In Atlanta's preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies, rookie Kingston Flemings got the start at point guard.
Of course, it's not like he won the starting job entering his first NBA season. CJ McCollum - Atlanta's veteran they re-signed near the beginning of the offseason - was ruled out with an injury shortly before tip-off. Flemings was next in line.
Drafted eighth-overall, he has the privilege of being the first and only guy behind the veteran in the rotation. He has to play nightly. It's not the same situation for Zuby Ejiofor.
Even in a preseason game, despite being a first-round pick, Ejiofor didn't see any action until the tail end. While any game before the regular season can be deceiving, something as small as an end-of-rotation decision between two players can hold some weight heading into the year.
It wasn't expected for Ejiofor to be among the nine-man group - but an earlier appearance was
Would’ve assumed we’d see Zuby by now
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) October 6, 2026
McCollum and Lu Dort - two players expected to command significant minutes in the regular rotation - missed this one.
Naturally, it would've made sense to go with Ejiofor off the bench, at some point in the first half. But that wasn't the case.
The Hawks ran a nine-man rotation in the first half. The four guys who came off the bench were Aaron Wiggins, Jock Landale, Corey Kispert and Asa Newell.
Keshon Gilbert - Atlanta's two-way guard - started in the second half. Still no Zuby.
The first appearance in the game for Ejiofor came with just five minutes to go in the third quarter. He played nearly the rest of the way, but it's clear his minutes are no priority for Atlanta in the immediate.
With Newell and Gilbert seeing some action before him, it's safe to say the Hawks' staff is confident in what they've seen from their guys more familiar.
Newell and Ejiofor each present unique attacks
While Ejiofor is mostly a five, the most natural competition for him on the roster is Newell. Both can play either frontcourt position, and both have underrated handles.
Having two frontcourt options capable of driving to the basket themselves, as well as knocking down shots from beyond, puts Atlanta in a quality position.
For now, though, it's clear the staff has more confidence in Newell, and it makes sense.
Don't rule out Ejiofor making the competition a little tighter as the season progresses, though. Every team could use a player with a motor like his.
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