Hawks Holiday Report: Who’s Thriving, Who’s Struggling, and Who’s Getting Coal
It’s Christmas Day, and while the NBA is center stage with marquee matchups, it’s also a good time to take stock of where teams stand - and for the Atlanta Hawks, there’s plenty to unwrap. With a roster full of developing talent, surprising leaps, and a few frustrating setbacks, this season has already delivered its fair share of both joy and lumps of coal.
Let’s break down who’s made the “nice list” so far - and who might find themselves on the wrong end of Santa’s scouting report.
🎁 Nice List: Players Bringing the Holiday Cheer
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: A Gift That Keeps on Giving
The Hawks brought in Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a four-year deal using the mid-level exception - a move that flew under the radar at the time. But so far, it’s looking like one of the best decisions of the offseason.
After years of bouncing between benches and spot minutes, NAW has stepped into a starting role and delivered. In 24 starts, he’s providing a career-high 20.3 points per game on an efficient 59% true shooting, all while logging over 32 minutes a night. He’s taken on more offensive responsibility in the absence of Trae Young and hasn’t flinched.
But it’s not just the scoring. Alexander-Walker’s defensive effort has been relentless.
He’s often drawing the toughest perimeter assignments, especially when Dyson Daniels is unavailable. His two-way impact has given Atlanta a much-needed edge.
In a season where several acquisitions haven’t panned out, NAW has been a bright spot - a player who’s not just earning his contract, but exceeding it.
Vit Krejci: From Two-Way to Two-Way Threat
Krejci’s transformation is one of the more remarkable arcs in recent Hawks memory. What started as a developmental flyer has become a legitimate rotation piece - and one who’s now closing games.
Early in his Atlanta stint, Krejci looked hesitant. He passed up open shots, struggled on defense, and often stalled the offense. But after a stint in College Park with the Hawks’ G League affiliate, he returned with a new mindset - and a much quicker trigger.
He’s now shooting a blistering 48% from three on 5.6 attempts per game this season. That’s not a typo.
Over the last three seasons, he’s quietly become a 45% shooter from deep, and his confidence has completely changed how defenses guard Atlanta’s second unit. Add in improved defensive positioning and awareness, and Krejci has gone from fringe roster guy to a key piece.
Santa’s got him firmly in the “nice” column.
Asa Newell: Stretching the Floor and Expectations
Asa Newell’s shooting development has been one of the more unexpected gifts this season. Known more as a slasher and rim-runner during his college days at Georgia, Newell’s outside shot has taken a massive leap forward.
In limited minutes - just 215 so far - he’s already knocked down 18 of 35 threes, good for 52%. That’s a massive improvement from his 29% clip in college, and it’s changed the geometry of the floor when he’s out there. Whether this hot streak holds is still up for debate, but for now, Newell’s range is giving the Hawks a new wrinkle on offense.
Jalen Johnson: Offensive Star Turn
Johnson’s offensive explosion has been nothing short of elite. He’s averaging 23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game on 62% true shooting - numbers that put him in rare company. Only Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Wilt Chamberlain, and Oscar Robertson have ever averaged 23/10/8 across a full season.
That’s not just All-Star level production - that’s franchise cornerstone stuff.
With Trae Young sidelined for a big chunk of the season, Johnson has stepped into the lead role and embraced it. He’s initiating offense, creating for others, and finishing with authority.
His usage rate is the highest of his career, and he’s handling it with poise. If the Hawks were winning more games, he’d be in the national spotlight already.
Even so, his play has kept Atlanta afloat - and given the team a glimpse of what a post-Trae future could look like.
❄️ Naughty List: Coal in the Stocking
Luke Kennard: Cold Hands, Cold Shot
The Hawks took a low-risk swing on Luke Kennard this offseason, signing him to a one-year, $11 million deal. The logic was sound - stretch the floor, add a veteran shooter, and maybe flip him at the deadline if things didn’t work out.
Well, they haven’t.
Kennard’s offensive passivity has been hard to miss. He’s taking just 7.1 threes per 100 possessions - his lowest mark since his rookie year - and he often looks like he’s trying to get rid of the ball as soon as he touches it. That’s not what you want from a guy whose primary value is floor spacing.
And since he’s not offering much on the defensive end, his role has shrunk. If he’s not shooting - or even threatening to shoot - he’s not helping. There’s still time for a turnaround, but for now, this signing hasn’t paid off.
Zaccharie Risacher and Mouhamed Gueye: Minute Management Mystery
It’s hard to figure out what’s going on with the minute restrictions for Risacher and Gueye.
Risacher has had his ups and downs, sure. But he’s also shown flashes of high-level defense and positional versatility.
The team is +4.7 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor, and yet he’s consistently being pulled late in games. If the Hawks are committed to his development, it’s time to let him close and learn through experience.
Tuesday’s controversial foul call aside, he’s earned more trust.
Gueye’s situation is even more puzzling. With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined, the Hawks are desperate for rim protection.
Gueye’s averaging 2.0 blocks per 100 possessions and altering countless others, and his on-off splits are nearly identical to Risacher’s (+4.6). His offensive game is still raw, but pairing him with a high-usage creator like Johnson or Young makes that less of an issue.
His defensive presence alone should be enough to warrant more than 20 minutes a night.
Jalen Johnson’s Defense: Still a Work in Progress
While Johnson’s offense has exploded, his defense has taken a noticeable step back. The Hawks are allowing 118 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor, compared to 114 when he’s off - a concerning swing for a player who was once seen as a defensive anchor.
There’s been a drop in activity and awareness, especially off the ball. Whether it’s fatigue from his expanded offensive role or something else, the defensive intensity just isn’t there right now.
If the Hawks want to make a push back toward contention, Johnson’s two-way play has to return. With Young back in the mix, that balance might be easier to find.
Injuries and Illnesses: The Grinch Strikes Again
As always, the injury bug hasn’t spared Atlanta.
Trae Young has missed 23 games and counting. Kristaps Porzingis is up to 19 missed games. And the depth has taken a major hit with season-ending injuries to Jacob Toppin, Eli N'Diaye, and N’Faly Dante - two of them due to labrum tears, the same injury that cut short seasons for Jalen Johnson and Kobe Bufkin last year.
It’s been a brutal stretch of bad luck, and it’s made it difficult for the Hawks to find any rhythm. With so many key pieces in and out of the lineup, consistency has been elusive.
🎄 Final Thought: A Season Still in the Balance
The Hawks have had their share of highs and lows this season, but the story isn’t fully written. Johnson’s breakout, NAW’s emergence, and Krejci’s rise are all reasons for optimism. But the rotation decisions, defensive struggles, and injury setbacks are real hurdles.
As the calendar flips to the new year, the Hawks need to lean into what’s working - and give their young talent room to grow. There’s still time to turn things around, but it’s going to take more than just a wish list.
Santa’s made his call. Now it’s up to the Hawks to respond.