The Atlanta Hawks' opening night for the 2026-27 NBA campaign sits just over one month away. Training camp begins in less than two weeks as players report for Media Day on Sept. 28. Even though the season is just around the corner, the franchise still has pressing questions to answer before it takes on the Orlando Magic on Oct. 21.
Hawks must make one more roster move before the season starts
Atlanta has had an overcrowded roster for most of the summer, carrying 17 players for 15 available spots. The Hawks waived Devin Carter on Sept. 11 to cut that number down to 16, but Onsi Saleh and the front office still have to make at least one more cut or a consolidation trade before the campaign begins.
Several players pop out as candidates to be off the roster in the coming weeks. Atlanta fully guaranteed Buddy Hield's $9.7 million deal in June. The Hawks could use his contract, along with another fringe rotation player, to match salaries and bring in an impact player to fill the small forward void. This move would provide additional depth and bring the roster to 15 players.
Atlanta could also bite the bullet and waive Hield, although the process would not look great after guaranteeing his contract.
Mouhamed Gueye's injury and $2.4 million non-guaranteed contract make him an unfortunate cut candidate, even though he provides great defensive forward depth. While Corey Kipsert may find himself outside the rotation, his near $14.0 million contract makes it hard to trade or waive him.
If Atlanta is confident in Kingston Flemings after preseason, it could release Ryan Nembhard, but the playmaking point guard room becomes dangerously thin if he or Dyson Daniels gets hurt.
Kingson Flemings and Ryan Nembhard set for friendly competition during preseason
The Hawks have had inconsistent backup point guard play for years. However, that might change in 2026-27 with Nembhard and Flemings. They make smart passing reads in the pick-and-roll, have the speed to blow by their matchup, and avoid too many costly turnovers. It looks like both guards will compete during camp for backup point guard minutes this season.
Atlanta took Flemings with the No. 8 pick in this year's draft, and he demonstrated his playmaking prowess throughout Summer League.
He has a much higher ceiling than the 23-year-old Nembhard when combining the 19-year-old's defensive upside and age. Rookie point guards often struggle to adjust to the speed of the NBA game, resulting in turnovers. However, Flemings enters the league with this already among the strongest parts of his game.
Nembhard played 60 games with 27 starts in his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 5.3 assists to just 1.4 turnovers and even dished out 23 dimes in last season's finale. Nembhard clearly proved he can handle the playmaking duties as a lead ball handler, despite his 5-foot-11 frame.
The Hawks' coaching staff and front office must decide whether they want to give Flemings the experience for his development or go with the safer, more reliable option in Nembhard. Quin Snyder likely gives both players a chance to earn regular-season minutes during preseason competition.
Hawks fans will want to pay close attention to the preseason offense when Nembhard or Flemings operates as the lead ball handler.
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