Kingston Flemings has already demonstrated his sky-high upside in the summer league. His playmaking in transition and half-court pick-and-roll situations has Atlanta Hawks fans excited for his regular-season debut.
However, as with any rookie making the jump to the NBA, Flemings must develop and diversify his skill set to reach his ceiling.
Atlanta provides an excellent guard environment where the 19-year-old can do just that. Flemings can expand his skills on both ends by learning from Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker in his first campaign. Each of the Hawks' top guards possesses an individual ability that can help Flemings become a star in Atlanta.
Flemings can learn from one of the best defenders in the league
Dyson Daniels cemented himself as an All-NBA caliber defender in the 2024-25 campaign. He took home Most Improved Player, finished runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, and earned First Team All-Defense honors.
He almost always takes on the best opposing perimeter scorer. Flemings has great defensive instincts, but he can become even more of a defensive menace under Daniels' advice.
Daniels led the league in steals at 3.0 per game in 2024-25, but this number fell to 2.0 last season. He still ranked inside the top six, creating havoc for ball handlers and intercepting risky passes. Flemings shows these same signs of having the same knack for getting his hands on the ball defensively. The former University of Houston prospect has six steals and five blocks in four summer league contests.
Perhaps Flemings' best defensive play came in the Hawks' 83-76 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on July 11. The 6-foot-11 Danny Wolf backed down the guard in the post, but Flemings fought and ripped the ball out of his hands, leading to a jump ball.
This is the type of hard-nosed defensive play Hawks fans expect from Flemings, and his defense will only improve when he shares the floor with Daniels.
Flemings can raise his three-point volume like Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Alexander-Walker took home Most Improved Player last season, averaging 20.8 points per game. His usage and shot attempts skyrocketed compared to his three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he still maintained his efficiency.
He took 8.1 threes per contest and made 3.2. Both numbers were career highs. Flemings must also increase his three-point volume to unlock his full potential.
The 6-foot-4 guard only took 2.9 3-pointers in college, but he was efficient from deep at 38.7%. Flemings' biggest weapon lies in his quick first step and sustained speed to get to the rim. However, he must make teams respect his outside shot to maximize his slashing ability.
Head Coach Quin Snyder places a premium on three-point shooting. Flemings can already attack inside at will, though he needs to improve his rim finishing. If he gets comfortable taking and making more threes, it can raise his scoring ceiling.
Alexander-Walker had a career year in Snyder's system, and Flemings can set himself up for long-term success in the same way.
Flemings will play at least three more games in the summer league before his regular-season debut later this fall. The Hawks look to stay undefeated in Las Vegas and win the summer league championship later this week.
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