The Atlanta Hawks - despite their clear strengths - are an imperfect squad. So is every other team in the NBA.
While the players get the most criticism for any underwhelming performances, it's a team sport. A lone player can't be blamed for shortcomings. It's the same with coaches and the decisions they make. Not every choice made over the course of a 48-minute game will be a correct one.
That said, it's difficult to justify several-minute stretches not involving the utilization of Atlanta's best ability as a group. The Hawks have many players capable of running an offense, and yet, they're reluctant to use them as much as they should. This is a problem they can fix, and probably should. Quickly.
Johnson, Daniels and Flemings - one should always be on the floor
Jalen Johnson's breakout 2025-26 campaign resulted in the Hawks making their first non-Play-In Tournament postseason appearance in years.
They often depended on his strong ability to generate offense as a forward. While his scoring ability in the halfcourt isn't exactly where it needs to be, Johnson certainly hasn't lost the ability to facilitate for others. There's a reason he's leading the team - and nearly the entire league - in assists per game.
When Johnson is off, Dyson Daniels should be on the court. Kingston Flemings works, as well.
After Johnson, Atlanta's two best playmakers are Daniels and Flemings, without a doubt. Daniels, last season, averaged a career-high 5.9 assists per game. He's just under that number this year. Flemings, through 11 games in his rookie season, is averaging 4.4 in just 21.8 minutes per game.
The thing is, though, in Atlanta's recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the staff decided to keep all three on the bench for an extended period of time.
I just don't see any reason to not have ONE of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Kingston Flemings on the court at all times
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) November 10, 2026
Unsurprisingly, when all three went to the bench, the offense was dreadful
Hawks down nine after one
With all three off, the results weren't the least bit surprising
Atlanta got off to an impressive start against Los Angeles.
Before they eventually went down 20 points, they held a lead early. The offense was flowing at a nice rate. The Hawks were having no problem scoring on a solid Lakers defense.
When Johnson, Daniels and Flemings all hit the bench, midway through the first quarter, Atlanta's offense stalled dramatically.
Suddenly, they found themselves down nine entering the next frame, and by the time they regained true momentum, it was too late.
The Lakers are a great team, but the Hawks could've walked away with a standout victory if they leaned on their playmakers more.
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