Hawks’ Quin Snyder Proved He’s Worth Betting On

In January 2026, the Hawks traded Young, a four-time All-Star, to the Washington Wizards in a deal involving CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Many teams can struggle after a major, mid-season move involving a franchise player, such as when the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025.

Before the Luka deal, the Mavericks were roughly 26-23 and in playoff contention. After the trade, they went 13-20 the rest of the way, finished the season 39-43 overall, and missed the playoffs outright.

Snyder, on the other hand, adapted very well, leading the Hawks to a 28-15 record and a playoff berth after the franchise dealt away Young. Throughout the post-Trae streak, players like Johnson and Alexander-Walker adapted to the increased offensive responsibility. Together with Snyder, their performance ultimately led to team success and accolades for both players.

Several Players Took a Leap Under Quin Snyder

Daniels, the 2024-25 MIP, was acquired via trade by the Atlanta Hawks and transformed into a two-way player under Snyder.

Two years ago, he averaged 14.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, and 3.0 SPG. He also led the league in total steals with 229. His average of three steals per game was also the highest season average since Alvin Robertson in 1990-91.

In 2025-26, Daniels maintained his production. He averaged 15.5 PPG and stayed one of the league’s best defenders, earning an All-Defensive Second Team nod.

Alexander-Walker, the reigning MIP of the league, arrived from the Minnesota Timberwolves last offseason. Despite only averaging 9.4 PPG the year before he joined the Hawks, NAW saw a drastic improvement in year one under Snyder. He averaged 20.8 PPG — more than double his career scoring average — along with 3.4 RPG and 3.7 APG during the regular season.

“Nickeil’s dedication, continual work on his craft, and the ensuing results this season make him incredibly deserving of this award,” Snyder said after Alexander-Walker earned the MIP award. “He has a tireless work ethic and a focus on improving in every aspect of his game. His game continues to evolve, and his commitment and unselfish attitude as a teammate have also positively impacted the success of the team.”

Finally, there’s Johnson, the most key player for the franchise going forward. He averaged 22.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG, and 7.9 APG while shooting 49% from the field last year. His extension further proves the Hawks are now all in with this trio that Snyder has worked tirelessly with to develop over the past couple of years.

A Promising Future For Hawks Under Snyder

The Atlanta Hawks didn’t re-sign Quin Snyder because of one 46-win campaign and a few playoff wins against the New York Knicks. Rather, the extension is a bet that the front office believes he is the right coach to lead the next era of great Hawks basketball and continue finding diamonds in the rough.

Whether that bet pays off will depend on what happens over the next several seasons. But for now, the message is clear: Quin Snyder is part of the future, and the players improved under him are expected to perform at the elite level they have demonstrated.