Hawks Bet on 'Optionality' in 2026 NBA Draft, Select Flemings at No. 8

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:30:00 -0400

The Atlanta Hawks entered Tuesday night’s NBA Draft with a clear mandate: add young, versatile talent to a roster in transition without mortgaging the future. By the time the final pick was announced, president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh and his front office had delivered on that promise — three times over.

Atlanta selected guard Kingston Flemings out of Houston with the eighth overall pick, added St. John’s forward-center Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23 and then traded up to grab Estonian center Henri Veesaar with the 52nd pick. Together, the three selections paint a picture of a franchise leaning into youth, defensive versatility and long-term roster flexibility.

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Hawks Bet on 'Optionality' in 2026 NBA Draft, Select Flemings at No. 8