Asa Newell was a force to be reckoned with against the Memphis Grizzlies in Atlanta's first taste of the 2026-2027 season.
Amassing 12 points and 12 rebounds in a mere 22 minutes of action, Newell added five offensive rebounds as well, showing much of what he flashed during his days as a Georgia Bulldog two years ago.
While Newell wasn't asked to do much as a rookie, the door is wide open for the youngster to carve out a huge role in the Hawks' frontcourt this season - especially if he can maintain one key variable under Coach Snyder.
Newell's key to more minutes - continued high-motor play
While it may not have been praise from Quin Snyder himself, Newell's effervescent level of energy has already begun to impress his veteran teammates.
In a postgame presser, Corey Kispert expressed his shock as he saw Newell's staggering 12-rebound evening on the statsheet.
Asked Asa Newell (who turned 21 today) about grabbing five offensive rebounds tonight:
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) October 6, 2026
“It's a trait that I've had since high school … I get it from my brother. We call it motor.”
Corey Kispert then looked over at the stat sheet and let out a "Damn."
Work on the boards is… pic.twitter.com/a9xKMWdgFF
Boasting an already impressive 6'10 frame with a 36.5" vertical, Newell's relentless effort on the glass may be just what Coach Snyder is looking for as a long-term staple in his rotation.
Atlanta's frontcourt - shallow enough for Newell to explode
While the options outside of Onyeka Okongwu are impressive in some aspects, the Hawks are far from booked at the 4-5. Remember, Jalen Johnson can easily slide down to the 3, too.
Veteran Jock Landale appears poised to command a fair share of backup center minutes to start the year, but how long will it hold? While Landale's elite shooting has been his greatest calling card, his lack of athleticism and mobility may make it easy for Newell to leapfrog him sooner than expected.
While Mouhamed Gueye's elite defensive metrics and staggering wingspan offer a substantial challenge to Newell, Gueye will be out of commission until at least the new year with a broken foot - ample time for Asa to prove himself to Quin.
Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar also represent substantial talents, but they're both rookies with an even steeper uphill climb to minutes than the sophomore Newell.
It's all green lights for Asa Newell from here - look for the youngster to continue to shred opposing frontcourts on the backboards. If he's able to keep it up this preseason, it will be incredibly difficult for Coach Snyder to look for alternatives behind Onyeka Okongwu, or even as a looming 6'9+ trio with Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu in the starting lineup.
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