Atlanta Hawks‘ 39th Pick Mo Gueye: The Rookie X-Factor Shaking Up the 2025-26 NBA Season
In a season where the Atlanta Hawks are clawing their way back into playoff contention, an unexpected hero has emerged from the shadows of the draft: Mo Gueye, the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Just weeks into the 2025-26 campaign, this 6-foot-10 Senegalese center is defying all odds, anchoring the paint and igniting the team’s defense with ferocious blocks and rebounding prowess. With the Hawks sitting at 8-4 after 12 games, Gueye’s contributions have fans buzzing about a potential deep postseason run.
Drafted late in the second round from the University of Washington, Gueye was seen as a developmental project—a raw athlete with untapped potential in a league dominated by established stars. Yet, in his rookie year, he’s averaging 12.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game among rookies. His impact was never more evident than in last night’s thriller against the Boston Celtics, where he swatted away five shots and grabbed 14 boards to secure a 102-98 upset victory. As the NBA world turns its eyes to Atlanta, Gueye is proving that late-round gems can shine brightest under the brightest lights.
Underdog Draft Story Fuels Gueye’s Rapid Rise
Mo Gueye’s journey to the NBA spotlight began far from the glamour of Atlanta. Hailing from Dakar, Senegal, Gueye moved to the United States as a teenager, honing his basketball skills at Link Academy in Missouri before committing to the University of Washington. There, he exploded onto the college scene during the 2023-24 season, averaging 14.8 points and 8.9 rebounds while leading the Huskies to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Scouts praised his 7-foot-6 wingspan and explosive athleticism, but concerns about his slender frame and limited perimeter shooting kept him out of the first round.
“We saw Mo as a high-upside big man who could grow into a defensive anchor,” said Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields in a post-draft press conference. “At 39, we got incredible value.” The pick was a calculated risk for a Hawks team rebuilding around Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, looking to bolster their frontcourt after Clint Capela’s injury-plagued 2024-25 season. Gueye signed a four-year, $8.2 million rookie contract, modest by NBA standards, but his work ethic has turned heads from day one.
Training camp stories paint a picture of relentless determination. Teammate Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks’ 2021 first-rounder, recounted Gueye’s grueling sessions in the weight room. “This kid shows up at 5 a.m.,” Okongwu told reporters. “He’s not just tall; he’s got that fire. You can see it in how he attacks the glass.” By preseason, Gueye was earning starter minutes, a rarity for second-round rookies. His debut against the Knicks on opening night—10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks—signaled the start of something special for the Atlanta Hawks.
Defensive Dominance Redefines Hawks’ Paint Protection
Gueye’s emergence has transformed the Atlanta Hawks’ defense, which ranked a middling 18th in the league last season with 114.2 points allowed per game. Early in the 2025-26 schedule, the Hawks are holding opponents to just 108.7 points per contest, a stark improvement driven by Gueye’s rim protection. His block rate of 8.2 percent leads all rookies and ranks top-10 league-wide, per NBA Advanced Stats. In a standout performance against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 10, Gueye rejected three Giannis Antetokounmpo drives in the fourth quarter, sparking a 15-2 run that sealed a 110-105 win.
Beyond blocks, Gueye’s rebounding has been clutch. He’s snatching 28 percent of available defensive boards, helping the Hawks rank third in the NBA for second-chance points allowed (11.2 per game). “Mo changes the game without scoring,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder emphasized after a win over the Orlando Magic. “His presence deters drives, and that’s huge for our guards to push the pace.” Statistically, the Hawks’ defensive rating jumps from 105.3 to 112.1 when Gueye is off the floor, underscoring his X-factor status.
Offensively, Gueye complements the Hawks’ high-octane attack led by Young’s playmaking. His 55 percent field goal efficiency comes mostly from lobs and putbacks, fitting seamlessly into Atlanta’s transition-heavy style. In a November 18 matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, Gueye hauled in 12 offensive rebounds, leading to 22 second-chance points—a season high for the team. Analysts credit his timing and instincts, honed from years playing against elite international talent in FIBA tournaments.
