The Atlanta Hawks were one of the best teams in the NBA after last season's All-Star break.
Scorching on both ends of the floor, the only thing stopping the young Hawks were themselves. Of course, when they ran into a more experienced Knicks team in the first round of the postseason, they found some trouble, but the fact that they even got there proves to the resiliency of the group.
It also proves that CJ McCollum - the veteran Atlanta acquired in January before the run - knows what it takes to win.
At this year's media day, Head Coach Quin Snyder talked about how important McCollum's presence was, and how he made an impact in the area fans would least expect.
It was McCollum's defense that was the true difference-maker
No, the guard entering his 14th NBA season is no spectacular defensive player. He's a veteran, though, and knows exactly how to use his on-paper disadvantages to his advantage.
Sometimes, defense can just be about effort. A player isn't going to excel on that end individually, or mesh with the rest of the group, if they don't want to.
Even with any inefficiencies, effort can provide balance. On both ends of the floor.
Quin went out of his way to praise CJ McCollum's defense upon arriving in Atlanta
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) September 28, 2026
Whether it's utilizing his reputation to force his opponent into over-dribbling, leaning into his help defenders to create a sudden change in pace or getting in the heads of the less-experienced by baiting them into unnecessary offensive aggressiveness - McCollum knows what he's doing.
His leadership was vital for a young Atlanta team - a squad that wasn't elite defensively, by any means, for the entirety of the season.
After the organization went out and added several other impressive defenders this offseason, McCollum's responsibility on that end will be minimized, but it doesn't mean he can just lay back.
Atlanta doesn't want to have a liability anywhere
Looking at the trend of recent NBA champions, a common denominator is a roster with a real lack of holes.
Even if there are some shorter, less skilled defensive players, the make-up of the roster and effort of the player himself makes up for it.
It goes for offense, as well. Everyone needs to be able to handle the rock, let it fly from the outside and make the right read when needed.
It's the positionless modern NBA, and the Hawks aren't looking to be left behind.
Neither is CJ McCollum, entering year 14.
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