule page as the season tips off.
The overarching theme from Media Day was a collective commitment to building something lasting. Players are not only satisfied with individual improvement; they are focused on team success. The early work in September, the shared experiences from last season's playoff run, and the integration of new voices create a foundation.
