If trophies got out within the offseason, then the Atlanta Hawks can be within the operating for one. After firing common supervisor Landry Fields, and selling Onsi Saleh to the identical submit, the Hawks have made some shrewd strikes this summer season.
They traded for Kristaps Porzingis to shore up their frontcourt rotation. Porzingis does have his harm points, however he’s on an expiring contract, and Atlanta removed Terance Mann’s albatross contract within the course of.
In free company, they added Nickeil Alexander-Walker by way of sign-and-trade to provide them extra wing depth. Alexander-Walker was one of the crucial coveted 3-and-D gamers on the open market. Within the draft, they chose Asa Newell, including to their younger core.
The Hawks made these strikes so as to add extra measurement, protection, and athleticism subsequent to Trae Younger. Mix that with the return of Jalen Johnson, and the Hawks have set themselves up properly to contend within the East subsequent 12 months.Â
Trae Younger should ship with the Hawks this season
Atlanta made all of those strikes to construct round Younger and to provide him yet another look as their franchise participant. Since that deep run in 2021, the Hawks have been within the play-in for 4 consecutive seasons, together with not making the playoffs in every of the final two years.Â
Younger has been the identical participant statistically, as he has persistently averaged 24 factors per sport, and round 9 assists. Within the final three seasons, he has averaged 10 or extra assists per sport, and he led the NBA in whole assists this previous season.Â
Atlanta’s season was derailed when Jalen Johnson went down with a shoulder harm, as he was taking part in at an All-Star stage, and appeared just like the Hawks’ greatest participant for stretches of the season. Younger’s numbers appeared about the identical, however he averaged 5 turnovers per sport and shot solely 29 p.c from three-point vary in that stretch. Atlanta completed the 12 months 18-19 after Johnson’s harm.
Younger’s long-term future in Atlanta is on the road this 12 months
Younger is eligible for an extension this offseason, however most indications are that he and the Hawks will wait to debate that matter. Younger has proven that he can put up massive numbers, however can he be a high choice on a contender?
Moreover, Atlanta is gearing as much as pay Johnson and Dyson Daniels massive cash. Daniels is coming off a profession season, and is oozing with potential. This might give the Hawks three potential max gamers, in the event that they resolve to pay Younger. Within the second apron world that’s now the NBA’s actuality, that might not be believable.
This 12 months is an important one for Younger and the Hawks. The East is as broad open because it has ever been. The Celtics are lacking Jayson Tatum. The Pacers are lacking Tyrese Haliburton. The Cavs, Knicks, and Magic all have their very own inquiries to reply. If Younger can’t lead Atlanta to a stable playoff run this season, then his future within the A shall be one of many larger headlines subsequent summer season.
