Atlanta Hawks 2026-27 Depth Chart Projection

As the front office at State Farm Arena retools the roster around franchise star Trae Young, local fans are eager to see how the team will look in the coming years. Looking ahead to the 2026-27 NBA season reveals a roster transition defined by young talent, draft assets, and financial flexibility. Here is a realistic early projection of how the Hawks’ depth chart could shake out as this core reaches its prime.

Building Around the New Core

Trae Young and Jalen Johnson

By the 2026-27 season, Trae Young will be in his prime at 28 years old, anchoring the starting point guard spot. Alongside him, Jalen Johnson is expected to have secured a major contract extension, cementing himself as the team’s versatile power forward. This duo represents the offensive engine that Atlanta fans will watch build chemistry over the next few seasons. Johnson’s growth will take playmaking pressure off Young, creating a more balanced and dynamic system.

The Rise of Zaccharie Risacher

The wildcard in this projection is Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. By year three, Risacher should transition from a promising rookie into a devastating two-way wing player at State Farm Arena. His length, defensive instincts, and perimeter shooting will be crucial in spacing the floor for Young and Johnson. If Risacher develops as expected, he will solve the perimeter wing issues that have historically held the team back.

Projected 2026-27 Depth Chart vs. Current Roster

To understand where the Hawks are heading, it helps to compare the current rotation with the projected lineup for the 2026-27 season, highlighting the transition away from expiring veteran contracts like Clint Capela.

Implications of the Roster Shift

Moving on from Veteran Contracts

By 2026, the Hawks will have moved on from Clint Capela’s contract, officially handing starting center duties to Onyeka Okongwu. Okongwu’s mobility fits the up-tempo style head coach Quin Snyder prefers. Additionally, Bogdan Bogdanovic’s contract will be in its final stages, making him either a highly valued veteran leader off the bench or a valuable trade chip. Moving these veteran contracts allows younger players to step into larger leadership roles.

Cap Space and the Pick Situation

Atlanta locals know the team faces draft pick challenges due to the past Dejounte Murray trade, with San Antonio controlling several upcoming first-round picks. However, by 2026, the Hawks will regain significant financial flexibility. This cap relief will allow general manager Landry Fields to target impactful free agents or execute trades to bolster the bench unit around the established core of Young, Johnson, and Risacher.

What Atlanta Fans Should Watch For Next

The path to this projected depth chart depends heavily on three variables. First, Dyson Daniels must solidify his role as a lockdown perimeter defender to earn his long-term spot next to Trae Young in the backcourt. Second, the development of young guards like Kobe Bufkin will dictate whether the Hawks need to spend resources on backup playmaking. Finally, keep an eye on how the front office handles De’Andre Hunter’s contract, as trading him could unlock valuable cap space.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will Trae Young still be with the Hawks in 2026-27?
  While trade rumors always swirl around star guards, Trae Young remains the centerpiece of the Hawks’ identity, making him highly likely to lead this team into the 2026-27 season at State Farm Arena.
• Who will be the starting center after Clint Capela?
  Onyeka Okongwu is the natural successor and is projected to hold down the starting center spot, supported by younger frontcourt prospects like Mouhamed Gueye.
• How does Zaccharie Risacher fit into the long-term plan?
  Risacher is projected as the primary starting small forward, providing elite wing defense and floor spacing that perfectly complements Trae Young’s high-volume playmaking.
• What is the Hawks’ salary cap situation looking like for 2026?
  The team will shed several large veteran contracts by then, giving them the financial room to extend Jalen Johnson and target key complementary role players in free agency.

As the Hawks navigate this crucial transitional phase, Atlanta fans should pay close attention to the development of the team’s young wings and defensive identity, as these factors will ultimately decide if this projected lineup can elevate the franchise back into true Eastern Conference contention.

Atlanta Hawks Future Depth Chart Projection