The Atlanta Hawks have been adjusting their roster and offensive strategies since acquiring CJ McCollum, a move that appears to be reshaping coach Quin Snyder’s offensive hierarchy. Since returning from the NBA All-Star break, the Hawks, led by Jalen Johnson, have secured two victories in their first three games, benefiting from a relatively favorable schedule. Between February 23 and March 30, the Hawks face just five road games, with 14 home matches, seven of which involve playoff hopefuls focused on their draft positioning.
While reaching the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference and bypassing the NBA Play-In Tournament remains unlikely after trading Trae Young, the Hawks’ newly formed starting lineup—consisting of Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu—has delivered a balanced offensive output without a significant drop in defense. McCollum serves as the main scoring option, while the other starters contribute solid rim protection. This is reflected in the Hawks allowing fewer points in the paint during their last five games.
Quin Snyder’s Mixed Focus on Growth and Winning
The Hawks continue to show determination, playing with pride and commitment despite roster changes, and Snyder believes that, given their schedule, wins will increase. He remains optimistic about the team’s postseason potential if McCollum performs well during critical stretches.
We’re in a bit of a fight. We’ve played without a point guard this season, and we’ve played without a pure center this season. So the influx of a guy like CJ that gives us another ball handler, another pick and roll player, can be really valuable to everyone,
Snyder explained.
We’re going through the process of integrating those guys, and we’re going to keep grinding.
Despite ongoing adjustments to the offense, Snyder is focusing more on the team’s progression rather than just their record.
I’m really more focused on how we’re playing, how we’re growing, and how we’re coming together,
he said.
We want to win every game, but to an extent. You anticipate some rough sailing anytime your team changes. Hopefully, we’ll play in a way that we can replicate and will be successful.
Adapting Without a Traditional Floor General
Since parting ways with Trae Young, the Hawks have operated without a traditional point guard, redistributing playmaking responsibilities throughout the roster. This strategy has fostered a multi-faceted offensive approach, where creation comes from several players rather than a single lead guard directing the attack.
Dyson Daniels Emerges as Key Ball Handler
One clear example of this evolution is Australian Dyson Daniels, who was initially acquired for his defensive skills but has adapted into a primary ball handler out of necessity. Coach Snyder praised Daniels for embracing this expanded role and growing as a player.
Necessity can be the mother of invention,
Snyder noted.
Dyson has really evolved into that (point guard) role, which has been great to see him progress. He is making plays for other people, handling the ball, and guarding that position. (Daniels) has really filled that role for us and grown as a player.
Jalen Johnson’s Continued Development Within Offense
Meanwhile, Jalen Johnson has excelled by focusing on his strengths. The Hawks view Johnson as a future franchise cornerstone with MVP potential, and they have implemented a clear development plan to maximize his impact without overwhelming him with full team leadership duties.
Jalen, again, he is unique in his ability to pass and handle the ball, particularly in the open court. (Johnson) is not in a position where we are asking him to quote-unquote run the team, but there are a lot of things we do where he starts with the ball,
Snyder shared.
We put him in the pick-and-roll as much as any other player. That is a big key for us. That versatility with a number of players and having multiple playmakers is something that we really feel like is important for us and that we try to take advantage of. Jalen is at the front of that list.
Distributed Playmaking and McCollum’s Scoring Role
The Hawks utilize an offense that lacks a rigid hierarchy. Daniels leads the offensive organization, Johnson initiates much of the frontcourt action, and McCollum offers a dependable scoring threat, especially off the wing. Nickeil Alexander-Walker complements this group as an unconventional but effective playmaker. Snyder has encouraged Alexander-Walker to increase his offensive assertiveness, including taking more contested shots beyond the arc.
As far as the playmaking goes, you know (Alexander-Walker) can get in the lane,
Snyder commented.
He is not your typical playmaker, but I think he is unselfish and willing to get off the ball when he is guarded…We’ve tried to encourage him to really be aggressive in shooting. Even some contested shots from three.
Looking Ahead to Playoff Aspirations and Team Growth
With McCollum’s addition providing a solid pick-and-roll operator and veteran scorer, the Hawks’ rotations have generated enough offense to remain competitive as they continue shaping their identity. Their upcoming schedule and improved offensive balance offer optimism that necessity-driven creativity will help them reach the NBA Playoffs. Beyond this season, the Hawks will use this period of growth to determine what adjustments are necessary to challenge for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference moving forward.
Quin Snyder on NBA Europe and the CJ, Dyson, NAW connections: pic.twitter.com/N7a1MVf2Q3
— Dodson (@DoingItDodson) February 24, 2026
