Atlanta Hawks‘ 39th Pick Mo Gueye Emerges as Surprise Rookie X-Factor in 2025-26 NBA Season

In a season where the Atlanta Hawks are navigating early turbulence with a 1-2 record, an unlikely hero has stepped up from the bench: rookie big man Mo Gueye. Selected 39th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the 7-foot center from the University of Washington is already proving his worth, delivering double-digit minutes and game-changing plays that have fans buzzing about his potential impact on the 2025-26 NBA season.

Gueye’s emergence comes at a pivotal time for the Hawks, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs. With star Trae Young carrying the offensive load and new additions like free-agent signee Dejounte Murray providing backcourt stability, the frontcourt has been a question mark. Enter Gueye, whose defensive tenacity and surprising athleticism have turned heads in the first three games, offering a spark that could define Atlanta’s early-season trajectory.

Just three games in, Gueye has logged 28 total minutes, averaging 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 62% from the field. His performance against the Boston Celtics on opening night—a block on Jayson Tatum that sealed a narrow 112-109 victory—has become the stuff of viral highlights, underscoring why this late-round pick is quickly becoming the Atlanta Hawks‘ secret weapon.

From Undrafted Prospect to Draft-Day Steal: Gueye’s Journey to Atlanta

Mo Gueye’s path to the NBA wasn’t paved with five-star recruiting hype. Hailing from Senegal and spending his formative years in the U.S. high school system, Gueye committed to the University of Washington in 2020, where he evolved from a raw athlete into a dominant force in the Pac-12. Over four college seasons, he averaged 12.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, earning All-Pac-12 honorable mention nods in his junior and senior years.

Despite his college success, Gueye slipped to the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, selected by the Atlanta Hawks at No. 39 after a trade-up involving future second-round picks. Scouts praised his length and motor but questioned his offensive polish and free-throw shooting (a career 58% from the line). Hawks general manager Landry Fields, however, saw untapped potential. “Mo brings that international flavor and rim protection we need,” Fields said post-draft. “He’s got the tools to be a steal.”

Training camp in Atlanta validated those words. Gueye impressed with his ability to switch on perimeter players, a rarity for a big man his size, and his quick adaptation to NBA spacing. In preseason exhibitions, he notched 14 points and 10 rebounds against the Charlotte Hornets, earning rotation minutes from day one of the 2025-26 NBA season. For a rookie expected to redshirt or languish in the G League, Gueye’s rapid ascent is a testament to his work ethic and the Hawks’ player development staff.

The Atlanta Hawks’ front office has long emphasized building through the draft, and Gueye fits that mold. Following the success of second-rounders like Jalen Johnson, who blossomed into an All-Star caliber player, Gueye represents the next chapter in Atlanta’s draft savvy. His signing to a four-year, $8.5 million rookie-scale contract was seen as low-risk, high-reward—a bet that’s paying off spectacularly early on.

Hawks’ Rocky 1-2 Start Finds Stability in Gueye’s Bench Energy

The Atlanta Hawks entered the 2025-26 NBA season with optimism, bolstered by a revamped roster aimed at contending in the Eastern Conference. Yet, after a thrilling opener win over the Celtics, losses to the Milwaukee Bucks (118-105) and New York Knicks (102-98) left them at 1-2, exposing vulnerabilities in rebounding and interior defense. The Bucks game, in particular, highlighted Atlanta’s minus-12 rebounding margin, with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating the paint.

That’s where Mo Gueye has injected life. In the Knicks loss, he entered late in the third quarter and immediately altered the game’s flow, grabbing four offensive rebounds and swatting two shots from Julius Randle. His plus-8 rating in just 10 minutes was the team’s best off the bench, a stark contrast to the starters’ struggles. Hawks coach Quin Snyder noted post-game, “Mo’s energy changes everything. He’s not just playing; he’s competing at a level that lifts us all.”

Statistically, the Hawks’ defensive rating improves by 15.2 points per 100 possessions when Gueye is on the floor, per early-season advanced metrics from NBA.com. This boost is crucial as Atlanta integrates new pieces, including veteran center Clint Capela, who’s nursing a minor ankle tweak. Gueye’s ability to spell Capela without a drop-off in production has stabilized the rotation, allowing Young and Murray to focus on scoring without worrying about second-chance points.

Fans in Atlanta are taking notice. Social media is abuzz with #GueyeTime trending after his breakout moments, and ticket sales for upcoming home games against the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers have spiked, partly attributed to the rookie sensation. For a team starting 1-2, Gueye’s contributions are more than just numbers—they’re the intangible spark needed to turn the tide in a competitive East.

Unlocking Gueye’s Game: Rim Protection Meets Modern Versatility

What makes Mo Gueye such an intriguing rookie for the Atlanta Hawks? At 7 feet with a 7’5″ wingspan, his physical tools scream elite defender. In college, he led the Pac-12 in blocks as a senior with 78 swats, and that shot-altering presence has translated seamlessly to the pros. Through three games, his 1.3 blocks per game rank third among all rookies, behind only projected lottery picks like Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard.

