Asa Newell didn’t just show up in Atlanta’s first look at the 2026-2027 season - he owned the glass.
In 22 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies, the rookie piled up 12 points and 12 rebounds, with five of those boards coming on the offensive end. It was the kind of night that looked a lot like the version of Newell Georgia fans remember from two years ago: active, physical, and constantly around the ball.
That effort could matter a lot more than a strong preseason box score. Newell didn’t have a big role as a rookie, but there’s clearly room for him to push his way into the Hawks’ frontcourt mix this season if he keeps bringing the same nonstop energy under Coach Snyder.
That motor is already turning heads inside the locker room. Corey Kispert said he was stunned when he saw Newell’s rebounding total after the game.
Newell, who turned 21 today, was asked about the five offensive rebounds and answered, “It's a trait that I've had since high school … I get it from my brother. We call it motor.”
Kispert then looked at the stat sheet and let out a “Damn.”
At 6'10 with a 36.5" vertical, Newell has the physical tools to make that kind of hustle count. The question is whether he can turn that activity into a regular spot in Quin Snyder’s rotation.
The path is there, mostly because Atlanta’s frontcourt isn’t exactly locked down behind Onyeka Okongwu. Jalen Johnson can slide to the 3, which leaves room for another big to claim minutes. Jock Landale is expected to get a chunk of backup center work early on, but his shooting is his main selling point, and his lack of athleticism and mobility could open the door for Newell sooner than later.
Mouhamed Gueye would be a tougher obstacle, thanks to his defensive metrics and huge wingspan, but he’s out at least until the new year with a broken foot. That gives Newell time to make his case. Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar are also in the mix, though both are rookies facing a steeper climb to minutes than Newell.
For now, the message is simple: if Newell keeps attacking the boards like he did against Memphis, Snyder may not have much choice but to keep finding him minutes. If the preseason keeps going this way, the Hawks could wind up with a very real 6'9+ frontcourt look featuring Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu, with Newell pressing hard for a larger role behind them.
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For Atlanta, the intrigue is obvious. The Hawks have spent plenty of time hunting for a true difference-maker to reshape the roster, and next summer could present a rare chance if Towns reaches free agency and the finances line up. There is still a long way to go before that becomes a real pursuit, but it is exactly the kind of scenario that can change the market for a team looking to accelerate its timeline. [Read more 🡒]
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Hawks Suddenly Have A New Playoff Angle Against The Sixers
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Embiid still changes everything for Philadelphia when he is healthy, but the margin for error behind him keeps getting thinner, and that matters in a postseason series where every matchup gets squeezed. The Hawks have their own frontcourt questions to answer, too, which is why internal development there remains so important if they want to turn this into a real advantage. If Atlanta can keep building up that area of the roster, the Sixers may find themselves a little more vulnerable than they expected in a head-to-head matchup. [Read more 🡒]