Hawks Unlikely to Make 2026 NBA Playoffs

Atlanta's rebuild around Jalen Johnson faces uphill battle in crowded Eastern Conference

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Atlanta Hawks are five years removed from their Eastern Conference Finals run with Trae Young, and the team has struggled to make the playoffs in the past four seasons. Despite the East being relatively weak this year, the Hawks are unlikely to do more than earn a Play-In spot, currently sitting as the 10th seed with a 1.5-game lead over the Bulls and Bucks. The team's identity crisis and roster construction issues make a playoff push an uphill battle.

Why it matters

The Hawks' inability to build a consistent playoff contender around Trae Young has led the franchise to shift gears, trading their star point guard for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in a move to free up cap space and begin a rebuild centered on Jalen Johnson. This transition period will be crucial in determining the long-term direction of the Hawks.

The details

Since their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run, the Hawks have failed to advance past the first round, leading the front office to trade Trae Young for CJ McCollom and Corey Kispert. This trade signals the start of a rebuild around 2021 first-round pick Jalen Johnson. However, the current Hawks roster lacks the talent and cohesion to be a playoff team, even in a down Eastern Conference. The team sits 10th in the East, just 1.5 games ahead of the Bulls and Bucks, and 0.5 games behind the surging Hornets.

  • The Hawks last made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
  • The Hawks have missed the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.

The players

Trae Young

The Hawks' former star point guard, who was traded this offseason as the team shifts to a rebuild.

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' 2021 first-round pick, who is now the centerpiece of the team's rebuild.

CJ McCollum

The veteran guard acquired in the trade for Trae Young, who will play a key role in the Hawks' transition.

Corey Kispert

The young wing player also acquired in the Trae Young trade, who will be part of the Hawks' new core.

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What they’re saying

“Since that 2021 playoff run, the team hasn't been as effective with Young leading the offense. The front office opted to trade him for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert— essentially a move to free up cap space in the offseason.”

— Brendan O'Sullivan, Author (draftkings.com)

What’s next

The Hawks will need to successfully build a playoff-caliber roster around Jalen Johnson in the offseason, as the team's current construction is unlikely to result in a postseason berth.

The takeaway

The Hawks' inability to sustain success around Trae Young has led the franchise to shift gears and begin a rebuild centered on 2021 first-round pick Jalen Johnson. However, the team's current roster lacks the talent and cohesion to make the playoffs, even in a down Eastern Conference, setting up an important offseason for the Hawks to position themselves for future contention.