The Atlanta Hawks have jumped into the top 10 of ESPN's future power rankings, a major vote of confidence in the franchise's direction under president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh.
ESPN's analysts moved Atlanta up to ninth a three-spot climb from their previous position. The ranking evaluates a team's prospects for the next three seasons. Key factors included the front office's strategic moves and a promising young core. Saleh has focused on roster flexibility and player development since taking charge. The Hawks have successfully recouped draft assets and added consecutive Most Improved Player winners Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Their projected starting five of Jalen Johnson, CJ McCollum, Daniels, Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu posted elite numbers. That lineup outscored opponents by roughly 19 points per 100 possessions, the second-best mark in the NBA. Consistency in that group and the coaching staff is seen as a foundation for success.
Finding a true superstar remains the primary challenge. The analysis notes Atlanta still needs a top-10 caliber player to become a title contender. This could mean Jalen Johnson making another significant leap or the team identifying that talent externally. Financially, the Hawks are in a strong position with no player earning over $30 million annually for the next three years.
That could change next summer when significant cap space opens up. Veterans CJ McCollum, Luguentz Dort, and Jock Landale are on expiring contracts, creating decisions for the front office. The team's recent draft additions, like Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, and Henri Veesaar, add to one of the league's youngest rosters.
The future optimism contrasts with how the 2025-26 season concluded.
Earlier in that series, Atlanta showed fight with narrow victories. Despite that finish, a bold prediction within the ranking forecasts the post-Trae Young Hawks will win more games over the next three years than during the best stretch of Young's tenure.
The focus now shifts to player development and leveraging that future financial flexibility. The core of Johnson, Okongwu, Daniels, and Alexander-Walker must continue to grow. Integrating the 2026 draft picks will be another priority for the coaching staff. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The ranking suggests a belief that Atlanta's process is sound. Building through the draft, making savvy trades, and maintaining cap health is a proven formula. The challenge is turning that potential into consistent playoff success and closing the gap shown in those late-season losses.
