NBA draft: Atlanta Hawks select Kingston Flemings eighth overall
Kingston Flemings smiles after getting drafted number eight overall by the Atlanta Hawks during the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - The Atlanta Hawks selected Houston point guard Kingston Flemings with the eighth overall pick in the NBA draft. The team acquired the selection through a previous trade with New Orleans to secure the 6-foot-3 playmaker.
Atlanta Hawks draft
What we know:
The Atlanta Hawks added depth to their backcourt by cashing in the eighth overall pick, a selection obtained from New Orleans through an earlier trade agreement.
General Manager Landry Fields utilized the asset to draft 19-year-old point guard Kingston Flemings, a standout true freshman from the University of Houston.
Flemings averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in college, earning third-team AP All-American honors while leading a veteran-heavy collegiate squad under coach Kelvin Sampson.
The young playmaker excels defensively and features an elite 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, alongside top-six combine rankings in lane agility and sprint times.
Flemings, who compared his fast-paced style to veteran guards De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Maxey, expressed enthusiasm during a video call about joining what he described as a winning franchise.
Off the court, Flemings documented his personal resilience in a major publication, sharing how he fully survived being run over by a vehicle at 4 years old, which left him with a minor hip fracture and spleen issues but shaped his driven personality.
Future roster development
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet confirmed how the coaching staff will divide playing time between Flemings and the existing veteran guards on the roster.
It remains unclear how quickly Flemings can build the physical power required for professional play, as scouting analyses indicate he still needs to add overall strength and refine his shot mechanics.
Professional player mentorship
The backstory:
Young athletes entering the professional league frequently receive guidance from an experienced team veteran who helps them adjust to the corporate sports environment.
League analysts expect Flemings to develop his professional skills under the guidance of veteran guard CJ McCollum.
The draft also highlights an athletic family trajectory, as his sister, Bella Flemings, is currently a top basketball recruit committed to Duke, positioning her for a potential future women's professional draft night.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from FOX 5 Atlanta, who interviewed the player via Zoom, as well as the Associated Press, which provided draft statistics and scouting portfolio details. This story is being reported out of Atlanta.