Hawks Fans Favor Gueye as Backup Center for Playoffs

Readers select Senegalese big man over incumbent Jock Landale

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp planes of color representing the players and action on the court.Hawks fans hope Mouhamed Gueye can provide a defensive boost off the bench in the playoffs.NYC Today

In a recent Hawks Reacts survey, readers of the Peachtree Hoops blog overwhelmingly chose Mouhamed Gueye as the preferred backup center option for the Atlanta Hawks heading into the NBA playoffs. The Hawks clinched their 50th playoff appearance in franchise history this week and will face either the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers, both of whom have formidable frontcourts that will challenge Atlanta's defense.

Why it matters

The Hawks' backup center position has become a key question mark with incumbent Jock Landale dealing with an ankle injury. Gueye, a wiry defender from Senegal, emerged as the fan favorite to provide support behind starting center Onyeka Okongwu in the postseason.

The details

The Hawks Reacts survey asked readers to choose between Gueye and Landale as the preferred backup center option. Gueye received a decisive majority of the votes, indicating strong fan support for the young big man to potentially earn increased minutes in the playoffs.

  • The Hawks clinched their 50th playoff appearance in franchise history this week.
  • The Hawks will play their final regular season game on Sunday, April 14, 2026 against the Miami Heat.
  • The NBA playoffs will begin the following weekend.

The players

Onyeka Okongwu

The Hawks' starting center who will be relied upon heavily in the playoffs.

Mouhamed Gueye

A young backup center from Senegal who emerged as the fan favorite in the Hawks Reacts survey to provide support behind Okongwu.

Jock Landale

The incumbent backup center for the Hawks who is dealing with an ankle injury and may not be ready for the start of the playoffs.

Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks' starting center known for his elite rebounding and rim protection.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' starting center known for his rim running and touch around the basket.

Evan Mobley

The Cavaliers' versatile big man who excels on the defensive end.

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What they’re saying

“Both teams pose their problems for opposing frontcourt between Mitchell Robinson's bulk, elite rebounding and rim protection, Jarrett Allen's rim running and touch around the rim, and Evan Mobley's all-around defensive game.”

— Wesley Morton, Author

What’s next

The Hawks will play their final regular season game on Sunday, April 14, 2026 against the Miami Heat before turning their focus to the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

With the backup center position in flux due to Jock Landale's injury, Hawks fans have voiced their preference for Mouhamed Gueye to step up and provide support behind Onyeka Okongwu in the playoffs. This decision could prove crucial as the Hawks face formidable frontcourts from potential playoff opponents like the Knicks and Cavaliers.