Atlanta Hawks are cohesive, fluid team no one wants to meet in NBA playoffs

The Hawks have traded nine players since July, including former franchise cornerstone Trae Young, but they're all the better for it.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fast-paced action of an NBA game, with players and the court broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape.The Hawks' fluid, cohesive style of play has made them a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.Boston Today

The Atlanta Hawks have traded nine players since July, including former franchise cornerstone Trae Young. They're all the better for it. The team has gone 19-4 since the All-Star break, becoming the hottest team in the Eastern Conference. General manager Onsi Saleh and head coach Quin Snyder have emphasized fluidity, cohesion, and transparency with their players as the Hawks have reinvented themselves.

Why it matters

The Hawks' dramatic roster overhaul and shift in playing style have made them a dangerous team heading into the playoffs. Their ability to quickly develop chemistry and buy into a new system despite significant turnover is a testament to the team's culture and coaching. The Hawks are now a team no one wants to face in the postseason.

The details

After trading Trae Young, the Hawks have empowered players like Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and CJ McCollum to be primary ball handlers, deemphasizing the traditional point guard role. This has led to an amorphous, intuitive offense that is averaging an NBA-best 30.3 assists per game. Snyder and Saleh have also asked veterans like McCollum to expand their games to better fit the collective. The team has also focused on building chemistry through team dinners, soccer outings, and pre-game worship groups.

  • At the All-Star break, the Hawks were 26-30 and in 10th place in the East.
  • Since a team meeting on Feb. 19, the Hawks have gone 19-4 through April 7, the best winning percentage in the East over that stretch.

The players

Onsi Saleh

The general manager of the Atlanta Hawks who, along with head coach Quin Snyder, has overseen the team's dramatic roster overhaul and shift in playing style.

Quin Snyder

The head coach of the Atlanta Hawks who, along with general manager Onsi Saleh, has emphasized fluidity, cohesion, and transparency with the team's players as they've reinvented themselves.

Jalen Johnson

A first-time All-Star forward for the Hawks who has blossomed into an elite, play-making forward who can push the ball in transition.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A guard for the Hawks who has emerged as a dangerous offensive threat, averaging 20.8 points per game this season after averaging just 9.4 last season with the Timberwolves.

CJ McCollum

A veteran guard who was traded to the Hawks in January and has embraced a new role, coming off the bench at times, to help the team succeed.

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What they’re saying

“It has been a rollercoaster. But it has been the normal process of anything that comes with a form of success. Trades happen, injuries happen, so you're in and out of rotations. You have to try and get a feel for consistency.”

— Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hawks guard

“I pride myself on being a chameleon. A guy that can play different roles, a guy that has a unique skill set that can fit any scheme, any genre, any group of personnel. For us, it's just about doing whatever it takes to win.”

— CJ McCollum, Hawks guard

What’s next

The Hawks have 10 days left in the regular season before the playoffs begin. They will look to continue their strong play and secure a high seed in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Hawks' ability to quickly develop chemistry and buy into a new system despite significant roster turnover is a testament to their culture and coaching. Their fluid, cohesive style of play has made them a team no one wants to face in the playoffs, as they've emerged as one of the hottest teams in the East.