- Key Defensive Stats for Gueye (First 12 Games): 3.1 blocks/game, 9.2 rebounds/game, 1.4 steals/game
- Hawks Team Impact: +6.8 net rating with Gueye on court vs. -2.1 off
- League Comparison: Outpacing Rudy Gobert’s rookie block average by 0.4 per game
Teammate Synergy and Locker Room Buzz Around the Rookie
Integration hasn’t been seamless for every rookie, but Gueye’s maturity has endeared him to the Atlanta Hawks’ veterans. Trae Young, the franchise cornerstone, has been vocal in his praise: “Mo’s like having a cheat code on defense. I can bomb away knowing he’s got my back.” In a post-game interview following a 115-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Young dished out 12 assists, many leading to Gueye dunks that electrified State Farm Arena.
Dejounte Murray, another key guard, highlighted Gueye’s off-court growth. “He’s picking up English slang faster than I did as a rookie,” Murray laughed. “But seriously, his leadership in film sessions—pointing out tendencies—it’s advanced for a 22-year-old.” The Hawks’ locker room, a mix of young talent and seasoned pros, has rallied around Gueye, who credits his cultural transition to mentorship from international teammates like Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Fan reaction has been electric. Social media is flooded with #MoMamba memes, drawing parallels to Kobe Bryant’s underdog mentality. Attendance at Hawks games has spiked 12 percent, with jerseys selling out online. “It’s the Mo Gueye effect,” said Hawks PR director Sarah Jenkins. “He’s relatable—a kid from Senegal making it big in Atlanta.” This buzz extends to national media, with ESPN’s NBA Today segment dedicating airtime to his rapid ascent.
Overcoming Rookie Hurdles in a High-Stakes Season
No rookie season is without pitfalls, and Gueye has faced his share. Early foul trouble plagued him, averaging 3.8 fouls per game in October, as he adjusted to NBA officiating’s nuances. A nagging ankle sprain sidelined him for two games in mid-November, testing the Hawks’ depth. Yet, Gueye returned stronger, posting a double-double in his first game back against the Indiana Pacers.
Offensively, his free-throw shooting (62 percent) remains a work in progress, drawing hack-a-Mo’s in crunch time. Snyder has tailored drills to address this, incorporating yoga for footwork and analytics-driven shot charts. “We’re not rushing him,” the coach noted. “Mo’s learning curve is steep, but his ceiling is limitless.” Gueye himself remains grounded: “I’m here to help the Atlanta Hawks win. The rest will come.”
In the broader NBA landscape, Gueye’s story resonates amid a rookie class headlined by first-rounders like Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey. While they grab headlines, Gueye’s efficiency—outscoring his draft position peers by 20 percent in points per possession—positions him as a dark horse for Rookie of the Year contention. Betting odds have shifted, with DraftKings listing him at +800, trailing only Flagg.
- Foul Reduction Progress: Down to 2.9 fouls/game in November
- Injury Management: Limited minutes (24.1 per game) to preserve health
- Mentorship Role: Weekly sessions with Capela on post defense
As the Atlanta Hawks navigate a grueling December schedule featuring back-to-backs against Eastern Conference foes, Gueye’s role will only expand. With Capela’s return looming, a twin-tower setup could overwhelm opponents. Scouts project Gueye developing a mid-range game by season’s end, potentially earning All-Defensive honors. For a franchise eyeing the NBA Finals, this rookie’s emergence signals brighter days ahead, turning the 39th pick into a cornerstone of Atlanta’s resurgence.
Looking forward, the Hawks face the Knicks on December 5, where Gueye’s matchup against Mitchell Robinson will test his growth. If he continues this trajectory, Mo Gueye won’t just be an X-factor—he could redefine the Atlanta Hawks’ identity in the NBA for years to come.
