Hawks 2026-27 Season Preview

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Atlanta Hawks offseason recap, early 2026-27 season preview

The big question: Can Johnson take the next step and win a playoff series?

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Johnson averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists last season when Atlanta pivoted from Young and handed over the keys to the franchise to the versatile 6-8 forward. Johnson made the All-Star team and helped Atlanta become the only team to take two games off the eventual champion Knicks. But they also blew a 2-1 lead by losing three straight, including suffering an embarrassing 140-89 loss in Game 6 to New York. That should have left a lasting bitter taste for the Hawks all offseason and motivate Johnson to show he can take another step forward and lead the Hawks to a playoff series victory as their main star.

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Hawks Biggest X factor -- C Onyeka Okongwu



The Hawks are bursting with perimeter depth after trading for Dort and Wiggins, drafting Flemings and re-signing McCollum to a one-year deal. But Jock Landale -- a fine backup but not remotely a quality NBA starter -- provides the only depth at center, which means the starter, Okongwu, has a great deal of responsibility resting on his shoulders.

Okongwu developed into a capable stretch big last season, making 38% of his 5.2 3-point attempts per game. But he still needs to gain more scoring efficiency overall, as well as serve as a strong backline defender behind Dort, Dyson Daniels and the rest of Atlanta's perimeter stoppers.