One week removed from the 2026 trade deadline, and things haven’t gone exactly according to plan for the Atlanta Hawks.

The moves they made weren’t for the present, but for the organization’s future success. That was known. It was their plan all along. Still, there hasn’t been a shortage of storylines capable of forcing fans to tune in.

The center position has been a hot topic among Hawks fans all season, dating back to even well before opening night. With Onyeka Okongwu emerging as a legitimate starting center option last year, Atlanta’s decision to bring in Kristaps Porzingis caused immediate lineup controversy.

It was unclear who would start at that position on opening night. It ended up being Porzingis, but his tenure in Atlanta was short-lived due to his inability to stay on the floor for an extended period of time.

So, Onyeka Okongwu officially took over as the full-time starting center, leaving Atlanta with a significant gap to fill in the second unit. They needed a backup five. Not a big forward capable of playing limited minutes down low, but a proven, physically-intimidating, reliable center to truly anchor the bench.

The front office initially thought they struck gold when they inked center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract. In his first few games with the Hawks, he showed glimpses of just how elite they can look with a true seven-footer giving reinforcements to Jalen Johnson and company.

Koloko’s dominant stretch was short-lived

It didn’t take long for Koloko’s weaknesses to show, meaning Atlanta still hadn’t solved their backup center problem. Well, the trade deadline came at a perfect time. On Wednesday afternoon, nearly 24 hours before the deadline, the Hawks acquired center Jock Landale from the Utah Jazz for cash considerations.

It was simply a low-risk, high-reward move. Before arriving in Atlanta, Landale was in the midst of a true breakout season. In 45 games played with the Grizzlies this year, he averaged 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game on efficient shooting splits.

At 6’11”, 255 pounds, Landale had the physical make-up of an interior presence Atlanta had been looking to acquire for years. He wasn’t brought in to save the season, but him being here couldn’t hurt.

It took him only one game to win over his new city. In his Atlanta Hawks debut, Landale put up a remarkable statline of 26 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks, all while knocking down a career-high five three-pointers.

In the starting lineup, he was the main reason Atlanta was able to come away with a much-needed victory over the Utah Jazz. While he didn’t remain with the starters in the matchups that followed, his presence off the bench continued to make a difference, cementing himself as the backup five for at least the rest of the season.

While Christian Koloko will be remembered in Atlanta for providing the blueprint of what they need at the center position, he was never a long-term answer. Landale probably isn’t either, but in just a few games with the organization, he’s been impressive overall.