The Atlanta Hawks have spent the past few seasons reshaping their frontcourt. Recently, one of the brightest signs in that process has been Mouhamed Gueye and his development. What once looked like a long-term project is turning into a reliable option. As a result, Gueye’s development is now a real factor in how the Hawks defend, run, and finish games. Overall, his growth is giving Atlanta another young piece that fits their modern style on both ends of the floor.
Mouhamed Gueye’s Development Is Paying Off For The Hawks
When Gueye first arrived in Atlanta, the appeal was clear. He was long, mobile, and fluid for his size. However, the question was not about talent. Instead, it was about how fast Gueye’s development could translate into steady NBA production. That is where his time with the College Park Skyhawks became crucial. In the G-League, he logged heavy minutes, learned coverages, and expanded his offensive reps. As he grew more comfortable making reads, setting screens, and finishing in traffic, his confidence climbed. Consequently, he returned to the Hawks with sharper habits and a better sense of how to impact winning right away.
Early on, he flashed timing as a shot blocker and soft touch around the rim. In addition, he sprinted across the floor well and showed real coordination. At the same time, he still looked like a young big trying to adapt to NBA speed and strength. Therefore, that stage required patience from the Hawks and from Gueye himself.
Development Turning Into Consistency For Gueye
Now, those flashes are becoming habits. As a result, Gueye looks more comfortable with each shift. He makes quicker decisions and plays with more confidence. Instead of drifting through possessions, he leaves a clear imprint on games. In this way, Gueye’s growth stands out.
Defensively, his development is obvious. For example, Gueye uses his length to bother drivers and contest shots without fouling as much. He is learning to stay vertical at the rim, which forces opponents into tougher finishes. Moreover, his ability to slide on switches and still recover to the paint gives Atlanta more coverage options.
On offense, Gueye’s development shows up in the simple things. He sets firmer screens, rolls with purpose, and makes himself an easy target. Furthermore, his cutting along the baseline and in the dunker spot has improved. He rarely forces shots. Instead, he takes what the defense allows and keeps the ball moving when the play is not there. As a result, he helps the Hawks’ offense stay organized and efficient.
Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo pic.twitter.com/MDSMadJUAl
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 9, 2025
Becoming a True Rotational Piece for Atlanta
What really proves Gueye’s development is the trust from the coaching staff. He is no longer just a garbage-time big. Now, he is earning real minutes in real situations. In particular, the Hawks can turn to him in lineups that need energy, defense, and pace.
Gueye gives Atlanta flexibility with lineups. For instance, he can play next to another big in a larger frontcourt that controls the glass and protects the rim. He can also anchor smaller groups that rely on speed and space. In both setups, he brings rim protection, rebounding, and vertical spacing as a lob threat. Consequently, the Hawks can adjust to different opponents without losing their identity. His growth also lightens the load on other frontcourt players. With Gueye in the rotation, the team can stagger minutes more effectively. In turn, veterans can stay fresher across the long season. That kind of depth matters over 82 games.
The most encouraging part is that Gueye’s development is still ongoing. With added strength, a more consistent jumper, and a deeper understanding of coverages, his ceiling could rise even more. Even now, his progress already shows in winning plays. He competes on the glass, contests at the rim, and keeps the offense flowing with simple, smart decisions.
Ultimately, for the Hawks, turning a raw prospect into a trusted rotation player is a major win. Mouhamed Gueye’s development is paying off, and as he continues to grow, he looks more and more like a long-term piece of Atlanta’s frontcourt core.
Featured Image: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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