Hawks' CJ McCollum Embraces Starting Role with Mature Mindset

Veteran guard's leadership and experience helping young Hawks team make playoff push

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:49pm

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CJ McCollum has been inserted into the Atlanta Hawks' starting lineup, and the veteran guard is embracing the role change with a team-first mentality. Despite his history as a starter, McCollum says he's focused on 'playing winning basketball and competing for something' with the surging Hawks, who have won 9 straight games. Teammate Jalen Johnson praised McCollum's veteran leadership and ability to provide 'little pointers' that have helped the young Hawks squad.

Why it matters

The Hawks are one of the NBA's up-and-coming teams, but they still have a relatively young core. McCollum's experience and steady presence in the starting lineup have helped stabilize the team during their current hot streak, which has them climbing the Eastern Conference standings.

The details

McCollum was inserted into the Hawks' starting lineup recently, replacing Zaccharie Risacher. The stats showed the Hawks were a better team with McCollum in the starting five, alongside Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. Despite his history as a starter, McCollum said he's focused on doing 'whatever the team needs' to win, rather than worrying about his role. Teammate Jalen Johnson praised McCollum's veteran leadership and ability to provide tactical advice that has helped the young Hawks squad.

  • The Hawks' current 9-game winning streak began when McCollum was inserted into the starting lineup.

The players

CJ McCollum

A veteran guard who was recently inserted into the Atlanta Hawks' starting lineup, providing leadership and experience to the young team.

Jalen Johnson

A young Hawks forward who has benefited from playing alongside the veteran McCollum, praising his leadership and tactical advice.

Zaccharie Risacher

The Hawks player who was replaced in the starting lineup by McCollum.

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What they’re saying

“For me, it's whatever the team needs. I think the money is on time every two weeks, regardless. That's always helpful, but historically, I've been a starter, but I'm comfortable playing whatever role is necessary for us, as long as we're competing for something. That's what's really important for me: playing winning basketball and competing for something right now. That's what they want me to do, and when your boss tells you something, you've got to do it.”

— CJ McCollum, Hawks Guard (clutchpoints.com)

“Some lineups may look different, but CJ's been a great vet to come in, and he understands the game at an elite level. So having him on the court with us, he just shows us little pointers and stuff where we can be effective at, and I feel like he's done a great job leading our group.”

— Jalen Johnson, Hawks Forward (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Hawks will look to extend their winning streak to 10 games when they face the Orlando Magic next.

The takeaway

CJ McCollum's veteran leadership and team-first mentality have been crucial for the young Atlanta Hawks as they make a push up the Eastern Conference standings. His willingness to embrace a starting role and provide tactical guidance has helped stabilize the team during their current hot streak.