The Atlanta Hawks have embraced a simple mantra this offseason , any player can let it fly. That philosophy has filtered down to the newest addition to the roster, big man Zuby Ejiofor, who has been given clear permission to test his range in the NBA Summer League. The organization’s willingness to let a rookie stretch the floor reflects a broader cultural shift toward confidence and offensive freedom.
Ejiofor arrived in the league after being selected with the No. 23 pick out of St. John’s University. At St. John’s, the 22-year-old posted a modest 30.5% conversion rate from three-point range, but that figure came on just 1.6 attempts per game, suggesting limited usage rather than a lack of skill. The draft position and his shooting profile gave Atlanta a clear picture of a stretch-big with upside, a player who could develop a valuable perimeter weapon if given the right opportunities.
In the Summer League, Ejiofor’s volume exploded. Across four games, he attempted an average of 8.5 three-pointers per contest and improved his accuracy to 35%. The jump from 1.6 to 8.5 attempts per game represents a significant increase in shot volume, while the efficiency gain indicates that the extra attempts are not merely speculative. Maintaining a mid-30s percentage on a higher volume is a promising sign that the shot could become a regular part of his offensive toolkit.
From a strategic perspective, a big man who can reliably stretch the floor aligns with the NBA’s broader shift toward spacing and versatility. When a center can step out and knock down threes, it forces defenses to respect the perimeter, opening lanes for drives and post play alike. For the Hawks, allowing Ejiofor to develop this skill set early reinforces a culture of confidence and gives the coaching staff a tangible metric to evaluate during the preseason.
Looking ahead, the next decision point will come when Atlanta trims its roster before the regular season begins. If Ejiofor can keep his 35% shooting rate over a larger sample and demonstrate the defensive fundamentals required of a big, he could earn a two-way contract or even a spot on the regular season roster. Conversely, a regression in either volume or efficiency would likely see him assigned to the G-League for continued development. Regardless of the outcome, the Summer League performance provides a clear baseline for the Hawks’ ongoing assessment of their rookie stretch-big.
