The Atlanta Hawks are strategically embracing a roster-building philosophy that has proven successful for the last three NBA champions. As the team prepares for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, which begins in just 47 days, they are aiming to secure a playoff berth for the second consecutive year. This approach reflects a broader trend in the league, where a balanced mix of youth and experience has become a hallmark of championship-caliber teams.
One notable change for the Hawks is the reduction of their average player age, which has dropped from over 26 to 24 years. According to SleeperHawks, a site dedicated to Hawks coverage, the only players on the roster exceeding 30 years of age are guards Buddy Hield, who is 33, and CJ McCollum, who is 34. This youthful roster composition aligns with the successful strategies employed by recent title contenders.
Heading into the new season, the Hawks will be without their former star guard Trae Young, who was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2026. This significant move marks a new chapter for the franchise, with forward Jalen Johnson stepping into the spotlight as the new face of the team. Johnson, entering his sixth season with the Hawks, had an impressive 2025-26 campaign, averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field. His performance will be crucial as the team looks to build around him.
This offseason, the Hawks have actively reshaped their roster through various avenues, including the draft, trades, and free agency. They selected guard Kingston Flemings and forward/center Zuby Ejiofor in the 2026 NBA Draft, adding fresh talent to their lineup. Additionally, the team extended McCollum's contract for one year at $21 million and signed center Jock Landale for one year at $14 million, reinforcing their commitment to a competitive roster.
The Hawks also bolstered their backcourt by acquiring guard Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for two second-round picks, as well as guard Devin Carter from the Sacramento Kings. Both Wiggins and Carter are under 30, further contributing to the team's youthful identity.
If the season were to start today, the projected starting lineup could include McCollum, along with either Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Lu Dort, Dyson Daniels, Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. This lineup suggests a depth that could enhance the Hawks' performance across all positions, with the second unit potentially featuring Flemings, Corey Kispert, and Wiggins.
Last season, the Hawks finished with a respectable 46-36 record, securing the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, their playoff run ended in the first round against the eventual champions, the New York Knicks, who defeated them in six games. Notably, each of the last three NBA champions has fielded a roster with an average age under 30, with the Knicks averaging 27.23 years, the Oklahoma City Thunder at 25.6 years, and the Boston Celtics at 28.2 years. The Hawks' current roster is younger than all three, presenting both an opportunity and a challenge to find the right balance between developing talent and seasoned veterans capable of leading the team to victory.
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