The Atlanta Hawks quietly had one of the most productive offseasons in the NBA. They traded for Kristaps Porzingis, one of the best floor-spacing centers in the league, and bolstered their backcourt defense by signing Nickeil-Alexander Walker. That’s not to mention the unprotected first-round pick they swindled from the New Orleans Pelicans.
However, the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Orlando Magic are all expected to be back in contention. The Hawks have an All-Star point guard in Trae Young, but were their moves enough to take the next step?
Experts from around the league have a resounding answer: yes, it is.
GettyAtlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young (11) and forward Jalen Johnson (1) are both expected to take a leap.
Atlanta Hawks Are Expected to Compete for a Title
Jalen Johnson should enter the season healthy. Dyson Daniels emerged as the best guard defender in the league. Zaccharie Risacher should continue to break out. There is no shortage of talent in Atlanta.
For the most part, the starting lineup is made up of young players or stars new to the lineup, although that isn’t expected to slow down the Hawks.
According to a panel of ESPN experts, the Hawks have the third-best chance to win the Eastern Conference.
“They have a lot of what-ifs,” an unnamed West assistant coach told Tim Bontemps. “But Trae is really good, and compared to a lot of his peers, he has had real playoff success that he doesn’t get enough credit for.”
Young is one of the best playmakers in the league, and the Hawks upgraded at center, bringing in Porzingis to space the floor and add a scoring punch. The addition of Porzingis is expected to maximize Young, and he knows he’s due for a big year.
“If we’re healthy, it’s gonna be scary,” Young said on the Club520 podcast on September 15th. “The only thing that can stop us in my mind is health. We have a lot of talented players and a lot of guys who are playing for something, too. So that’ll push guys to go even harder. ”
It’s Now Or Never for the Atlanta Hawks
With a healthy roster, a revamped offense, and an improved defense, the time is now for the Hawks. Add in a weak Eastern Conference, and it’s clear that Atlanta can’t be overlooked.
Young is one of the best offensive players in the game, although a lack of scoring support and defensive talents to mask his shortcomings has largely held Atlanta back. With Johnson, Risacher, Daniels, and Alexander-Walker bringing defense, and Johnson, Risacher, and Porzingis adding some scoring, Young is in a position to thrive.
“They’ve set themselves up to be real contenders in the Eastern Conference,” added Bryce Simon on The Game Theory Podcast. “But all of that is on Trae Young having his best year yet. I think that’s what it comes down to. They put the right type of roster around him, the right players around him to insulate him on both ends of the floor. And so I think he has all reason to be the engine of this offense and then give enough effort defensively that, you know, like it’s just not a disaster on that end.”
Young is due for a contract extension after this season, and Porzingis is in a contract year, so personal motivations might factor in, as well, although it’s clear that this could be Atlanta’s year.
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