The Atlanta Hawks are positioned 14th in Bleacher Report's updated NBA power rankings after a summer of significant roster moves across the league. This ranking arrives as the team aims to improve on a first-round playoff exit, with their last official result being a 89-140 loss to the New York Knicks on April 30, 2026.
What are the updated NBA power rankings for the Atlanta Hawks?
Bleacher Report placed the Atlanta Hawks at No. 14 in its latest NBA power rankings. This evaluation came after a flurry of offseason activity involving other teams, including the Miami Heat signing Klay Thompson and the Denver Nuggets adding DeMar DeRozan.
The publication highlighted the Hawks' purely additive offseason. They noted that while Jonathan Kuminga departed, Atlanta secured Aaron Wiggins and Devin Carter through salary dumps. Wiggins is seen as a direct replacement for Kuminga's production.
Continued development from young players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu could push the Hawks toward 50 wins next season. You can track the team's progress in the league on our [standings](/standings) page.
What moves did the Atlanta Hawks make this offseason?
The Hawks had a very active summer reshaping their roster. They signed CJ McCollum to a contract extension and brought back center Jock Landale. Incoming players include Devin Carter from the Sacramento Kings, Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Ryan Nembhard from the Dallas Mavericks.
In the 2026 NBA Draft, Atlanta selected Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, and Henri Veesaar. Flemings, a rookie, is expected to add some upside to the team's backcourt rotation.
The team's core now features Dort, Wiggins, McCollum, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu. Johnson has emerged as the new franchise player in the post-Trae Young era.
How did the Hawks perform last season and what is the outlook?
Atlanta's 2025-26 campaign ended with a first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks. However, they were the only team to beat the Knicks twice during that postseason run. The team's recent form shows five consecutive losses to close that chapter.
Jalen Johnson had a terrific individual season, averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. He recorded 49 double-doubles and 13 triple-doubles in 72 appearances. His two-way play as a swingman sets the tone for Atlanta's future.
The projected starting lineup for next season is McCollum, Alexander-Walker, Daniels, Johnson, and Okongwu. The Hawks have not won a playoff series since 2021, a streak they hope to break in 2027.
CJ McCollum recently spoke about the team's mindset. "I don't compare ourselves to others," McCollum told HoopsHype. "Right now, it's about focusing on getting better individually and collectively. We can't control how other teams look."
He emphasized focusing on intangibles, understanding head coach Quin Snyder's schemes, and building on their playoff experience. The Hawks faced the eventual NBA champion Knicks, which McCollum believes provides valuable lessons. The team begins the 2026-27 regular season on the road against the Orlando Magic. Check the full schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
