Sekou Smith

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Atlanta Hawks

By: Justin Lloyd, our 2025 Sekou Smith Summer League Experience Intern

As the No. 23 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the hype around Asa Newell didn't quite match the hype surrounding many of his peers, even though he had a strong freshman season at Georgia. Newell finished his lone season with the Bulldogs leading the team in both points (15.4 PPG) and rebounds (6.9 RPG) per game - the first freshman to lead the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding since Jumaine Jones in 1997-98 - while showing glimpses of his raw athleticism, lethal touch near the basket, and an emerging perimeter shooting game.

Standing at 6-11 and being just 19 years old, Newell’s upside has never been in doubt, but many questioned whether he’d be able to contribute right away. After a string of solid Summer League outings, he’s given Hawks fans something to consider.

Beyond his physical tools, Newell’s competitive edge was clear this summer. Newell has competed against high-level athletes for several years now and has built a reputation for doing the little things that impact winning. He credits his experiences playing for both UGA and the powerhouse Montverde Academy program for helping him handle the competitive Summer League environment.

“You’ve got to be a pro before you’re a pro,” said Newell. “Playing with three first-round guys at Montverde (Cooper Flagg, Liam McNeeley, Derik Queen) definitely helped me. But the SEC really prepared me for the physicality.”

Newell’s impact was huge down the stretch of Atlanta’s 111-108 overtime win over the Houston Rockets. Down by three with a minute and a half left, he secured a crucial steal on defense, immediately followed by an offensive board and a game-tying three-pointer on the other end.

In the following game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Newell would tally four stocks (steals + blocks), including a huge rejection down the stretch that would help the Hawks to pick up a 92-88 win. These are the types of winning plays that Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh raved about in his post-draft press conference.

“The things that he does impact winning,” said Saleh. “People can just look at scoring and box scores, but he really helps with winning and creating a culture for your program.”

Newell’s impact on winning could also be felt through his work grabbing rebounds. He was the leading rebounder of the Hawks Summer League squad, averaging 8.3 rebounds per game, and was one of only five players to average at least 13.0 points and 8.0 boards throughout Summer League (min. 4 GP).

Fans also got a glimpse of the player Newell could be on offense. Through four games, he averaged 13.5 points while flexing a .513 FG%. He’s a relentless runner who consistently finds easy buckets near the rim through his hustle in transition, and he also flashed his ability to convert on contested lay-ups.

Newell also shined from three-point territory, knocking down a solid .429% of his shots from behind the arc on 3.5 attempts per game, the fourth-best clip from deep on the Hawks. In the second game of Summer League against the Phoenix Suns, he scored 18 points while shooting 7-9 from the field and 4-5 from three.

“My three-point shot is feeling really good,” said Newell. “I’m really just getting into the flow of things in an NBA system and NBA spacing.”

There’s still work to be done for Newell, and he’s embracing this. If he manages to become stronger, it will likely make him more difficult to contain in transition and a more physical presence on the defensive end. As he continues to improve as a shooter, while sharpening the tools that he already has, his impact on the court is only expected to grow. He and his team already have a plan in place for how he can improve before training camp begins.

If his Summer League performance is any indication, Newell is more than willing to put in the work to become a better player. With his competitive drive and willingness to grow, he’s well on his way to becoming a difference-maker.

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How Asa Newell Quietly Turned Heads This Summer

Coming off a thrilling 92-88 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, the Hawks improved their Summer League record to 4-0, marking their best start to a Las Vegas Summer League in 15 summers.

The key to the Hawks’ undefeated record in Summer League has been their resilience and grit in facing adversity. Whether they're trailing by double digits or missing key players, they have demonstrated their ability to stay composed and confident in close games.&nbsp;

Thursday’s game was a prime example of their composure in late-game situations. They were in control of the game for the majority of the second half but watched a double-digit lead dwindle in the fourth quarter as the Grizzlies went on a 14-1 run to take the lead. 

