Hawks’ Guards Lead Position Grades After 12 Games

Atlanta has played more games than any other NBA team this season and will have time to rest after a demanding stretch of three games in four days. The Hawks return to NBA Cup play Friday against the Chicago Bulls, carrying a four-game winning streak into the break alongside concerns about defensive lapses and inconsistent shooting.

The guards earned a B, led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is averaging a team-best 21.9 points and shooting 37.3% from three. Aaron Wiggins has provided strong play off the bench, while rookie Kingston Flemings has become the starting point guard. CJ McCollum, averaging 13.6 points, has moved to the bench and struggled with efficiency and defense.

The forwards also received a B. Dyson Daniels has been a major contributor on both ends, despite difficulty shooting from three. Jalen Johnson has averaged 19.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists, but has missed three games and shot 20.5% from beyond the arc. Lu Dort’s three-point shooting and overall offensive play have been concerns, while Corey Kispert has appeared in only six games. Asa Newell has also been limited, and Mouhamed Gueye and Jalen Wilson have yet to play.

Centers received a C-plus, reflecting both Onyeka Okongwu’s slow start from three and limited depth. Okongwu is averaging 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds, and Atlanta has been 34 points better in plus-minus with him on the court. Daniel Theis Landale has struggled in his minutes, while rookie Zuby Ejiofor has shown promise. The assessment suggests coach Quin Snyder consider giving Ejiofor more playing time.