The Atlanta Hawks made several moves this summer to improve their depth for the 2026-27 NBA campaign. Perhaps their most nationally covered transaction came when they traded Zaccharie Risacher in a three-team deal to bring in Luguentz Dort.
However, Atlanta acquired another former Oklahoma City Thunder guard before this move: Aaron Wiggins.
Wiggins has impressed through the Hawks' first three preseason contests. His offensive versatility allows him to play both on and off the ball. Head Coach Quin Snyder has taken advantage of Wiggins’ shooting, ball-handling, and playmaking, deploying him in a variety of roles in Atlanta’s fast-paced, motion-style offense.
Wiggins contributes across the board on the offensive end
Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Kingston Flemings have been Atlanta's primary playmakers through three preseason contests. However, Wiggins has also brought the ball up the floor to initiate the Hawks' half-court offense several times.
Snyder has shown he trusts Wiggins to handle the rock in the pick-and-roll. If defenders go under the screen, he can punish them from beyond the arc. Wiggins is shooting 46.2% from deep in the preseason, including a 3-of-6 performance against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 10. He scored a quick 10 points in his first eight minutes of the game.
Wiggins also has the handle and quickness to get downhill and make the right read if the defense chases him over the pick.
Snyder's offense requires players to make quick decisions to create easy, efficient looks for themselves and their teammates. The 27-year-old balanced his scoring and playmaking against the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with 10 points and four assists. He also added two blocks and a steal.
In Atlanta's preseason opener, Wiggins came out firing with seven points in 10 minutes. However, a cut on his lip prevented him from building on his hot start.
Perhaps Wiggins' strongest offensive weapon has been his pure three-point volume. Throughout his Atlanta tenure, Snyder has encouraged his players to "let it fly" from deep when they have the space. The former Thunder guard has done exactly that, attempting 13 total triples in 18.3 minutes per contest.
Snyder's preseason rotation pattern points to Wiggins having big role
Preseason rotations can be unpredictable. However, Wiggins started against the Spurs for Johnson, and he has consistently been one of the first guys off the bench to play with the starters.
These decisions certainly point to Wiggins seeing an increased role in his first season in Atlanta. His versatile offensive skill set, combined with his championship experience, makes it easy for Snyder to trust him.
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