5 Reasons to Get Excited for 2018-19 Atlanta Hawks

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 25: Lloyd Pierce, Omari Spellman #6, Trae Young #11 and Kevin Huerter #1 of the Atlanta Hawks pose for a portrait after an introductory press conference on June 25, 2018 at Emory Healthcare Courts in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 25: Lloyd Pierce, Omari Spellman #6, Trae Young #11 and Kevin Huerter #1 of the Atlanta Hawks pose for a portrait after an introductory press conference on June 25, 2018 at Emory Healthcare Courts in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 25: Trae Young (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 25: Trae Young (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trae Young & Jeremy Lin

The Hawks have obtained two point guards this offseason, and both of them should provide the Hawks with more mainstream appeal than they’ve had since, well, maybe ever.

Though Jeremy Lin’s best days are most likely behind him, he should still be able to contribute solid minutes and strong leadership to a young Hawks squad that will be lacking in the latter category in particular.

Sure, Linsanity is not at its absolute zany, maniacal apex like it was 6 years ago, but he still has a zealous following, and to see that energy brought to a revamped Philips Arena should be magical.

Speaking of “keeping that same energy,” Hawks #5 overall pick Trae Young made headlines during his college career by becoming the only player in NCAA history to lead the country in both scoring and assists.

That sort of offensive production coming to the Hawks should be enough to excite anyone – be it a seasoned basketball lifer or a neophyte hoops fan just learning the ropes.

No matter what, it’s going to be a lot of fun.

John Collins

Lastly, and speaking of fun, the Hawks are going to have one of the most electric athletes in a league that’s absolutely stuffed with them.

John Collins (aka John The Baptist) had a year to improve his game and work on some more dunks, so it will be absolutely scintillating to see his growth this offseason and during the 2018-19 season proper.

Collins was one of the best rookies in the 2017-18 season, and he should’ve definitely been named All-Rookie First Team, but maybe that snub will make him hungrier and readier to explode onto the scene even moreso in his sophomore year.

I can’t wait to watch him.

Next: Grading the Terrific Dennis Schröder Trade

Lastly, the Hawks home arena, Philips Arena, will also be restored and renovated this offseason, so there’s another reason to run or jog over there. I’ll meet you there!