The Atlanta Hawks wrapped up their latest preseason contest with a 113-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 12, but the focus is shifting to the regular season and how rookie Zuby Ejiofor fits. With frontcourt injuries creating an unexpected opening, the first-year player has a genuine chance to earn a role with his relentless energy and developing skill set.
Injuries have reshaped the Hawks' frontcourt depth. Henri Veesaar is out for the season with a torn right ACL, and Mouhamed Gueye is working back from a fractured left foot. That leaves Onyeka Okongwu and veteran Jock Landale as the primary options at center, opening a door for Ejiofor. He'll also compete with fellow young player Asa Newell for those backup minutes.
Ejiofor's motor is his calling card. He plays with a physical edge, constantly pursues rebounds and loose balls, and can change a possession's energy with his effort. That style has already made him a fan favorite during the preseason. On offense, he knows his primary job is to finish at the rim. Converting chances created by Trae Young and other ball-handlers without needing plays called for him is a valuable trait for a rookie.
His immediate offensive impact will come from running the floor and being a target in the paint. The more intriguing part of his game, however, is his potential as a passer and shooter. Ejiofor has shown flashes of perimeter shooting and the ability to find open teammates when defenses collapse. His passing could help keep the ball moving in Quin Snyder's system.
For now, his outside shot is a work in progress. If it becomes a reliable tool, it would give Snyder significant flexibility in his frontcourt combinations. Ejiofor's ability to potentially space the floor could allow him to play center in smaller lineups. But earning that trust requires more than offensive promise.
Playing time in Snyder's rotation demands defensive understanding. Ejiofor must learn Atlanta's coverages, hold his position in the paint, and help finish possessions with defensive rebounds. His physical tools are there, but applying them within the team scheme is the next step. Consistency on that end will determine if he can be trusted in meaningful regular-season minutes.
Realistically, his rookie year could include assignments to the G League's College Park Skyhawks. If the Hawks' frontcourt stays healthy, regular playing time in the G League would let him develop his shot, passing reads, and defensive instincts in game action. That development path still serves the Hawks' larger goal of building a reliable contributor.
The Hawks continue their preseason schedule with a game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 16. The team has shown offensive firepower, scoring 119 points in a win over Indiana on October 10 and 123 in a victory against San Antonio on October 8, though they fell 132-123 to Memphis on October 5.
For Zuby Ejiofor, this season is about building trust. Whether he eventually plays behind Okongwu or earns minutes alongside him, the Hawks need to know they can rely on him when his number is called. His opportunity is here, and his energy might just be the key to seizing it.
