The Atlanta Hawks selected Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor with the No. 8 and 23 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Atlanta addressed its urgent need for a long-term playmaking, downhill slasher next to Jalen Johnson with the former University of Houston guard. It also added a physical, strong big man in Ejiofor to bolster the frontcourt depth.
These prospects have their individual strengths and weaknesses. However, both Flemings and Ejiofor's skill sets project as great matches with the Hawks wanting to run their opponents off the floor.
Kingston Flemings adds creation in the halfcourt and fullcourt
It is no secret that Atlanta relied on creating turnovers and turning those into easy fastbreak opportunities last season. The Hawks ranked fifth in pace (102.50) and third in fastbreak points per game (18.1). Flemings is a surefire lock to help them in both of these areas when he puts on his uniform for the first time.
Perhaps Flemings' best offensive attribute lies in his ability to beat his defender off the dribble. Whether he races down the floor in transition or starts out of the triple-threat, his speed and acceleration stand out. Flemings can easily get two feet in the paint without a ball screen, something that Onsi Saleh emphasized in his press conference following the first round.
"If [Flemings] has so much more space at this next level, and he's arguably the fastest guard in the draft, there's something intriguing there. Advantage creation was a big deal for us. He can create advantages without a screen, which is pretty rare," said Saleh.
Atlanta finished inside the top nine in 3-point makes, attempts, and efficiency last season. Flemings only took 2.9 threes per game at Houston, but expect that number to rise under Quin Snyder.
When the 19-year-old plays his first NBA minutes, he will have more spacing to utilize his lightning-quick first step and speed. If he improves his 3-point shot, it makes his athleticism even scarier for opposing squads, as they would have to cover him tightly on the perimeter.
Zuby Ejifor brings unique combination of speed, size, and strength
As expected, Flemings received more headlines as a lottery pick, but Hawks fans cannot overlook Ejiofor's physical tools and skill set. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound big man brings speed, athleticism, playmaking, and toughness to the franchise on both ends.
Ejiofor is not a typical 7-foot lumbering center. In fact, he takes advantage of these matchups by beating slower centers down the floor with his speed. The 22-year-old displayed great offensive processing skills in his senior year at St. John's University, whether he caught the ball on the roll or initiated plays from the perimeter.
Ejiofor's former head coach, Rick Pitino, told Hawks fans what to expect from the rookie moving forward.
"Zuby is a great offensive rebounder ... Going to be an excellent shooter in the NBA (excellent form), improved passer and shot blocker. All about winning. All about team," wrote Pitino.
Ejiofor knows how to use his physicality down low on both ends. Despite being shorter for a center, he can bump taller, weaker guys off their spots defensively and bulldoze his way inside with or without the ball.
He finishes well through contact, and his rim runs will force defenses to collapse, leaving Atlanta's perimeter shooters open from deep. Ejiofor will excel in a fast-paced, motion offense where his passing and rim running stand out.
If both first-round picks play in the summer league, Atlanta fans will not have to wait long to see the rookies in action. The Hawks are scheduled to play in the Salt Lake City Summer League starting on July 4th.
Add us as a preferred source on Google