Kingston Flemings’ strong preseason could threaten Hawks’ starting five

Writer Ian Kearney argues that Atlanta Hawks rookie point guard Kingston Flemings could soon challenge veteran CJ McCollum for a spot in the starting lineup. Selected eighth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Flemings has impressed throughout the summer league and preseason, notably recording six assists and zero turnovers in a recent game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Kearney suggests that moving McCollum to a bench role could maximize the aging guard's scoring impact against second-unit defenders while allowing Flemings to take on tougher defensive matchups. The writer notes that any rotational shift will ultimately depend on whether Flemings can carry his composed playmaking into the regular season.