The Hawks led by as many as 14 points, but with 1:30 remaining, they were down by three and in need of stops and buckets. Following a huge block by Asa Newell, a Kobe Bufkin lay-up brought the game within one, and an Adam Flagler pull-up jump shot would prove to be the game-winner, giving Atlanta an 88-87 lead.

Those are the types of situations the Hawks have found themselves in multiple times this summer, as three of their four games have been settled by less than 10 points. Their journey in Las Vegas began by grinding out a 105-98 victory against the Miami Heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a game where they trailed by 12 points with less than ten minutes remaining, they would pull off a 29-8 run in the final period to win it.

This win set the tone for the Hawks to begin Summer League, and the third game tested the Hawks’ character yet again. Facing the Houston Rockets, on the second day of a back-to-back, Atlanta trailed by as many as 15 points and was down 10 with only six minutes remaining. Still, the Hawks managed to stay poised. With the help of Jack McVeigh, Newell, Nikola Ðurišić, and Bufkin, the club forced overtime and secured a 111-108 victory.

With each competitive game, the Hawks are gaining valuable experience, and Head Coach Bryan Bailey emphasized the importance of learning how to manage tight situations. “The biggest thing is that they get to see what it’s like down the stretch, and we talk about execution down the stretch,” said Bailey. “We’ve got end-of-game situations where we need to foul up three, situations where we need to inbound the ball — these are all learning experiences for them.” 

Coach Bailey has also mentioned that defense has been a crucial piece of the Hawks’ Summer League run thus far, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Hawks have outscored their opponents in the final period 112-82, while forcing an average of 3.0 turnovers.&nbsp;

To add to this, Hawks have an abundance of players who can jumpstart a comeback bid at any moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bufkin, the leading scorer of the Hawks Summer League squad, averaging 19.5 points per game, seems to play his best ball in the second half. The former Michigan guard scored 11 points in the third quarter against the Rockets, sinking three shots from behind the arc.&nbsp;

McVeigh is another player who has been impactful during clutch time. He has been the leading scorer in the fourth quarter for Atlanta during the last two games and is averaging 20.5 points over that span. Despite the nail-biting finishes, the 6-8 forward from Australia says this experience has been nothing short of enjoyable.&nbsp;

“This has been some of the most fun basketball I’ve played just internally. I’m not putting any pressure on myself,” said McVeigh. “I’m just grateful to be here, and I’m enjoying every single second out here in my first Summer League as a 29 year old.” 

While the Hawks won’t compete in the Summer League Playoffs due to point differential, they’ll have one final chance to close out their impressive run on a high note when they match up with the Boston Celtics today. Coach Bailey said the Hawks’ mindset heading into their last game is to finish with pride. 

“Our whole motto for the Summer League has been pride and enthusiasm,” said Bailey. “I want guys to go out there and play defense with pride, offense with pride, and then be enthusiastic about everything.”

A win on Sunday would mark a 5-0 Summer League record, the first time at Las Vegas Summer League the club would go undefeated. Regardless, Atlanta seems to have found its identity: resilient, unselfish, and ready for the moment. 

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Hawks Showcasing Grit and Growth at Summer League

By: Justin Lloyd, our Sekou Smith Summer League Experience Intern

The Atlanta Hawks are set to take flight for the NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025, offering fans a glimpse at the rising talent, fresh faces, and future of the team. The team will begin its Summer League journey today, hoping to rack up the wins and take home the first NBA Las Vegas Summer League Championship in franchise history.

Here are six players to watch in Las Vegas:

Asa Newell: The No. 23 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft,  Asa Newell is a name that Georgia sports fans have become familiar with over the past year. The lefty forward from Georgia was the leading scorer and rebounder for the 2024-25 Bulldogs, averaging 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game – the first freshman to lead the Bulldogs in those two categories since Jumaine Jones in 1997-98. Newell’s combination of fluid athleticism, touch around the rim, and competitive spirit makes him a player who could impact winning from day one. 

