The Atlanta Hawks have made the playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season. They have done this on the back of their young core meshing with the veterans the front office managed to sign over the summer.
It has not been all smooth sailing for the Hawks. They have had a particularly rough time all season with injuries. They have not had a game all season where they have had a full team to choose from.
On top of that, the Hawks sacked their head coach, Lloyd Pierce due to the performance of the team. They were sitting in 11th with two games prior to the All-Star break. They gave the interim head coach job to then assistant Nate McMillan. He then took the franchise from outside the play-in tournament to the guaranteed playoff spot they are in today.
The Atlanta Hawks have had some tremendous success stories.
Trae Young has shown tremendous growth within himself as a person as well as on the court. His connection with Clint Capela and John Collins has been something to watch. He has shown the ability to make the right decision at the right time. His pass to Tony Snell for the game-winner against the Toronto Raptors is a prime example of this.
Clint Capela has been incredible for the Hawks, leading the league in rebounding and finishing third in blocked shots. Collins has been a force, emboldened by the presence of Capela beside him. On top of that, the play of Bogdan Bogdanovic has been incredible for the Hawks.
Now that the Hawks have made the playoffs, let’s look at five players who are crucial to their postseason success.