The Atlanta Hawks are 32-31.
While being just over .500 this deep into the season wasn't what many fans had originally hoped for, there's no use in dwelling on prior expectations. The Hawks can only focus on finishing the year strong, and they're well on pace to do just that.
As the team enjoyed the second day of their two-day rest, while preparing for their road matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, the front office made a move. General Manager Onsi Saleh never rests. This one wasn't a major signing, but it signals something clear.
On Tuesday morning, NBA Insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the Hawks had agreed to terms with Keshon Gilbert on a two-way contract. Gilbert, a 22-year-old 6'4" guard, spent time with both the Washington Wizards and their G League affiliate this season, where he consistently impressed.
The Atlanta Hawks are signing Keshon Gilbert to a two-way contract, according to league sources. Gilbert, repped by veteran agent Bill Neff, was with the Capital City Go-Go, and spent time with the Washington Wizards earlier this season.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) March 3, 2026
Signing a player to a two-way contract isn't something that shifts the landscape of a season, but it confirms something that that many fans had long-hoped for. The Hawks are ready. Regardless of how far analysts believe the team can go this year, with the roster now finalized, the only thing they need to focus on now is winning.
It's always been the focus, of course, but knowing a new player could join the roster at any moment leaves a level uncertainty in the locker room. That's no longer the case, as the full 18-man roster is now complete. At least for the remainder of the season.
Most importantly, disregarding outside movement, the Hawks are truly beginning to gel. Before newcomer Jonathan Kuminga became healthy and was inserted into the lineup, the team was slowly developing all the right habits.
The electric young forward has taken this team to new heights.
Just four games into the Kuminga era, however, they've reached a whole new level. It's worth noting that their five-game winning streak has been built against much inferior opponents, but every win matters in today's NBA. The margin for error decreases every year, and the Hawks are aware of that.
How they match up in the postseason isn't relevant as of now, considering they've still got to take care of business in order to even get there. Luckily for them, the most difficult part of their schedule is out of the way.
It's being seen now, and if the Hawks continue to take advantage of this weaker late-season schedule, they'll perfectly align themselves within the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
The roster is finalized. Time to bring back some of that 2021 magic.