Training Camp Battles Part 3: Asa Newell vs. Zuby Ejiofor

The Atlanta Hawks are one of the more interesting teams in the East heading into the season. Last year, they traded franchise cornerstone Trae Young, yet surprisingly made the playoffs as the No. 6 seed. The idea was less full rebuild and more resetting the roster around Jalen Johnson and a young, deep core—while remaining competitive. That plan was a huge success.

But after losing 4-2 in the playoffs to the Knicks, Atlanta didn’t rest on its laurels. The Hawks upgraded their depth and defensive capabilities this summer by acquiring two wings with championship experience, Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins, in separate deals with the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as veteran Dorian Finney-Smith.

They also drafted point guard Kingston Flemings and young bigs Zuby Ejiofor and Henry Vassell.

Who Is the Backup Power Forward Behind Jalen Johnson?

One intriguing training camp battle in Atlanta is the backup power forward spot. Mouhamed Gueye was solid in this role last year and would have been the choice to remain, but a foot injury is likely to keep him out until early November. That makes the early-season opportunity for Asa Newell and rookie Zuby Ejiofor more significant.

Newell, a modern power forward with size who moves well and can play center in small-ball lineups, was taken last year with the 23rd pick in the first round out of Georgia. The Hawks liked Newell’s length, athleticism, rebounding acumen, positional versatility and rim-running potential. They were also betting on his long-term ability to knock down threes.

Newell’s rookie season was uneven, largely because Atlanta never committed to giving him a consistent NBA role. When he did get time, he often just stood in the corner on offense, limiting his ability to crash the glass. He was also inconsistent on the defensive end, which is the case with most rookies.

The big man did put up huge numbers in the G League, averaging 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, showing why Atlanta remains bullish on him.

Now, heading into his second season, Newell could have an early leg up on the competition, as he was the first big off the bench in the opening preseason game.

Zuby Ejiofor Could Make Things Interesting

The Hawks had the 23rd pick again this year, and used it to select Big East Player of the Year Zuby Ejiofor, a hybrid forward/center out of St. John’s.

Ejiofor, born in Dallas to Nigerian parents, averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals last year while shooting 53.6 percent from the field, helping the Red Storm reach the Sweet 16.

The Hawks love Ejiofor’s defense and versatility, and right now he’s the favorite to be the third-string center behind Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale. But could he also challenge Newell for minutes at the 4?

It’s going to come down to who shoots better from deep. Ejiofor wasn’t a great perimeter shooter in college and might need a year to develop his confidence in the G League. Newell seem more ready.

Dorian Finney-Smith is the Wild Card

Complicating matters is the Hawks’ acquisition of veteran 3-and-D wing Dorian Finney-Smith on the eve of the season, in a trade with Charlotte for Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard.

Finney-Smith had a disappointing season in Houston last year, mainly due to injuries, but he was a standout role player as recently as the 2024-25 season. He brings with him a reputation for tough perimeter defense.

If Finney-Smith is healthy and his shooting returns to form, he could simply take those minutes and push both youngsters down the depth chart.

Mouhamed Gueye will also return at some point and make things complicated.

If Newell or Ejiofor play well in the meantime, they might never look back.