After falling short in the play-in tournament in back-to-back seasons, the Atlanta Hawks spent the offseason fine-tuning their roster into a group that could make noise in a weak Eastern Conference.
Atlanta finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 40-42, with the squad’s main problem being their inconsistency, especially against weaker teams. The Hawks dropped several games to struggling opponents, including multiple losses to the lowly Washington Wizards. Fixing that inconsistency will be crucial if Atlanta wants to move beyond mediocrity this year.
The Hawks will also be without several key contributors from recent seasons. Guard Bogdan Bogdanović, who was one of Atlanta’s most reliable scorers off the bench, was moved before last season’s trade deadline. His shooting and veteran presence were key pieces of the Hawks’ offense in recent seasons, helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. The team also moved on from starting center Clint Capela in a trade that sent him back to the Houston Rockets after a five-year stint in Atlanta.
The Hawks open this season tonight at home against the Toronto Raptors with an improved roster built around All-Star veteran guard Trae Young. The star point guard led the team in points last season, with 24.2 per game while leading the league in assists, averaging 11.6 per game. With even more new scoring options, Young may finally have the supporting cast to make a run in this year’s postseason.
The team’s most anticipated new addition is Kristaps Porziņģis, who the Boston Celtics traded as part of a three-way deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The 7-foot-2-inch center provides an upgrade for Atlanta on both sides of the floor. However, Porziņģis’ injury history may influence the Hawks’ coaching staff to manage his minutes carefully. He will join returning forward Jalen Johnson and 2024 first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, whose athleticism and size made him one of last season’s breakout rookies.
The team also improved its depth with the additions of guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker and sharpshooter Luke Kennard. Known for his consistency and durability, Alexander-Walker should bring immediate value to the Hawks. He played in all 82 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, averaging 9.4 points per game. Additionally, Atlanta selected forward Asa Newell with the 23rd pick in this year’s draft. The Hawks have high expectations for Newell, regarded as one of the top prospects in his draft class.
Under head coach Quin Snyder, the Hawks are becoming more dangerous defensively to complement their elusive offense. Last season, they saw the rise of guard Dyson Daniels, nicknamed “The Great Barrier Thief,” who made history as the youngest player ever to reach 200 or more steals in a single season. Daniels won the Kia NBA Most Improved Player award last season and was named to the Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team. With defensive playmakers surrounding Young and Porziņģis, the Hawks look like one of the most balanced teams in the East.
Now, with a stronger defensive core and a deeper bench, the Hawks have a real chance to finish among the top contenders in the East. If the chemistry clicks and the team stays healthy, the rest of the league may be surprised by what’s ahead for Atlanta.
