CJ McCollum believes the Atlanta Hawks are well-positioned to take another step forward after ending last season on a strong note.
The veteran guard helped Atlanta finish the year by winning 20 of its final 26 games after arriving in a January trade from Washington.
In 41 appearances with the Hawks, McCollum averaged 18.7 points and 4.1 assists, becoming an important part of the team’s late-season surge.
Now, with a full offseason ahead instead of joining midway through the campaign, McCollum is looking forward to building stronger chemistry with his teammates and seeing the young roster continue to develop.
“I’m just excited to be able to have a full training camp,” he said. “Like I was traded in the middle of the season, so I’m excited about that. Excited about the growth and the potential that a lot of the young guys have, and the experiences that we were able to have this last season competing for a playoff spot, making the playoffs, and then playing against a really good team.”
Atlanta’s postseason ended in the opening round against the New York Knicks.
The Hawks held a 2-1 series advantage before New York responded by winning four straight games, beginning a remarkable 13-game postseason winning streak that ultimately ended with an NBA championship.
Despite the disappointing finish, McCollum believes the playoff experience will prove valuable as the Hawks continue to mature.
“It teaches you how to be better and make moments,” he said. “It teaches you how to execute. Also teaches you how to prepare. So I’m really just excited about the opportunity to have some more growth moments together as a team.”
Southeast Notes: McCollum, Reneau, Dybantsa, AD, LeBron https://t.co/mCWsbcfPNa
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 19, 2026