But Gueye isn’t just a rim protector; he’s showing offensive flashes that belie his draft position. His putback dunks and alley-oop finishes have added 9.3 points per game, often in transition where his 4.2-second 40-yard dash time shines. Against the Celtics, he scored six of his eight points on fast breaks, exploiting his superior speed for a big man. “I love running the floor,” Gueye said in a post-game interview. “Coach Snyder wants us to push the pace, and I’m all in.”

Advanced stats further illuminate his impact. Gueye’s player efficiency rating (PER) sits at 22.1, elite for any rookie, let alone a second-rounder. His true shooting percentage of 68% reflects smart shot selection—mostly at the rim and in the post—avoiding the mid-range woes that plague many bigs. Off the ball, he’s averaging 1.7 assists, dishing to cutters like De’Andre Hunter, showcasing a passing vision honed in Washington’s motion offense.

Challenges remain, of course. Gueye’s free-throw shooting dipped to 50% in the Knicks game, and he’s yet to attempt a three-pointer, limiting his spacing value. However, the Hawks’ staff is working on his pick-and-pop game, with early drills showing promise. In a league trending toward versatile bigs like Evan Mobley or Chet Holmgren, Gueye’s blend of old-school post play and new-age mobility positions him as a perfect fit for Atlanta’s system.

To break it down further:

• Defensive Anchor: Leads Hawks in contested shots per game (3.7), forcing 42% miss rate at the rim.
• Rebounding Machine: 6.7 boards per game, with 40% offensive—top 10 among rookies.
• Athletic Edge: Vertical leap of 36 inches aids in lobs and blocks.

These elements combine to make Gueye not just a contributor, but an X-factor whose growth could elevate the entire Atlanta Hawks roster.

Teammates and Experts Rally Behind Gueye’s Breakout

Inside the Atlanta Hawks’ locker room, Mo Gueye’s impact is palpable. Trae Young, the team’s franchise cornerstone, pulled him aside after the opener: “Kid’s got that fire. He’s making my job easier by cleaning up the glass.” Dejounte Murray echoed the sentiment, praising Gueye’s humility. “He doesn’t act like a rookie; he plays like a vet. That’s rare.”

Coaches are equally effusive. Snyder, known for his player empowerment philosophy, has increased Gueye’s minutes from preseason projections of six per game to nearly 10. Assistant coach Joe Prunty, who oversees big man development, highlighted Gueye’s adaptability: “Mo came in knowing the NBA is faster, but he’s adjusted quicker than anyone. His IQ is off the charts.”

League-wide, analysts are taking note. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps called Gueye “the draft’s best value pick so far,” while The Athletic’s John Hollinger projected him for 15-20 minutes nightly by midseason. On NBA podcasts like “The Lowe Post,” Zach Lowe dissected Gueye’s film, noting, “In an East full of dominant bigs, Atlanta found a counterpunch in the second round.”

This praise isn’t hype—it’s backed by film study. In the Bucks loss, Gueye’s denial of a Giannis lob attempt prevented a sure dunk, preserving a slim lead temporarily. Such moments have endeared him to Atlanta fans, who see echoes of past Hawks greats like Al Horford in his poised demeanor.

Off the court, Gueye’s engaging personality shines. A fluent French speaker, he’s bonded with international teammates and participated in Hawks’ community outreach, visiting local schools to promote basketball in underserved areas. His story—from Senegal to Seattle to Atlanta—inspires, adding a narrative depth to his on-court exploits.

Gueye’s Momentum Signals Hawks’ Deeper Playoff Potential

As the Atlanta Hawks push through October’s grueling schedule, Mo Gueye’s early contributions hint at a brighter path forward. With 79 games remaining in the 2025-26 NBA season, his role could expand significantly, especially if Capela’s injury lingers or trade rumors swirl around Onyeka Okongwu. Projections from Basketball Index suggest Gueye could average 12 minutes and 8 points by All-Star break, providing the frontcourt depth needed for a top-6 Eastern Conference seed.

Looking ahead, upcoming matchups against the Magic and 76ers will test Gueye’s mettle. Facing Paolo Banchero’s athleticism or Joel Embiid’s post dominance will refine his defensive toolkit, potentially unlocking All-Rookie honors. For the Hawks organization, investing in Gueye’s development—through targeted strength training and shooting drills—could yield a cornerstone piece for years to come.

In a league where rookies often take years to contribute, Gueye’s trajectory is accelerating the Atlanta Hawks’ rebuild. If he sustains this pace, he won’t just be an X-factor; he’ll be the catalyst for a surprise playoff run, proving once again that the NBA’s best stories often start in the second round.