The Atlanta Hawks have never had a player like Kristaps Porziņģis in the Trae Young era, his shot-blocking, 3-point shooting, and championship experience raising the ceiling of his new squad. He’ll likely see some of the most open looks in his career playing off Young and the Hawks many plus-passers. As the oldest player on the roster (30), Porziņģis can help guide the third-youngest team in the league back to Eastern Conference contention. However, it’ll take some time for him to gel with his new team and vice-versa, particularly when it comes to pace on offense.
Hawks New Center Has To Adjust To Pace Change
Hawks head coach Quin Snyder’s offense relies on pace, motion, and ball-movement to create efficient, high-quality shots. For example, Atlanta finished third in pace and fifth in assist percentage last season. For comparison’s sake, Porziņģis spent the previous two campaigns with the Boston Celtics, which ranked 29th in pace and 20th in assist percentage. This playstyle suits Boston’s veteran-laden rotation and deadly 3-point shooting perfectly. Yet, the Hawks lack the halfcourt weapons around Young that are needed for a consistent, slow-paced offense.
Porziņģis’ post-ups and pick-and-pop/roll with Young is a lethal halfcourt combination in theory. In the Young era, Atlanta hasn’t had a big man who can consistently punish smaller players in the post on face-ups or back-to-the-basket moves. However, the other three Hawks starters are still developing their offensive skills. In fact, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and Jalen Johnson all play better when Atlanta outruns its opponents.
Jalen Johnson bodying up Amen like its nothing, phew pic.twitter.com/ezlVY2p4Ek
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) October 7, 2025
On Media Day, Porziņģis surprisingly mentioned he felt the Celtics were at their best when they played faster. He also listed ways he hopes to enhance the Hawks’ fastbreak offense:
“It has to be an emphasis … I like to create transition mismatches … drawing some fouls in the post … shooting my transition 3s. There’s going to be new dimensions that I can unlock for this team,” the star center concluded.
Porziņģis Struggles in Hawks Preseason Debut
The Hawks began their 2025-26 preseason with a loss against the Houston Rockets. Snyder only ran the starters and key bench contributors in the first half, while the reserves finished the second. Porziņģis shot 2-6 from the field, ending with five points, one assist, and five fouls in 15 minutes. Surprisingly, he did not grab a rebound and Houston dismantled Atlanta (53-34) on the glass.
Snyder made a distinct effort to feature Porziņģis early on offense to start the game. The long-limbed Lativan took five of his six shots in the first frame. His first points in a Hawks’ uniform came on his signature midrange bankshot.
Porziņģis’ 1st points as a Hawk… and Atlanta’s 1st points this preseason
pic.twitter.com/HOodp4mwJW
— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2025
However, the Rockets opened up a quick 12-3 lead in the first few minutes. The Hawks could not get out on the break and generate consistent open looks. In contrast, when Onyeka Okongwu replaced Porziņģis, there was a noticeable difference in pace. Atlanta went on an 8-0 run to shrink the Rockets’ lead. In fact, Okongwu led the Hawks with a plus-minus of +13, while Porziņģis finished at -13.
It’ll take some time for the Hawks’ new center to mesh with his new teammates. His preseason bounce-back opportunity arrives on Saturday night when the team travels to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.
© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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