Hawks’ young forwards have chance to prove themselves this preseason

Atlanta Hawks young forwards Asa Newell and Zuby Ejiofor have an opportunity to earn regular-season rotation minutes during the 2026 preseason, beginning October 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Michael Kobrinsky of Soaring Down South highlights that with starters playing limited minutes across five exhibition games, head coach Quin Snyder's coaching staff will closely evaluate both backup forward options.

Newell enters his second NBA season offering floor spacing after shooting 38.7% from three-point range as a rookie, though Kobrinsky notes he needs to improve defensively. In contrast, rookie Ejiofor brings defensive versatility and physical upside suited to Snyder's switching scheme, but enters the league facing questions about his perimeter shooting.