{"id":538456,"date":"2026-01-15T14:17:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T14:17:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/538456\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T14:17:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T14:17:13","slug":"hawks-new-additions-settling-into-their-new-roles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/538456\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawks New Additions Settling Into Their New Roles"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Atlanta Hawks received CJ McCollum<\/a> and Corey Kispert<\/a> from the Washington Wizards for Trae Young<\/a> last week. Both new players<\/a> joined the Hawks on their West Coast road trip on Jan. 11 against the Golden State Warriors. Questions surrounded whether McCollum would start at shooting guard for his new squad. Ultimately, Atlanta head coach Quin Snyder brought McCollum off the bench in a sixth-man role across his first two contests. Kispert operated as the eighth\/ninth man in the rotation, with Zaccharie Risacher<\/a> missing the last three games due to left knee inflammation.<\/p>\n

Hawks New Additions Settling Into Their New Roles
\nCJ McCollum\u2019s Important Shotmaking Off The Bench<\/p>\n

McCollum has been a consistent high-level scorer since he won the 2015-16 Most Improved Award. He never averaged less than 18.5 points per game after his sophomore season. However, he started every single one of those games, so the sixth-man role is new territory for him. With Dyson Daniels<\/a> and Nickeil Alexander-Walker<\/a> now taking over the starting backcourt, the Hawks\u2019 guard depth decreases. Atlanta needs McCollum\u2019s shot creation, shotmaking, and steady offensive presence when Alexander-Walker sits.<\/p>\n

CJ at the buzzer \ud83d\udea8 pic.twitter.com\/kGHMlJ6f11<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Through two games with Atlanta, McCollum shoots 16-of-37 from the field. He certainly has not been shy about finding his own shot. The 34-year-old guard scored 25 points on a team-high 23 shots against the Los Angeles Lakers. McCollum carries a shocking 34.5% usage- the highest mark on the team. This number likely takes a steep fall, as Jalen Johnson<\/a> and Alexander-Walker, Atlanta\u2019s two biggest offensive threats, both have less than a 24.5% usage over the last two games. Nonetheless, McCollum\u2019s aggression has been encouraging on a team that desperately needs an offensive upgrade off the bench.<\/p>\n

Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh told reporters<\/a> how McCollum\u2019s skill set makes the team better. \u201cWith CJ, I just think between his ball handling, his shot creation \u2026\u00a0 He\u2019s also somebody that could create for himself, and that was kind of a need for us as well \u2026 and his leadership is a big component,\u201d expressed Saleh.<\/p>\n

The general manager also hinted at a possible long-term extension with McCollum. The veteran guard\u2019s $30.7 million contract expires after this season, but he could return to the Hawks on a cheaper extension. \u201cHe\u2019s somebody that I think could fit here long term as well \u2026 but I can\u2019t really say anything about extension talks or negotiations,\u201d commented Saleh.<\/p>\n

Corey Kispert\u2019s Role Remains In Flux
\n\"Jan 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Corey Kispert (24) dunks the ball during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Kispert serves as a movement shooter, floor spacer, and off-ball cutter. His constant motion and fast-paced decision-making mesh well with Snyder\u2019s system. He played just 14 minutes against the Warriors for two points but saw his role increase in a 19-point, 26-minute performance in Los Angeles. Luke Kennard<\/a> missed the Lakers\u2019 game due to a neck strain, which likely increased Kispert\u2019s minutes.<\/p>\n

Corey splashes his first basket as a Hawk! pic.twitter.com\/VIqlO9B0jS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Saleh spoke on Kispert\u2019s fit for the roster. \u201cHe could attack closeouts. He\u2019s a hell of a shooter, as we all know, but there\u2019s more to it. He\u2019s a physical player, gets to the rim, athletic player,\u201d said Saleh.<\/p>\n

The 26-year-old has played shooting guard and small forward behind V\u00edt Krej\u010d\u00ed<\/a> during Risacher\u2019s absence. Therefore, we have yet to see Sndyer\u2019s plans for Kispert with a healthy roster. Krej\u010d\u00ed normally provides lights-out shooting<\/a>, but over the last five games<\/a>, he shoots 19.2% from deep on 5.2 attempts. If Risacher remains injured and Krej\u010d\u00ed\u2019s struggles continue, Kispert could be in store for an even bigger role than expected in his first few games with Atlanta.<\/p>\n

Featured Image: \u00a0Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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