It was a busy off-season in Atlanta this fall, as the Atlanta Hawks looked to add to what was already an up-and-coming basketball team. Led by All-Star guard Trae Young, the Hawks have emerged as one of the best young teams in the league. The slow emergence of this team last season helped turn the Hawks into an attractive destination for free agents. Rajon Rondo, Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanović, and Danilo Gallinari all signed with the team, providing experience and grit for this talented squad. Adding those guys to a young core of Young, John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Kevin Huerter, and newly drafted big man Onyeka Okongwu, creates an offensive powerhouse that will be tough to stop. Now that Atlanta seems to have a loaded roster from top to bottom, many expect them to make the playoffs this year. But, will they be a one-round wonder, or can this Hawks team make a serious playoff run in 2021?
The Hawks transformed their roster drastically from last season, putting themselves in a position to contend for a top playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Depth has become a big part of team success in the NBA today, which is why this new-look Hawks team shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, depth doesn’t matter without a star to go alongside it. Luckily for Atlanta, they have a star. Franchise cornerstone ,Trae Young, has proven to be one of the best guards the league has to offer — in just two seasons. Young is a commodity that can light up a team from the field with his impeccable shooting on any given night; he’s averaging 25.9 points per game this season. It also helps that he’s one of the better passers in the game as well, as he’s averaging 8.4 assists per game. His play opens up the court for teammates to thrive in. Look at John Collins for example. Collins is a picture perfect modern big, as he can do almost whatever you need. Collins’ ability to be a force down-low, while being able to stretch the floor with his shooting has allowed him to elevate himself into a star, averaging 17.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game with 53/32/86 shooting splits. Collins thrives in the pick and roll, mainly getting set up with scoring opportunities by Young. The tandem is a perfect fit together, giving Atlanta a duo that can dominate in this league one day.
Most of the attention comes towards Trae Young and John Collins, but you cannot forget about the other youngsters — De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, and Kevin Huerter. When these guys take the floor with Young and Collins, you may not think of Hunter, Reddish, and Huerter to be threats, but that assumption is a foolish one to make. This year, Hunter (16.9 points per game), Reddish (10.4 points per game), and Huerter (12.4 points per game) combined are averaging about 39 points per game. This trio can light it up from three-point territory especially, as they are shooting a combined 43 percent from behind the arc thus far. Then, when you think that’s not enough, you have an impactful rim-running big in Clint Capela who can make it a long night for any big going up against him. Capela is a strong defensive force, averaging nearly two blocks and twelve rebounds per game. His intimidating presence down low makes it hard for anyone to cut to the basket or drive down the middle for a bucket. Now, let’s talk about the addition of Bogdan Bogdanović, who until his recent injury was providing a steady 10.5 points per game off the bench so far this season. His averages are deceiving though, as Bogdanović can put up 30 points at any time given his lethal shooting stroke. It’s the unpredictability of this whole roster that makes them a formidable opponent. Rajon Rondo, Kris Dunn, and Danilo Gallinari haven’t played much due to injuries, but there’s no doubt that the three will give an extra boost to this already hot Hawks team.
Even without some of their key players available to start the season, the Hawks have managed to make noise thus far. They’re averaging 115.3 points per game, sixth highest in the league, and making 13.6 three-pointers per game, ninth highest. They have been able to take down some good teams as well, with their most notable victory coming against the Brooklyn Nets who are the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. If this Hawks team can keep scoring at a high level, while improving upon their team defense as the season continues, there’s no doubt in my mind that not only will they male the playoffs, but they could get far as the Eastern Conference Finals. The pure unpredictability of this roster makes them so dangerous. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the year plays out for this flashy Hawks team.
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