Okongwu cemented his starting role last season, space the floor with 3s, and show solid playmaking and defense. The Hawks add Porzingis, creating versatile two big lineups and new spacing for Okongwu to thrive. Expect a familiar 13–14 PPG with 8–9 RPG and continued growth as a shooter and connector, keeping fantasy value high as lineup flexibility increases.

The big question is how minutes and roles shift with Porzingis. If Snyder deploys multiple lineups, Okongwu can stay on the floor longer in key stretches, while still serving as a switchable defender and floor spacer. Fantasy upside rests on continued shooting growth and improved offense from playmaking and cutting.

Clint Capela’s 2020-21 burst defined a turning point for Atlanta: a rare blend of elite rebounding, rim protection, and efficient finishing that helped the Hawks punch above their weight amid injuries and coaching churn. Paired with Trae Young, he became a lob-and-protect engine that elevated Atlanta’s defense to a respectable level and propelled playoff momentum. The arc that followed—decline in touch, Okongwu’s ascent, and a later Rockets shift—secures Capela’s No. 8 standing in Hawks history for his lasting impact and professional resilience.

Fantasy-wise, Capela offered elite boards and blocks when healthy, a reliable anchor in transition, and a reminder that defensive value can carry a team even when offensive ceiling is limited. His career trajectory with Atlanta illustrates how a skilled roller and rim protector can influence lineups and rotations for years, even as circumstances force changes and role shifts.

Mid-round fantasy pivots with big upside: Kevin Porter Jr. steps into a primary role in Milwaukee, offering scoring, playmaking and three-point help as a high-usage option. Onyeka Okongwu benefits from Clint Capela’s departure, likely seeing expanded minutes and offensive touches. Payton Pritchard projects for a starter’s workload in Boston with growth in playmaking and off-ball scoring. Brandon Miller, Ausar Thompson, Andrew Nembhard, Kel'el Ware and Matas Buzelis all carry clear paths to meaningful roles and incremental production, giving managers multiple swing-for-value targets in the middle rounds.

These picks blend proven scoring with breakout potential and defensive impact, designed to stabilize weekly floors while offering ceiling leaps in minutes and usage as training camp and early-season rotations unfold. If you hit your early-rounds strong and target a couple of these mid-round pieces, you’ll diversify risk while maintaining upside across categories like points, assists, 3-pointers and stocks in rebounds/blocks.