Hawks Summer League Provided Early Look at What’s Ahead
Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
This summer, the Atlanta Hawks participated in not one, but two Summer League runs, finishing with a combined 5-3 record. From seasoned “young vets” to the 2026 NBA draftees, the Hawks performance reflected their competitive play and highlighted the abilities and futures of promising young players.
Atlanta started Summer League off in Salt Lake City, marking its first appearance in that eventsince 2018. The Hawks set the tone early in their first game against the Utah Jazz. Despitecoming up short in overtime, the Hawks finished the game with 17 steals, forcing 26 turnovers, netting 30 points off the 26 miscues. Second-year forward Asa Newell showcased his competitive spirit, giving the Hawks extra possessions with 3 rebounds and 1 steal in the first quarter. Newell ended the game by putting up 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, showing confidence and composure throughout the game.
In game two, rookie forward/center Zuby Ejiofor took charge in a win against the Thunder, impressing with his strength and finishing ability, recording a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double in the victory. He grabbed 6 offensive boards, and with his combination of strength, timing, and willingness to battle, the St. John’s product gave the Hawks second chance opportunities to take the 20-point comeback victory.
Alongside Ejiofor, rookie guard Kingston Flemings brought energy and versatility against the Thunder, recording 12 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks. Flemings’s ability to read the offense, create chaos defensively, execute plays, and consistently push the tempo of the game gave the Hawks a stable presence throughout Summer League. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft dished out 14 assists in his 2 games in Salt Lake City, while recording only 2 turnovers.
The Hawks ended their time in Salt Lake City with a 2-1 record, capturing their final win against the Memphis Grizzlies, 96-82, showcasing their defensive performance, steady scoring, and gaining momentum to take into the 2026 NBA Summer League set in Las Vegas.
Coming off back-to-back wins in Salt Lake City, the Hawks delivered a strong opening set of games in Las Vegas, first defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 93-66. Atlanta outscored the Spurs in every quarter, setting the tone early. The Hawks held the lead the entire game, with seven players netting 10-or-more points.
In game two, the Hawks picked up an 83-76 win against the Brooklyn Nets to move 2-0 in the Las Vegas portion of Summer League. Atlanta outscored Brooklyn, 26-16, in the final quarter of action, netting 8 points off 7 Brooklyn turnovers. Ejiofor netted 13 points while shooting 3-6 from the field, a perfect 2-2 from deep and going 3-5 from the line. Zeke Mayo added 11 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals off the bench, while Isaiah Wong put up 10 points shooting 2-2 from deep and 2-2 from the free throw line.
The Hawks won their fifth-straight game (including Salt Lake City Summer League) on Monday, July 15 against the Boston Celtics, 102-90. Kobe Johnson recorded a game-high 30 points, while shooting .611% from the field, .444% from deep, and a perfect 1.000% from the charity stripe in 23 minutes of action. He also added 7 boards, 4 helpers, 2 steals and 1 block. His strong scoring capabilities and defensive pressure gave the Hawks an opening to take an early lead and never look back.
Atlanta’s victory over Boston also highlighted rookie center Henri Veesaar, who delivered a consistent performance, showcasing his size, mobility, and shooting. The 7-0 center put up 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, shooting .583 FG% and .667 3FG% in 23 minutes of play.
Finishing a combined 5-3 over the course of the two summer leagues, the Hawks performance was encouraging and an exciting preview of what’s to come.


