The NBA season starts on Wednesday for the Hawks so time for the annual preview.
After coming off a disappointing 36-46 season last year, management correctly decided that the Trae/Murray backcourt was not going to work. Luckily, the Pels decided that they wanted to have Dejounte play PG for them so we got a pretty decent return of Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr, and 2 First round picks (one of which is an unprotected Lakers pick next draft).
The team also decided not to go over the tax line once again which stopped any other major moves apart from Zaccharie Risacher being selected with the overall first pick. While being one of the least heralded first picks in history, Zacch impressed with his mature wing game in summer league and preseason. Along with Dyson, Hunter and the surprise Vit Krejci; the Hawks now have four NBA quality wings in the 6’8” range. Last year they had no depth there and were forced to play the smaller Bogi and Mathews at the three.
Right before the deadline today, Jalen Johnson was extended with a 5/$150M contract that could be a bargain as soon as this season. Jalen can be the 2nd best player on the Hawks this season as long as he keeps improving his game and stays on the court. He’s in line for a 20/10/5 season this year which would put him in All-Star consideration in the East.
Trae Young has become the most disrespected star in the League. ESPN’s top 100 put him at 37 overall which is ludicrous for a 25/10 guy on slightly below avg efficiency. If Trae can get back to positive efficiency then he will be in running for All-NBA like he was in 21/22. That Trae will be needed if the Hawks want to get to the playoffs.
Despite reportedly trying to get off Clint Capela’s contract in the offseason, he ended up staying on the roster. That gives ATL three quality centers on the roster with him, Okongwu and Nance. None of these guys are stars but they can be a top ten center rotation in the League. OO is probably ready for another step up so he needs to get starter’s minutes ASAP.
Overall, this is the best quality depth that the team has had since maybe the 80’s. Bogi is coming off a great Olympics and remains one of the best bench scorers. Hunter is likely never going to live up to his contract but he can definitely be a solid 8th man that can shoot and play against bigger forwards. Vit was a great story last season and the Hawks extended him for basically the minimum for four years.
I see the starting lineup by the end of the season as:
C Okongwu
PF Jalen
SF Zacch
SG Dyson
PG Trae
With Bogi, Clint and Hunter a solid bet trio on the bench. With any injuries; Vit, Nance, and Bufkin will see time. Snyder will probably run a 9 man rotation at the start so it will be interesting to see which of those three will get that last slot. Regardless, the Hawks can withstand injuries apart from Trae this year.
I’ll predict a 44-38 team this season and a return to the playoffs. Quin will be in a position to need to develop Risacher as well as try to win (Hawks gave their pick to the Spurs so no need to tank). Risacher is the key IMO to the Hawks becoming a contender again. He’s likely not going to be a superstar but he needs to slip in that 3rd best Hawk slot eventually. Basically what former number two pick Marvin Williams never became.
While we won’t be a contender this season, this should be a very fun team to watch. Last couple of seasons were a bit of a slog with Murray and Trae clashing on the court so fun will be good.
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