Kobe Bufkin: Selected by the Hawks with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Bufkin has seen action in 27 games over his two NBA seasons. He returns to the court after season-ending right shoulder surgery in January. Although Bufkin’s season was hindered by injury, he showed flashes of ball-handling skills and defensive tenacity in his 10 games last season, which will be valuable on this year's Summer League team.  

Nikola Đurišić: Đurišić, the No. 43 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, spent last season playing with the College Park Skyhawks. The 6’8" Serbian guard posted solid numbers in his 32 games with the Skyhawks, owning averages of 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Đurišić gives the Hawks positional size, playmaking ability, and smooth ball-handling skills, while he continues to develop as a three-point shooter.&nbsp;

Dwight Murray Jr.: A homegrown talent from Austell, Dwight Murray Jr. is one of four players from the state of Georgia who will suit up for the Hawks this summer. He quickly became a crucial player on last season’s Skyhawks roster thanks to his ability to generate open looks for his teammates. Murray appeared in 43 games for the Skyhawks during the 2024-25 season and averaged 9.0 points and 5.1 assists per game while flexing a 3.21 assist-to-turnover ratio. 

Kobe Johnson: The undrafted rookie forward from UCLA could be the Swiss Army Knife of the Hawks' Summer League roster. Johnson was selected for three All-Defensive teams during his four-year college career at USC and UCLA. His defensive skills and his ability to read the game as a passer on offense give him a reliable baseline as a player, as his scoring capability continues to grow.

Adam Flagler: Fresh off spending the past two seasons on a two-way contract with the 2024-25 NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Duluth, GA native Adam Flagler brings winning experience to the Hawks. He averaged 15.6 points per game on .434 FG%, .404 3FG%, and .900 FT% through two NBA G League seasons with the Oklahoma City Blue. He has a quick release and no issue with taking tough jumpers off the dribble or simply catching and shooting. A low-turnover player who can space the floor and attack closeouts is one that every team desires for their roster, and Flagler can fill this role for Atlanta this summer. 

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6 Players to Watch for Hawks at NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025

Local Media Panel Recognizes All-Star Guard for Professionalism with the Press

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks today announced guard Trae Young as the recipient of the 2024-25 Sekou Smith Award, which annually honors the player on the team’s roster who best represents themselves and the franchise with professionalism and integrity in their interactions with the media.

Young was selected via vote from a select local media panel. He will be recognized today during a pregame presentation, which will include members of Smith’s family.

“There were again multiple exemplary candidates this season, and Trae is a very deserving recipient,” said Hawks Vice President of Basketball Communications Jon Steinberg. “He understands the power of his words and embraces his responsibility to accommodate the media that covers the Hawks and the NBA. Trae makes himself available after big wins and tough losses, home and road, and routinely following practices and shootarounds.”

In addition to the award, the Hawks named the media workroom at State Farm Arena after Smith in 2021, redesigning the space to honor his memory. The team also launched an annual Hawks-NBA Summer League internship in Smith’s name in 2021.

Smith served as the AJC’s Hawks beat writer from 2005-09 before joining NBA Digital as a multimedia reporter and analyst. He also spent time at The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, MS and the Indianapolis Star, where he covered the Indiana Pacers as the team’s beat writer.

Past Sekou Smith Hawks-NBA Summer League Interns

2021: Clement Gibson (Jackson State University)

2022: Cullen Davis (Alabama State University)

2023: Kendal Manns (Alabama State University)

2024: Deondre Jones (Texas Southern University)

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Trae Young Selected as Recipient of 2024-25 Sekou Smith Award

Deondre Jones is the Atlanta Hawks Sekou Smith Summer Intern for 2024. Each summer, a journalism or multi-media student from a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) school is selected to serve as the Hawks’ beat writer for NBA Summer League, and their work appears on the team’s digital team properties, providing valuable experience. Smith served as the AJC’s Hawks beat writer from 2005-09 before joining NBA Digital as a multimedia reporter and analyst. He also spent time at The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, MS and the Indianapolis Star, where he covered the Indiana Pacers as the team’s beat writer.

