the NBA**, surging to **36–31** behind a complete identity shift under

head coach **Quin Snyder**. This is no longer a Trae Young

isolation-heavy team—Atlanta has fully embraced **pace, movement, and

modern spacing**, ranking **2nd in pace (101.9)** and **7th in scoring

(117.7 PPG)**.

At the center of it all is **Jalen Johnson**, who has made the leap to

superstardom. The All-Star forward is averaging an elite **23.0 points,

10.4 rebounds, and 8.0 assists**, functioning as the **primary offensive

hub** in Snyder’s system. Everything flows through him.

But the real X-factor? **Nickeil Alexander-Walker**.

Cyro explains how NAW has **completely unlocked this Hawks offense**,

stepping into the role of primary perimeter scorer and delivering

consistent production with **20.0 PPG while shooting 37.9% from three

and 89.6% from the line**. His recent scoring run—**41, 20, 18, 29, 24,

23, 15**—shows he’s become the stabilizer this team lacked.

The Hawks’ roster construction is also key to their rise. **CJ

McCollum** provides veteran control, **Dyson Daniels** anchors the

defense, and **Onyeka Okongwu** has evolved into a stretch big (**38.3%

from three**). Off the bench, shooters like **Luke Kennard** (49.7% 3PT)

and **Corey Kispert**, plus the addition of **Jonathan Kuminga**, give

Atlanta elite depth and versatility.

This team is built for playoff basketball:

• **Elite spacing** with multiple high-level shooters

• **Positionless versatility** with Johnson, Daniels, and Kuminga

• **Transition dominance** fueled by pace and athleticism

The Trae Young era is over—but in many ways, **this version of the Hawks

is more dangerous**. With a young core led by **Jalen Johnson, Dyson

Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and NAW**, Atlanta has both immediate

playoff upside and long-term sustainability.

Catch the full breakdown as Cyro Asseo explains why the **Hawks are a

legit threat in the East—and built for the future.**

#atlantahawks #jalenjohnson #nickeilalexanderwalker #nba #hawks #nbaanalysis #hawksnews #quin snyder #nbaplayoffs #cyroasseo #hoopshype #nba2026