Four score and seven hoops ago, the Atlanta Hawks pieced the puzzle together and reached the 2020-2021 National Basketball Association (NBA) Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals (ECF). Unfortunately, after a six-game loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the 404 crew could only maintain support for what the Hawks could achieve in the future. Currently, the Hawks suffer from a two-year playoff drought and a second-round drought since 2021. Following a productive offseason, the Hawks look as poised as ever to return to the ECF, yet this year seems different.
The primary reason for the Hawks’ odds rising this season comes from their second option, power forward Jalen Johnson (1). Beginning the 2024-2025 season, Johnson played like a Most Improved Player (MIP) candidate, averaging career highs in points, rebounds and assists. Unfortunately, Johnson tore his right labrum and underwent season-ending surgery, a costly blow to the Hawks’ momentum. This season, Johnson opened up the year with a respectable 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a loss to the Toronto Raptors. With Johnson’s return, the Hawks can shrink point guard Trae Young’s (11) role as the primary ball handler and playmaker and gain an advantage on fast breaks due to Johnson’s speed.
“The Hawks 100% have everything they need to make it out of the East this season, especially with Jalen Johnson coming into his own as an All-Star caliber player and capable of matching up against anybody on defense. With the roster rounded out to their best ability, I know they won’t waste this big chance this year,” junior Ronin Wertz said.
Past the foregoing players, the offseason’s roster acquisitions already boost the squad past expectations. General Manager (GM) Onsi Saleh took a look into the league market to improve the roster using his wallet, and his wallet ran quite deep. He signed free agent and acclaimed flamethrower Luke Kennard (3), adding further depth to the squad’s three-point shooting. In the trading department, Saleh acquired shooting guard Nickeil Alexander Walker (7) from the Minnesota Timberwolves and center Kristaps Porzingis (8) from the Boston Celtics, both of whom bolstered their already unshakable defense.
To further secure the Hawks’ future, Saleh traded their 2025 13th overall draft pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 23rd pick, but also gained a 2026 first-round pick. For further defensive improvement, Saleh picked University of Georgia (UGA) power forward Asa Newell (14), a near storybook selection for Atlanta. Newell joined young stars, including power forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) and shooting guard Nikola Djurisic (25), as budding young players capable of fitting within the offense seamlessly.
A common argument for the Hawks’ success not reaching any new lengths comes from Young’s skepticism. Approaching a re-signing year, Young’s averages and All-Star pedigree warrant another max contract extension. Unfortunately, a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) sprain currently sidelines Young for nearly three weeks. With negotiations in gridlock, fans begin to worry if the squad can work without him. November 8, the Hawks answered fan questions with a gaudy 122-108 win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite lacking Porzingis, Young and Johnson, the team rallied behind point guard Dyson Daniels’ (12) playmaking masterclass, who registered 13 assists. Fans can stay content for the moment, as the squad can still run and gun without their primary ball handler.
The Hawks’ defense as a whole performs better without Trae Young than with him on the court. Although Young tries to showcase his capabilities in contesting against shooters, his six-foot-one-inch height and six-foot-two wingspan add little to the squad’s perimeter defense. With Daniels at the starting point guard position, the Hawks retain their playmaking pace along with an improved defense as Daniels can switch onto many positions, even defending against centers.
“Even if Trae leaves the Hawks this season, he’s going to be an All-Star and even a Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate. With his ability to find cutters and spot up threats around the perimeter, he can help Zaccharie Risacher (10) become MIP, especially since he is a first overall pick, so we know he is going to make a big leap on offense. With Dyson Daniels running around causing havoc with little to worry about on defense, he’s going to make the Hawks unstoppable defensively and finally get his Defensive Player of the Year [DPOY] award,” senior Camden Gross said.
With the season still in its infancy, fans must subdue their optimism for at least after the winter trade window. Besides that caveat, supporters can not take the blame for seeing the light at the other end of the tunnel. After disappointment for years back, even past the sport of basketball, Atlanta looks on the upside for the foreseeable future.
