Atlanta spent the offseason trying to patch a frontcourt problem that got exposed against the New York Knicks in the postseason, and Zuby Ejiofor may be one of the quietest answers they found.
The Hawks didn’t chase the biggest name on the market. Instead, they drafted Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar, then brought back backup center Jock Landale, putting together a group that looks built for the 2026-27 season without making a splashy move. The most intriguing piece of that group might be Ejiofor, whose game fits exactly where Atlanta has been vulnerable.
He’s undersized by traditional big-man standards, but his value starts with the thing the Hawks have needed most: rebounding. Ejiofor is a quality rebounder on both the offensive and defensive glass, and that alone could make him a real factor if the early signs hold up.
The idea is simple enough. Atlanta doesn’t want to see a Mitchell Robinson type control the paint against them again. Ejiofor’s defensive versatility has drawn attention, but his ability to battle inside and keep possessions alive may wind up mattering even more.
That edge is tied to effort, and motor is one of those traits that shows up fast. The Hawks clearly prioritized players who can play bigger than their size this offseason, and that approach could give them an edge once the games count.
In the latest summer league action, Ejiofor was tasked with slowing down Oklahoma City’s Aday Mara, the tallest player in his draft cycle at 7'3". Mara had the upper hand early, but Ejiofor wore him down, and the balance on the glass shifted as the game went on.
That kind of response matters because Atlanta’s frontcourt pieces are built to be flexible. There are tradeoffs that come with having bigs who aren’t over seven-feet tall, but there’s also a clear benefit: switchability and adaptability on both ends.
Quin Snyder has long shown he can work with different frontcourt looks, and Ejiofor gives him another option to mold. If the rebounding keeps translating, the rookie could carve out a real role quickly.
A line like 15 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass, stands out in any setting. In summer league, it jumps off the page. For Atlanta, it also points to something more important: a young big who may already be helping solve a problem that got too loud to ignore.
In Other News...
Hawks Suddenly Hold Real Leverage In Growing Jonathan Kuminga Trade Talks
The Jonathan Kuminga sweepstakes have started to get more interesting for Atlanta, even if the Hawks are not yet the obvious landing spot. The Lakers are reportedly exploring a sign-and-trade for the Warriors forward, with Dalton Knecht mentioned as part of the conversation, and Atlanta could wind up involved if the deal turns into a broader three-team framework. For a Hawks front office that has been willing to stay active around the margins, that at least creates the possibility of turning a star-chasing negotiation into something that benefits their own roster-building plans.
Nothing is close to being finalized, and the whole situation still sits in the speculative stage, but the Hawks suddenly have a seat near the center of the table. Lakers executive Rob Pelinka has already been in contact with Kumingas agent, and Los Angeles has enough contracts and draft capital to keep working different angles. If Atlanta is going to facilitate anything, it will need to make sense on its own terms, which is where the real leverage comes in. [Read more 🡒]
Hawks Offseason Winners And Losers Just Sparked A Bigger Debate
Atlantas offseason has already given Onsi Saleh a pretty clear footprint, with the Hawks keeping CJ McCollum, Jock Landale and Mouhamed Gueye in place while also bringing in Aaron Wiggins and Devin Carter and adding Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar in the draft. It is the kind of roster churn that invites instant grading, especially in a market that is always trying to figure out whether the front office is building for now, for later, or a little of both.
Kris Risacher is still on the roster despite the trade chatter that swirled around him, and the new mix around him could end up mattering more than any single move. The bigger question now is whether Atlanta has actually created the kind of environment that helps him settle in and grow, or whether the Hawks are still one unresolved roster decision away from changing the whole conversation again. [Read more 🡒]
Hawks May Be Watching One Last Impact Move Slip Away
The Hawks have been linked to Trey Murphy III as they continue searching for ways to add another impact piece around their core, but the path to getting him looks increasingly narrow. New Orleans has every reason to value a versatile wing like Murphy, and Atlantas interest has run into the kind of trade market reality that usually slows these conversations before they get serious.
Murphys price tag is part of the problem, and the Pelicans front office is also operating with an eye on future assets and flexibility. If New Orleans keeps leaning in that direction, Atlanta may simply have to move on and look for a more realistic upgrade elsewhere, even if Murphy had been the type of swing worth monitoring. [Read more 🡒]