The Atlanta Hawks are quietly building momentum, and Christian Koloko has become a huge catalyst for their improved play. Since signing his two-way contract, the Hawks rattled off three straight wins, including a statement victory over the Indiana Pacers, which showcased Koloko’s immediate impact. His production is essential to Atlanta’s short-term and long-term success.
Koloko delivered one of his most complete performances in a Hawks uniform against Indiana. He finished the game with 12 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists while shooting 6-of-6 from the field. His rim protection altered multiple drives, screen setting created clean driving lanes for Atlanta’s guards, and rolling gravity consistently pulled Indiana’s weak-side defenders into the paint. Atlanta outscored the Pacers by 14 points with Koloko on the floor, and the Hawks held them to under 45% shooting in his minutes. The numbers matter, but the flow of the game mattered more. Atlanta controlled the interior with Koloko, and that control dictated the pace, shot quality, and defensive structure of the game.
Koloko’s impact goes far beyond his individual stat line. The Hawks now have stable center minutes that allow Onyeka Okongwu to rest without the defense collapsing. That matters more than almost anything else on the roster. Okongwu currently leads the NBA in minutes played among centers at 1,475 minutes this season. That workload is not sustainable, especially for a player whose game is built on physicality, defensive versatility, and relentless effort. Koloko’s strong play allows Atlanta to manage Okongwu’s minutes without sacrificing structure, rim protection, or defensive consistency. This is not luxury depth. It is functional depth that directly protects one of the franchise’s most important long-term pieces.
The Hawks’ three-game winning streak since Koloko joined is no coincidence. Atlanta plays with better defensive spacing, rim protection, and interior rotation. Koloko’s ability to anchor bench units and stabilize defensive possessions allows the Hawks to survive non-starter minutes without bleeding points in the paint. That alone changes the identity of second-unit lineups and creates more lineup flexibility for the coaching staff.
Koloko remains on a two-way contract, but early returns create a legitimate case for a full NBA deal. The problem lies in roster logistics. Atlanta does not have an open roster spot, but it still has options. One path would be waiving N’Faly Dante, who is out for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Another alternative would be cutting Nikola Đurišić, who signed a full NBA contract, but he has not appeared in a Hawks game this season, spending the campaign with the College Park Skyhawks. Neither decision comes easy, but Koloko’s production and impact could force the front office to confront that reality.
Looking ahead, the importance of Koloko’s role only increases with the anticipated return of Kristaps Porziņģis, who remains sidelined with Achilles tendinitis. Porzingis has appeared in just 17 games this season due to illness and injury, making reliable frontcourt depth essential. The Hawks cannot afford to solely rely on health projections, especially given Porziņģis’ recent history. They must have an available, defensively sound third center, and Koloko fits that need perfectly.
In a season defined by uncertainty and roster instability, Koloko emerged as a stabilizing force. If the Hawks want to sustain this momentum and build toward a strong finish, finding a way to secure Koloko on a full NBA contract may soon become not just an option, but a necessity.
Check out the SportsEthos Atlanta Hawks Podcast with Tim and Mikey on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and more.
They break down every game, every move, all season long.
Follow: @EthosHawks @Tim_ATL @MRKHoops on X/Twitter
