A quick look at Bleacher Report’s recent team rankings, which placed the Atlanta Hawks fairly high up after an undefeated week to start the season.
The Atlanta Hawks are still undefeated ahead of the team’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, and Trae Young has helped carry the team to two victories against Eastern Conference playoff teams last year in the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic.
The team’s defense has also been quite sturdy, with noted defensive sieve John Collins performing quite well to end the game as a small-ball five against the Magic – finishing with four blocks, including an extremely clutch one late.
The team’s rookies are playing well, and Jabari Parker is providing the necessary scoring punch off the bench, so overall, it’s been a banner start to the season for the Hawks.
Bleacher Report has taken notice of the Hawks’ hot start, and writer Grant Hughes recently ranked Atlanta 18th in his power rankings of all 30 NBA Teams, one spot ahead of the hapless Golden State Warriors and two spots ahead of popular dark horse playoff contender, the Chicago Bulls.
Hughes highlighted the incredible play of Trae Young and also predicted that two games against defensive juggernauts in Philly and Miami this week will showcase just how good the team is this year:
“The Hawks have downed two teams that made the East playoffs last year, and if you didn’t get your bets in on Young making the All-Star team, it’s probably too late now. These next three games, which feature the Philadelphia 76ers and two dates with the Miami Heat, offer a real opportunity for the Hawks to validate an excellent first week.”
The piece also provided strong praise for #4 overall pick De’Andre Hunter, who Hughes called “unhurried, versatile and polished,” which is fairly high praise for a player through only two professional games.
Tune in tonight as the Hawks take on the Heat on the second night of a back-to-back.