The Atlanta Hawks looked to get a steal on draft night, taking Asa Newell after trading down to the 23rd pick. They planned on taking the former University of Georgia center at pick 13, but the New Orleans Pelicans gave Atlanta’s front office a deal it could not turn down. Fast-forwarding three weeks to summer league action, Newell is showing why he deserved a spot in the lottery.
Over three summer league games, Newell is averaging 13.3 points and 8.3 boards, starting in the Hawks’ first three games in Las Vegas. He displayed several positive signs of development to begin his professional career.
Hawks 2025 Pick Impresses Through 3 Games in Summer League
Newell Success Beyond the Arc is a Welcome Surprise
Questions surrounded Newell’s ability to hit from deep coming out of Georgia. He shot 29.2% on 2.7 attempts per game, and his mechanics were not consistent. However, two important factors led the Hawks to have faith in Newell’s shooting development- volume and touch. Despite the inefficiency, the 19-year-old was not shy about letting it fly when he found space. He also shot a respectable 74.8% from the charity stripe, displaying a soft touch from the mid-range and around the rim.
Through three games of summer league, Newell is shooting 6-12 from downtown, including a 4-5 performance against the Phoenix Suns. He never reached four triples in a game at college.
Asa Newell put up a strong double double in just 26 minutes played
18 points
11 boards
4/5 from three
91.1 TS%looking like the ideal stretch 4
pic.twitter.com/6aH4PPmhMB
— #InSnyderWeTrust (@dlee4three) July 13, 2025
In what might be the game of the summer league so far, the Hawks beat the Houston Rockets in overtime on July 14. Atlanta came back from a 16-point deficit to get the win, and Newell tied the contest with a clutch triple in the fourth quarter. He scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds in the contest.
ASA MAKES IT A TIE GAME
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 14, 2025
Newell’s willingness and confidence to fire off the catch without hesitation are certainly encouraging. This aspect supersedes any shooting percentages. His high efficiency from downtown is just icing on the cake.
Newell’s Athleticism Gives Him an Advantage
Newell’s calling card out of Georgia was his athleticism. He routinely threw down alley-oops, converted strongly in transition, and moved his feet on switches. While he does not have any highlight throwdowns in Las Vegas, the rookie’s athletic ability comes in handy when battling for rebounds and keeping quicker guards in front.
The 19-year-old big man fits right into the atmosphere offensively in Las Vegas. Many summer league games have a frantic pace, as young players tend to turn the ball over, leading to fastbreak opportunities. Newell demonstrated his willingness to get out in transition and finish with a soft touch against the Rockets.
Asa Newell slow step in transition pic.twitter.com/bPwqvGbMTV
— Hawks Film Room (@atlhawksfilm) July 14, 2025
Measuring 6 feet 9 inches at the combine, people questioned whether Newell could battle taller centers. His athleticism certainly helps in this aspect, but it remains to be seen. The Hawks are experimenting with him at power forward and center in Las Vegas. Summer league head coach Bryan Bailey starts Newell at power forward. However, he still plays important minutes at center, closing as the five in two contests.
Newell’s next steps likely come off the court in the weight room. The Hawks’ rookie needs to add strength so he can withstand contact defensively and bump defenders off their spot.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
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