The Atlanta Hawks enter 2026-27 with an average age around 24, following a roster-building trend shared by the NBA's last three champions.
The Atlanta Hawks are embracing a roster-building trend that has become increasingly common among recent NBA champions. The team's average age aligns closely with the veteran-youth balance that has helped several title contenders reach the top of the league.
Opening day of the 2026-27 NBA season is 47 days away. Atlanta is looking to reach the postseason for the second consecutive season.
The Hawks' average age is down from over 26 to 24 years old, according to SleeperHawks, an online site covering Atlanta Hawks news. Guards Buddy Hield (33) and CJ McCollum (34) are the only players on the roster over the age of 30.
Atlanta Hawks Build Around Jalen Johnson
Atlanta will enter the upcoming season without guard Trae Young. Atlanta traded him to the Washington Wizards in 2026.
The new face of the franchise is forward Jalen Johnson, who is entering his sixth season with the Hawks. Last season, he averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field.
Johnson is a significant piece of the roster's nucleus and will have expectations entering the 2026-27 season. During the offseason, the Hawks developed the roster through the draft, trades, and free agency.
Atlanta drafted guard Kingston Flemings and forward/center Zuby Ejiofor during the 2026 NBA Draft. After selecting Flemings and Ejiofor, the organization extended McCollum on a one-year, $21 million contract and signed center Jock Landale to a one-year, $14 million contract.
The Hawks continued to build the roster by trading for guard Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round picks.
The franchise also acquired guard Devin Carter from the Sacramento Kings to bolster the backcourt. Both Wiggins and Carter are under 30 years old.
Right now, if the season started today, the starting lineup could consist of McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Lu Dort, Dyson Daniels, Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu.
Needless to say, this roster will have more depth at all positions. The second unit could feature Flemings, Corey Kispert, and Wiggins.
Young Hawks Follow Recent NBA Championship Trend
Atlanta finished the 2025-26 season with a 46-36 record, landing sixth in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks lost to the eventual champion New York Knicks in six games in the first round.
Each of the last three NBA champions featured a roster with an average age under 30.
The champion New York Knicks' average roster age last season was 27.23 years. When the Oklahoma City Thunder won the title in 2025, their average age was 25.6 years. The Boston Celtics won the title in 2024 with an average age of 28.2 years.
Atlanta's roster is younger than all three. The challenge will be finding the same balance between young players still developing and veterans capable of helping them win now.
