It’s been 115 days since the 2026 NBA Draft, and Atlanta Hawks point guard Kingston Flemings continues to validate the team's eighth-overall selection. At just 19 years old, his work ethic is absolutely insatiable.
He’s already trained with LeBron James and basketball savant Chris Johnson ahead of his rookie season. This experience set him up for an impressive campaign in the preseason.
Flemings overcame adversity with a strong bounce-back
Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Hawks in their preseason opener. They defeated Atlanta 132-123 after the No. 3 overall pick finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
While Boozer had a solid showing, Flemings matched him with 11 points and two assists, but three turnovers quickly overshadowed his impressive playmaking. Although his performance was underwhelming, Kingston bounced back.
The San Antonio native had a magical night against the Spurs, his hometown team. Just 24 hours earlier, William J. Brennan High School retired his jersey, where Flemings graduated from one year ago.
He drew on his friends' and family's positive energy to put on a show for his supporters. Kingston finished the game with 15 points, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals.
His 20-minute display was, without question, his best performance in a Hawks uniform to date. It’s even more impressive that he came off the bench and finished with these numbers. Although he didn’t get many shot opportunities, he prioritized shot selection, going 6-for-8 from the field.
It was as close to a flawless performance as a rookie point guard can have against the recent finalists, and if Kingston is showing this kind of adaptation this early, his development could be rapid in Atlanta's system.
Will Flemings develop into a star?
One thing about the Hawks is undeniable: their ability to develop draft prospects.
Some will read this and scoff after seeing what happened to Zaccharie Risacher’s career following the 2024 NBA Draft.
Two of their starters, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, won the Most Improved Player award back-to-back.
So, the past indicates a bright future for Flemings, and he would be the perfect Robin for Atlanta’s new Batman.
Although Jalen Johnson - Atlanta's franchise centerpiece - isn't a center, he rebounds like one and excels in the pick-and-roll. During the 2024-25 season, Johnson and Trae Young led the Hawks to a 22-19 record before Johnson suffered a season-ending torn labrum.
Fast forward two years, and now it’s Kingston’s turn to set up the soaring Johnson. He's proven to be a reliable playmaker in his short stint, and the rookie looks more comfortable when he has the ball.
He is constantly working on his floater, a vital tool for every point guard in the league today, and he’s adjusting to the increased volume of three-point shooting, a trademark of Quin Snyder’s system.
With just one game left in the preseason, Flemings has proven to have the intangibles of a star at the professional level. He’s an effective defender with great court vision and scoring adaptability.
The 6’4" point guard could become the two-way, pick-and-roll maestro who helps Jalen Johnson become the first Hawk to win Most Valuable Player since the late great Bob Petit.
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