The Atlanta Hawks are arguably one of the hottest teams in the league as they are on a nine-game winning streak, and they are trying to make it 10 games against the Orlando Magic. This trend began when C.J. McCollum was inserted into the starting lineup for Zachary Rishachar, as statistics showed that the Hawks were a better team when he played with the other four starters of Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu.
Those stats are still proving true, and it doesn't look like McCollum will be going back to the bench any time soon. After his win against the Milwaukee Bucks, McCollum was asked if he would like to be the starter.
"For me, this is what the team needs," McCullum told reporters. "I think the money comes on time every two weeks, regardless. That's always helpful, but historically, I've been a starter, but I'm comfortable filling whatever role is necessary for us as long as we're competing for something. That's what's really important to me: winning basketball and competing for something right now. That's what they want me to do, and when your boss tells you something, you've got to do that."
McCallum's move into the starting lineup hasn't affected the way the Hawks play, and if anything, it's made them better. Jalen Johnson has been able to continue producing at a high level with McCollum in the lineup.
"Some of the lineups may look different, but CJ has been a great vet and he understands the game at a high level," Johnson said. “So having him on the court with us, he just shows us little signs and things where we can be effective, and I think he's done a great job leading our group.”
The Hawks needed a vet like McCallum on their team, as they were one of the younger teams in the league when the season began. McCollum has made big shots in postseason basketball and played with some of the game's stars. His presence will only make the Hawks better, especially at this point in the season.
The Hawks are currently trying to climb the Eastern Conference standings, but despite their winning streak they haven't made much of a splash. At this point, all they can do is control what they can and hope that the teams above them start falling away.
