Asa Newell is heading into his second NBA season with a simple priority: fit in, defend, and help the Hawks win. The former University of Georgia standout says the personal goals matter less than what Atlanta is trying to build.
“It’s important to be a unit as a team, and to all just to have the same mindset,” Newell said. “And my mindset is, I’m gonna do whatever it takes to help compete, to help the guys win, whatever role I have and the opportunities that I get.
“So I just want to take advantage and just stay ready for the opportunities that I get. ”
Newell spent significant time in the G League as a rookie last season, then used the offseason to get himself ready for another training camp. His teammates have noticed the energy he brings, and Newell believes he’s taken a step defensively.
“I feel like my defense has definitely picked it up a notch,” he said. “You know, guarding Jalen (Johnson) in practice, he’s coming off DHOs (dribble handoffs).
He’s coming off screens. He’s doing whatever.
So, when I’m guarding the best player on the floor, I feel like I can also learn from him.
“And there was a time where he beat me on a drive, and I was like, ‘Hey, what did you see on here?’ And he was just giving me feedback. ”
Aaron Wiggins, brought in via offseason trade, is also trying to settle into Atlanta’s rotation picture. The 27-year-old wing said he can feel the organization’s “hunger” after last season’s first-round playoff exit, and he expects steady minutes even if his exact role is still taking shape.
“I expect there to be just more of an opportunity for me, consistently,” Wiggins said. “But in the same sense, things will carve out themselves, and you’ll see, just amongst the team, roles kind of fill out. So, guys (will) understand each other’s play style and are continuing to learn each other, and you’ll start to see the camaraderie and chemistry on the court.”
Williams noted that Wiggins has brought the same team-first mindset that’s showing up elsewhere in camp.
The Hawks’ 2026 first-round picks, Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor, have also come away encouraged after their first taste of training camp. Ejiofor called the competition a positive sign.
“It was great competition from everybody,” Ejiofor said. “So, as far as rookie training camp goes, I have a lot to be excited about this upcoming season. And yeah, guys were really competitive, and that’s something you want out of training camp.”
Atlanta chose to hold camp at Vanderbilt University in Nashville with chemistry in mind, and Quin Snyder said the setup has already served that purpose.
“Well, first, we’re really grateful to (Vanderbilt coach) Mark (Byington) and his staff for having us here,” Snyder said. “It’s a great setup anytime you have a facility that allows you to work.
So, I think being away for our guys -particularly because we’ve been in (Atlanta) for a few weeks, guys came back for OTAs (optional team activities) - it’s a good opportunity. … Just being around each other is the biggest thing.
Guys, they’ll go out to eat, we’ll schedule some stuff and then leave them alone at times, and it’s good for them to have time together as well.”
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Still, the conversation around Okongwu never fully seems to stop at production. Some fans remain unconvinced he can be the kind of center a contender leans on deep in the postseason, and that skepticism has kept his name in the trade-rumor orbit. He is entering his seventh season, and with another contract milestone ahead, the Hawks may soon have to answer a question they can no longer avoid. [Read more 🡒]