Forward Asa Newell hopes to challenge for a rotation role in his second NBA season, but says his personal goals are secondary to team aspirations, writes Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (subscriber link).
“It’s important to be a team and everyone has the same mindset” Newell said. “And my mindset is, I’m going to do whatever I can to help compete, to help guys win in whatever role I have and whatever opportunities I get.
“So I just want to take advantage and be ready for the opportunities that come my way.»
As Williams points out, Newell spent extended time in the G League as a rookie last season and worked throughout the offseason to prepare for his second training camp. His teammates appreciate his positive energy and enthusiasm, and the former University of Georgia standout believes he has risen to the level of the defense.
“I feel like my defense has definitely improved that“, he said.”You know, guarded Jalen (Johnson) in practice, he gets away with a DHO (dribble handoff). He is leaving the screens. He does anything. So when I’m guarding the best player on the floor, I feel like I can learn from him as well.
“And there was a time when he hit me on the road and I said, “Hey, what did you see here?” And he was just giving me feedback.»
Here’s more about the Hawks:
- Off-season shopping supplement Aaron Wiggins he hasn’t been with the team very long, but he feels the Hawks’ “hunger” to improve on last season’s first-round playoff exit, according to Williams (subscription required). The 27-year-old wing says he’s not sure what his role will look like in his first season in Atlanta, but he expects to see consistent minutes. “I expect that there will only be more opportunities for me, constantly” Wiggins said. “But in the same sense, things will sort themselves out, and you’ll see roles sort of fill in on the team. That way guys (will) understand each other’s style of play and continue to learn from each other and you’ll start to see camaraderie and chemistry on the court.” Wiggins is another Hawk with a team mentality, Williams adds.
- Kingston Flemings and Ejiofor’s teethAtlanta’s 2026 first-round pick was encouraged by his first training camp, Williams wrote in another story for subscribers only. “It was a great competition from everyone“, Ejiofor said. “So as far as rookie training camp goes, there’s a lot to be excited about this upcoming season. And yeah, the guys were very competitive, and that’s what you want out of training camp.”
- The decision to hold training camp at Vanderbilt University in Nashville was made with an eye toward developing team chemistry, for Williams (subscription required). “Well, first of all, we’re very grateful to (Vanderbilt coach) Mark (Byington) and his staff for having us here,” Hawks head coach Quinn Snyder said. “This is a great setup anytime you have a room that allows you to work. So I think the absence for our guys — especially since we’ve been in (Atlanta) for a couple of weeks, guys back for OTAs (optional team activities) — is a good opportunity. … Just being around each other is the biggest thing. Guys, they’ll go out to eat, we’ll plan something, and then we’ll leave them alone for a while and they’ll have a good time together.”
