The Atlanta Hawks opened preseason with a 123-132 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, but the final score mattered far less than evaluating how individual players performed. One of the most encouraging developments came from Kingston Flemings and the defensive intensity he immediately brought to the floor.
Flemings entered the NBA with a reputation as a capable on-ball defender, but seeing those qualities translate against NBA competition was important. He consistently pressured ball handlers, picked opponents up full court and used his speed to stay attached rather than allowing easy penetration.
That could become Flemings' clearest pathway toward earning more minutes than initially expected.
Defense could make Kingston Flemings difficult to keep off the floor
Flemings doesn't need to immediately become a polished NBA scorer to help Atlanta. The Hawks already have established offensive options, meaning Snyder can allow his rookie point guard to develop without requiring him to carry significant scoring responsibilities.
Defense offers Flemings another way to make himself valuable. One possession against veteran guard Ty Jerome provided a perfect example, as Flemings' pressure helped force a turnover and showed that he isn't intimidated by defending more experienced players.
That type of effort matters in Snyder's system. Atlanta spent the offseason emphasizing physicality and defense, so a rookie willing to pressure opponents for the length of the floor naturally fits the identity the Hawks want to establish.
Asked Quin what he saw from Kingston tonight:
— Malik Brown (@_MalikATL) October 6, 2026
“He competed. Saw some really good things. Spaced, knock down shots, picked up and played defense. Found some people passing the ball when he got an advantage, and then there's other things that a 19-year-old rookie, you expect to…
Flemings also has the benefit of learning alongside some of the NBA's best perimeter defenders. Spending time around Dyson Daniels and Lu Dort gives him experienced examples of how preparation, positioning and relentless effort can turn defense into a legitimate weapon.
The physical tools were already there. Now Flemings has an environment capable of helping him maximize them.
Quin Snyder could reward Flemings before his offense fully develops
Flemings won't turn 20 years old until January 3, so Atlanta shouldn't expect a finished product during his rookie season. There will inevitably be mistakes as he adjusts to the speed, physicality and decision-making required at the NBA level.
But young players can earn a coach's trust by consistently doing things that don't require touches. Flemings can defend, apply pressure and create energy without Atlanta designing a single offensive possession around him.
That's especially valuable on a roster with championship aspirations. Snyder won't have unlimited minutes available for developmental purposes, meaning Flemings must provide something that directly contributes to winning if he wants a consistent role.
His defense could be exactly that.
One preseason performance shouldn't completely change expectations for his rookie year. However, it offered an early glimpse of why Atlanta was so intrigued by Flemings and why his development could move faster than anticipated.
The scoring, playmaking and overall offensive consistency can develop with experience. If Flemings continues defending with the same intensity he showed against Memphis, he won't have to wait for his entire game to mature before making an impact.
For Flemings, defense may not simply be another strength. It could be the skill that gets him on the floor.
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