Atlanta Hawks’ Biggest Long-Term Question Is Still Unanswered

The Atlanta Hawks are one of the deepest teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference, but after Jalen Johnson, they're light on star power.

Do they have their second option of the future?

It's easy to identify their current number two. That would be CJ McCollum. There were even times in the 2025-26 NBA playoffs where he looked like the top guy. McCollum averaged 19.2 points per game in six games against the eventual champion New York Knicks. That was just 0.3 less than Johnson's 19.5 per contest.

That's great, but Atlanta's next-leading postseason scorer was guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker at just 13.7 points per game, tied with Jonathan Kuminga.

Can he step into the Hawks' number two guy role?

It feels unlikely.

When the Hawks acquired Alexander-Walker, he was largely viewed as a 3-and-D. When he demonstrated his ability to create his own shot, it was a pleasant surprise. Still, it remains more of an ancillary skill for Alexander-Walker than a featured one.

This year, McCollum is likely to remain the team's second option, but he's 34. This is not a long-term solution.

Is there anyone else on this roster who can assume that role in time?

Again: It feels unlikely.

Kingston Flemings may be the best candidate, but scoring looks like it could be an issue for him in the NBA. He'll surely improve, but long-term, he projects as more of a game-managing point guard who suppresses turnovers and plays excellent defense. That's a valuable player, but it's not a number two guy.

Dyson Daniels is more known for his defense. Jonathan Kuminga is no longer on the roster. So, this problem is likely to persist for a while.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to solve it.

The Hawks have a good chance to land (another) lottery pick via the New Orleans Pelicans this summer. They could find Johnson's co-star that way. Moreover, they have the assets to go get that guy via the trade market if they prefer that route.

If nothing else, they should know what they're looking for. Johnson is less of an alpha scorer and more of a point forward. Someone who specializes in scoring in the halfcourt, even if they're a limited playmaker, should be a top priority for this team moving forward. Once they find that guy, this team has no ceiling.

They're already one of the league's deepest squads.