The Atlanta Hawks have turned a significant corner-and it’s not just about wins and losses. Integrating CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert midseason was never going to be seamless, but early returns suggest the Hawks may have found something even more valuable than star power: fit.
Let’s be clear-trading a 27-year-old, four-time All-Star like Trae Young is a move that raises eyebrows. But what we’re seeing now is a team that’s starting to look more cohesive, more fluid, and frankly, more fun.
The Hawks didn’t just shake up their roster-they reshaped their identity. And so far, the results are speaking for themselves.
CJ McCollum: The Steadying Presence Atlanta Needed
McCollum’s arrival has brought more than just veteran scoring. He’s become a blueprint for the kind of guard the Hawks need in this next phase.
He doesn’t dominate the ball, but he doesn’t disappear either. His ability to toggle between on-ball and off-ball roles has unlocked a more democratic offense-one where the ball moves, multiple players get touches, and defenses can’t just key in on one guy.
In his first stretch with the Hawks, McCollum hasn’t needed to jack up shots to make an impact. He’s averaging 18.0 points per game, but he’s only eclipsed 15 shot attempts once. That kind of efficiency and self-awareness is gold for a team trying to build a system that doesn’t revolve around a single star.
Take the 124-122 road win over Memphis, for example. McCollum dropped 15 points and dished out six assists in just 26 minutes-a snapshot of his ability to produce without hijacking possessions.
And in the two games that followed, he scored at least 21 points in each, again on just 15 shots. He’s giving the Hawks exactly what they need: a scoring threat who doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be effective.
Corey Kispert: The Seamless Fit on the Wing
Then there’s Kispert, a player long admired for his shooting and versatility. He’s not flashy, but he’s exactly the kind of wing who thrives in a modern, movement-heavy offense.
At 6'7", with a quick release and a high basketball IQ, Kispert knows how to space the floor and play off others. He doesn’t need plays run for him to make an impact-and that’s exactly the kind of complementary piece Atlanta needed.
Plug-and-play is often a cliché, but in Kispert’s case, it’s accurate. His ability to slide into different lineups and contribute without disrupting flow has made him a quiet but crucial part of this transition.
A More Balanced, Free-Flowing Hawks Offense
Since McCollum and Kispert joined the rotation, the Hawks have started to look like a different team. After dropping four straight, they’ve bounced back with three consecutive wins. But it’s not just the wins-it’s how they’re winning.
The offense is humming. In their first eight games with the new additions, four Hawks are averaging at least 12.6 shot attempts per game, with a fifth, Dyson Daniels, not far behind at 9.9.
That’s balance. That’s ball movement.
That’s a team playing together.
And the numbers back it up. With McCollum on the floor, Atlanta is posting an offensive rating of 114.8 and a net rating of +7.7. Those are elite-level metrics, and they reflect just how well this new approach is working.
During that same eight-game stretch, the Hawks rank third in assist points created, fourth in assists, and 11th in passes made per game. That’s a massive shift from the iso-heavy style that defined the Trae Young era. The ball is moving, players are cutting, and defenses are being stretched thin.
Looking Ahead: A New Identity Taking Shape
This isn’t about diminishing what Trae Young brought to Atlanta. He was electric, a highlight machine, and the engine of the offense for years.
But sometimes, a team needs to evolve. And the Hawks’ front office recognized that this group needed a different kind of chemistry to unlock its full potential.
McCollum brings poise, shot selection, and leadership. Kispert brings spacing, size, and system fit. Together, they’ve helped reshape the Hawks into a team that shares the ball, trusts the system, and plays with a rhythm that’s hard to defend.
As the season rolls on, don’t be surprised if Atlanta becomes one of the more intriguing teams in the East-not because of a singular superstar, but because of how well this roster fits together. The Hawks bet on cohesion over flash, and early signs suggest it was the right call.