The City of Grand Rapids&nbsp;paid&nbsp;tribute to the late Sekou Smith, esteemed NBA journalist, by unveiling Sekou Smith Way on Wednesday, May 15th, which would have marked his 52nd birthday.&nbsp;

Smith, a beloved figure within the NBA community, left an indelible mark on the sport through his insightful reporting, unwavering passion, and genuine love for the game. His untimely passing in January 2021 deeply saddened many fans, colleagues, and players alike, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Smith was the creator of ‘Hangtime’ podcast and host of ‘Gametime’ and ‘The Beat’ for NBA TV.

“This is a beautiful honor for a legendary sportswriter. I miss Sekou dearly. We started covering the NBA around the same time,” said 2023 Curt Gowdy Print Media award winner Marc J. Spears. “I miss calling him to talk about basketball and life while always finding laughter in the process. He’s gone too soon but will never be forgotten. It takes an amazing and extraordinary human to have anything named after you. Sekou definitely was the definition of that.”

The decision to name a street after Smith is a testament to his profound impact, not only within the realm of basketball but also within the communities he touched. Grand Rapids, his hometown, proudly honors his memory by immortalizing his name on the street that he grew up on which will serve as a perpetual reminder of his contributions and the values he embodied.

His sister, Misti Stanton, expressed that it's been a long time coming. “We've been advocating for the city to honor Sekou by naming the street he grew up on after him, and we're thrilled that it's finally happened."&nbsp;

The unveiling ceremony, scheduled&nbsp;on&nbsp;his birthday,&nbsp;is&nbsp;a poignant moment for those who knew and admired Smith. It&nbsp;brought&nbsp;together friends, family, colleagues, and fans to celebrate his life and legacy, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm.

“We all will one day leave this place, right? And for someone to be able to advocate for who you were as a person, your character, and your integrity within your profession … To be able to do that for somebody who was not only my baby brother, but who was a&nbsp;great man, it felt like I was honoring his life both as&nbsp;a professional writer and as a person,” said Stanton.

“Having a street in his beloved hometown named in his honor is another way his legacy will be kept alive,” Spears&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“Sure,&nbsp;he humbly would be uncomfortable with it,&nbsp;but,&nbsp;his story needs to forever be told and every time someone drives down this street his book is opened again.

As Sekou Smith Way&nbsp;was&nbsp;unveiled, it will serve as more than just a street name; it will symbolize the enduring impact of a man whose dedication to his craft and genuine humanity left an indelible mark on the world of basketball and beyond.

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Grand Rapids Honors Sekou Smith with Street Naming Ceremony

Local Media Panel Recognizes Veteran Guard for Professionalism with the Press

ATLANTA&nbsp;– The Atlanta Hawks today announced guard Bogdan Bogdanovic as the recipient of the 2023-24 Sekou Smith Award, which annually honors the player on the team’s roster who best represents themselves and the franchise with professionalism and integrity in their interactions with the media.&nbsp;

Bogdanovic was selected via vote from a select local media panel. He will be recognized tonight during a pregame presentation, which will include members of Smith’s family.&nbsp;

“Bogi is a true professional, and that extends to his cooperation with the media,” said Hawks Vice President of Basketball Communications Jon Steinberg. “He is always accommodating and honest with the media during the season’s peaks and valleys and is a very deserving recipient among many strong candidates up and down the roster.”

In addition to the award, the Hawks named the media workroom at State Farm Arena after Smith in 2021, redesigning the space to honor his memory. The team also launched an annual Hawks-NBA Summer League internship in Smith’s name in 2021.&nbsp;

Past Sekou Smith Award Winners&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Past Sekou Smith Hawks-NBA Summer League Interns

2020-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; John Collins &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2021&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clement Gibson (Jackson State University)

2021-22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kevin Huerter &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2022&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cullen Davis (Alabama State University)

2022-23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clint Capela &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2023&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kendal Manns (Alabama State&nbsp;University)