Four games into preseason action, with just one remaining before the regular season takes shape, Hawks fans have gotten a real glimpse at what rookie guard Kingston Flemings could provide to the squad in his first NBA season.
It isn't just the fans who've become familiar with how he operates - the team has, as well. When someone who was the focal point of their collegiate team enters the league with less immediate responsibility, the transition can be rocky.
However, if the way Flemings carries himself is any indicator, and the way his teammates speak about him is truthful, the potential he has to sway the outcome of games in his rookie season becomes clear.
If preseason has showed fans anything, it's that Flemings is well worth the hype
For much of the last NCAA season, Flemings was a consensus top five selection.
He was often mocked to land just behind the big-four of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. Atlanta was able to steal him with the eighth-overall pick after combine measurements affected his stock.
Two things that can't be measured, however, are heart and maturity. It's a plus if they have a comfortable feel of the court right out of the gates. Flemings carries it all.
After Atlanta's most recent home preseason victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, veteran center Jock Landale noted that Flemings is doing a "great job at directing the group."
Jock Landale:
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) October 13, 2026
"Kingston's doing a great job at directing the group."
A 19-year-old is excelling at leading a talented team of many ages, despite being the youngest of the bunch.
For many, his confidence and relentlessness have come as a pleasant surprise, but for those who've kept up with his career since the beginning of his freshman season with the Houston Cougars, they saw this coming.
The transition from collegiate to NBA play can break those who don't have the right mentality. Luckily for the Hawks, it seems their rookie does.
Landale's cosign is important, considering Flemings will be leading the unit he's featured in
While the long-term plan is, of course, to make Flemings the franchise point guard, he'll begin his rookie campaign off the bench.
Landale is the first center behind Onyeka Okongwu. He and Flemings will undoubtedly share the floor often, and their early chemistry is a great sign for what's to come.
It's incredible to see just how well Flemings is already fitting in with this group, and if he continues making his presence felt both on and off the court, he'll enter the starting lineup in no time.
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