Kingston Flemings Headed to Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks have added another exciting young piece to their future, selecting guard Kingston Flemings with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Fresh off a standout season at the University of Houston, Flemings arrives in Atlanta with a reputation as a relentless downhill attacker, versatile defender, and winner.

Speaking with reporters following his selection, the 6-foot-3 guard compared his style of play to several NBA standouts.

“I mean, guys like De’Aaron Fox,” Flemings said. “Smaller guards that really get downhill, use their athleticism to get to the rim, shoot the ball, and defend. That’s the type of player I am.”

The fit between Flemings and the Hawks appears natural. Atlanta’s roster is built around athletic, versatile players who thrive in transition, and Flemings believes his game complements that identity perfectly.

“I play fast,” he explained. “The Hawks are already a fast-playing team. Playing alongside guys like CJ, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, I think I’ll be able to play up and down the court. I can play on the ball or off the ball. I think I can really fit in and help this team.”

While much of his college success came from attacking the basket and creating opportunities off the dribble, Flemings believes Hawks fans will soon see another dimension of his game.

“I think my three-point ability is something people haven’t seen enough of,” he said. “A lot of people know me for getting downhill and creating, but at the next level there’s more spacing and more opportunities. That’s definitely something I can do and something I’ve been working on consistently.”

Atlanta wasn’t a stranger to Flemings before draft night. The Houston product revealed he had multiple conversations with members of the Hawks organization leading up to the draft, including meetings with President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh and Head Coach Quin Snyder.

“They came down to watch workouts, and I met with a lot of the staff,” Flemings said. “I had a Zoom with Coach Snyder and Onsi. We talked basketball and who I am as a player. Knowing I’m going to a good team and a good organization is really important to me.”

Flemings also expressed excitement about learning from veteran guard CJ McCollum, who recently signed an extension with Atlanta.

“I’m crazy excited,” Flemings said. “You see how long CJ has been in this league and how effective he’s been. Learning from him, watching how he works, being in the gym with him, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

One theme that continued to emerge throughout Flemings’ media session was adaptability. When asked what separates him from the other talented guards in this year’s draft class, his answer was immediate.

“I think winning, touching the paint, adaptability, and defense,” he said. “I can play on the ball, off the ball, guard multiple positions, be a catch-and-shoot guy, be a lead guard. I think my ability to adapt and impact the game in different ways is what makes me different.”

Earlier in the day, Flemings also shared a heartfelt letter through The Players’ Tribune, giving NBA executives a deeper look into his journey and the person behind the player.

“A lot of people know me on the court, but they don’t know me off the court,” Flemings said. “I wanted to show who I am as a person and tell my story.”

For a Hawks team looking to continue building around a talented core that includes Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and McCollum, Flemings could provide another athletic playmaker capable of impacting both ends of the floor.

The newest Hawk is confident he can contribute immediately.

And if his confidence, versatility, and winning pedigree are any indication, Atlanta may have landed one of the biggest steals of the draft.

Welcome to Atlanta, Kingston Flemings.