Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis has transformed the Atlanta Hawks in many ways, and the 29-year-old recently sat down with the Atlanta Hawks PR to share his thoughts on the upcoming season. It offered valuable insight into his mindset about joining the young roster that has faced challenges over the past couple of seasons, yet faces an exciting opportunity after Onsi Saleh's offseason masterclass.
His first impression of Atlanta was a pleasant one after landing at sunset, and he’s currently searching for a permanent residence in the inner city. Hopefully, this involves negotiations for a potential contract extension for Porzingis.
“Honestly, so far, everything is super good, im super happy, just arriving here, it was like 7 or 8 PM, the sun was shining, and it was a nice sunset. I caught a good vibe here from the beginning,” said Porzingis, “ so we just went around looking for houses and looking for places to stay. I also got to know some people around the organization, and it’s a new beginning, a new chapter, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Porzingis has a contagious positive aura, which will surely influence the team this season. Having an NBA champion in the locker room provides a great example for the young core. It will set a new standard for the team, especially given that he just left a team with over 60 wins.
Porzingis brings championships aspirations and experience to ATL
He mentioned how the Hawks’ youth compared to Boston will enable him to make a bigger impact during a critical moment for much of the young talent on the roster.
“(Becoming a leader) is gonna be natural, you’re gonna see where you can help, you’ll see where you can give something to the young guys, it doesn’t need to be forced,” said Porzingis. “That was the thing in Boston, everyone was kind of already experienced, so it wasn’t too much of that needed, but here we’ll see. There are guys here that definitely know how to play basketball already, but there are gonna be some younger guys who for sure benefit from my presence here.”
Porzingis is still working to improve as he enters his 11th year, and he posted his best statistical season last year. He ended last season averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting an excellent 41.2% from three.
“Obviously, I’m always trying to improve my game and becoming more and more efficient in the post up,” said Porzingis “Last season was my best season shooting threes, so I wanna keep that up becuase it’s gonna open up the floor for us, for Trae, for all these guys to get downhill.”
His potential impact in the Hawks system is extraordinary, and he’s expressed his excitement to play with Trae Young to combine their shooting prowess. It’s the most intriguing part of the Porzingis trade.
“I don’t know who they’re gonna put on me, you know? Whoever it’s gonna be, it’s gonna be, they’ll have to guard me outside,” said Porzingis. “ I think I also saw a stat, I don’t know if I was number two or if Trae was number one for the furthest distance shooting threes, right? So that’s gonna be an interesting combo too you know?”
This will be the first time Young has an entire rotation of big men who can spread the floor with three-point shooting. Even newly drafted rookie Asa Newell shot 29.2% from three at the University of Georgia, and he opened his NBA Summer League campaign with a three-pointer. If the entire roster can stay healthy for most of the season, the sky is the limit for the Hawks.
Aside from Porzingis, Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh was able to sign defensive specialist Nickeil Alexander-Walker and three-point sharpshooter Luke Kennard. Their top-eight rotation offers impressive versatility, with the world’s best passer at the center of the offense. On paper, they are a top-four seed in a wide-open Eastern Conference, and at the end of the interview, Porzingis shared his personal goals for his first season in Atlanta.
“I like the situation that we’re in, this team has kinda been almost there, but can’t really get over the hump to make like a deep run,” said Porzingis. “ There were for sure some promise in some years, but I think this is the year that we can be like sneaky good and surprise people and get further than maybe expected.”
According to DraftKings Sportsbooks, the Hawks were +25,000 to win the 2026 NBA title before free agency, and now they’re +4500. Porzingis is crucial to their success this season, and his signing can be the catalyst to a new era in Atlanta.