Why The Atlanta Hawks Have Three All-Star Candidates On Their Roster

It'll take some development, but there's a way that the Hawks could end up with three All-Star caliber players next season.

Apr 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) shoots over New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Atlanta Hawks aren't going to be looked at as a star-studded team. There are other teams in their own conference that have bigger names with better reputations on the team. However, that may not be the reality.

Jalen Johnson is obviously a clear All-Star candidate next season. He averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game on 58.1 TS% and cemented himself as a top-20 player with a nod on the All-NBA Third Team. While it'll be critical for JJ to take another step forward this upcoming season, there's also room for the rest of the starting lineup to put their names into the All-Star discussion.

In particular, I think Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu might have a stronger All-Star candidacy next year than the majority of NBA fans would realize. They took massive steps forward in 2025-26, and a continuation of that growth could put them in a very favorable position once February rolls around.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Mar 27, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) drives against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Alexander-Walker has a few factors working in his favor. He's coming off an NBA Most Improved Player award and broke out alongside Johnson last season. He averaged 20.8 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game as the definitive second option. While the pressure will be on for him to repeat that, it's not entirely out of the question that he replicates or surpasses those numbers.

Ultimately, I think the logjam at guard/wing in the Eastern Conference will play against him. He's probably going to lag behind Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Maxey. The path at SF doesn't get any easier with Jaylen Brown, Scottie Barnes, and Kawhi Leonard likely also ahead of him.

However, he created 28.9 points per game (96th percentile) and averaged 61.1 TS% for an entire season. That's an incredible level of scoring efficiency, and he's a solid defender to boot. The case for NAW might be very similar to Derrick White's candidacy and White may have even gotten the nod if his shooting splits were better. If NAW's steal rate improves and he turns himself into an elite perimeter defender rather than just a good one, he could be in line for a reserve spot.

Onyeka Okongwu

Apr 28, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) drives to the basket around New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) as Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) sets a pick during the third quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While Dyson Daniels might be viewed as a more likely option for an All-Star spot, I think Okongwu's blend of shooting coupled with his versatility make him a intriguing sleeper for an Eastern Conference reserve spot.

Outside of Karl-Anthony Towns and Myles Turner, there are no centers in the conference who match what Okongwu did as a perimeter shooter last season. He shot 37.6% from deep on 5.2 attempts per game, which turned him into a theoretical option into a legitimate threat on the perimeter.

He also generated 2.7 free throw attempts per game (87th percentile among all centers) and showed heightened comfort with operating in the midrange. He needs to work on his finishing (68.6% at the rim last season - 63rd percentile), but there are signs of development in his game as a shooter.

He's also a solid defender who doesn't get enough credit on that end. He averaged 1.1 blocks, 2.4 deflections and hauled in 18.4% of avaliable defensive rebounds. All of those numbers were 85th percentile or better for his position. The rim protection can be a problem at times, but he makes up for it with his ability to guard in space and hold up against bigs who can operate on the perimeter.

With more defensive support around him and hopefully better rebounding, I think Okongwu can focus on being a better rim protector and improving the variation in the areas he can score from. Outside of KAT, Joel Embiid (when healthy), and Bam Adebayo, there aren't any centers in the conference Okongwu should be rated below at this stage.

Ivica Zubac of the Pacers could be a sleeper candidate to represent the East at center, but he needs to acclimate to Indiana first. I'm also hesitant to put Jalen Duren above Okongwu because of how much better Okongwu is as a shooter.

Given that Embiid is likely going to be injured, I think there will be a much clearer path for Okongwu to make an All-Star game next season as a reserve. Even if the Hawks don't get three All-Stars due to a lack of winning enough games or nuclear seasons from other players, they do have talent who could concievably put their names in the conversation alongside Johnson.