It seems every year, there's a player on the Hawks' roster who shocks the world, taking their game up a significant level from the season prior.
In 2024-25, it was Dyson Daniels. The 2025-26 season saw Nickeil Alexander-Walker having one of the craziest statistical jumps in league history. It wouldn't be realistic to expect a franchise to roster a Most Improved Player candidate every year, but that doesn't mean they won't keep seeing a steady rise from their promising young weapons.
If everything goes according to plan, Asa Newell - the Hawks' 2025 first-round pick who couldn't find a consistent role in his rookie campaign - should be in the nightly rotation. If there was ever a time for him to carve out a permanent spot in Atlanta's core, it's now.
Newell should have rotation priority - even in a crowded forward room
Atlanta was more than fine with letting Jonathan Kuminga - their previous midseason pickup who provided a real bench spark during their unexpected playoff push - because of who they had ready to shine under him.
Newell's rotation priority was limited last season, and a lot of it had to do with the addition of Kuminga, as well as the presence of Mo Gueye. Gueye, 23, suffered an untimely injury this summer and won't be healthy to begin the season, if he's even still on the roster.
With those two out of his way, Newell has a perfect opportunity to build off of what he displayed in limited minutes last season.
There are legitimate outside shooting question marks with many of Atlanta's second-unit players. With Kingston Flemings and Lu Dort - two opening night playing-time guarantees - not being sure-things from beyond, Newell's three-point efficiency could provide them a breath of fresh air in specific lineup combinations.
Those around the league are starting to consider Newell as a breakout candidate, as well
In a recent article from Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, Newell receives his well-deserved recognition as Atlanta's top breakout candidate:
"The 23rd overall pick in 2025, Asa Newell showed flashes as a rookie yet never truly played a consistent role for an Atlanta Hawks team that was shifting identities. Now in his second year and with a clear vision in place, there should be a dedicated rotation spot for the 6'10" forward."
Swartz noted what Hawks fans know better than anyone, noting that Newell could soon become "Jalen Johnson's primary backup, even as the Hawks added some rookies to the frontcourt."
Only time will tell if Asa Newell truly gets the nightly run he deserves, but if he does, seeing him make an instant impact would come as no surprise.
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