The Atlanta Hawks are fresh off the back of one of their most successful seasons of the modern era. While many pundits and fans were quick to write the team off, Travis Schlenk and the rest of the Hawks front office have navigated their way through a rebuild that only took the team three years. Other teams have been doing it tough for a decade or more.
During this period, the organization made several correct decisions, offloading Dennis Schröder in order to pick up Trae Young in one of the most famous draft day trades of NBA history is only the tip of the iceberg. A starting line-up that was once cluttered with names such as Miles Plumlee, Ersan Ilyasova, and Alex Len has changed with John Collins, Clint Capela, and De’Andre Hunter becoming the anchors of one of the strongest young cores in the league.
Last season set the tone for what fans can expect of this new-look Hawks squad. The expectation could have been even higher if it wasn’t for Young unfortunately stepping on the foot of referee Sean Wright during the Eastern Conference Finals. Who knows what may have happened without this injury
The Atlanta Hawks started their offseason the right way
Signing Nate McMillan to a four-year contract was the first of a number of great moves the Hawks made. In his time as interim head coach, McMillan led his squad to a 27-11 record, finishing fifth in the Eastern conference and conquering two of the most hostile environments in the NBA.
For many young fans, this will be among the most exciting – and successful – seasons they have had the luxury of being a part of and a big reason for that was the toughness and belief McMillan instilled in the squad during his tenure. The four-year deal is well earned and music to the ears of Hawks fans around the world. Thankfully it was a sign of things to come as Atlanta has been busy.
Atlanta Hawks offseason big man moves
The most divisive dilemma of free agency surrounded John Collins. The star power forward was made a restricted free agent, but his camp was holding out for a max contract. While the Hawks were keen to have the “Senior Chief Executive Vibes Officer” back among their ranks, the hope was that they could structure a deal both sides would be happy.
The deal needed to satisfy Collins’ desire for near max-money and would also allow the front office a bit of the salary cap still available to continue to strengthen in future years. Thankfully, on Wednesday, August 4 it was announced Collins had signed a five-year, $125 million contract, ensuring his commitment to the franchise to the foreseeable future.
This was a great move by Travis Schlenk as Collins is easily one of the best at his position in the league and still has a lot of upside as his young career progresses. It would be very difficult to find a replacement who could offer as much on and off the court as Collins does for the Hawks.
Alongside this, the Hawks re-signed their insurance policy from last season Solomon Hill and brought in Gorgui Dieng to one-year contracts, ensuring depth, toughness, and shooting in their frontcourt.
The Atlanta Hawks offseason guard moves and the draft
In the guard position, the highlight was securing Trae Young to a max extension. It was announced in a press conference the deal was five-year, $207 million which also includes bonuses. This cemented the All-Star as the face of the franchise for years to come as the team looks to continue to build on the culture implemented from within the Hawks organization.
Lou Williams was also bought back, less than a year from contemplating his retirement upon the announcement he had been traded to the Hawks from the LA Clippers. The front office has convinced Lemon Pepper Lou that the foundations in place are worth sticking around for. This also speaks volumes to the work going on behind the scenes.
Finally, the Hawks managed to work a deal to bring in talented sharp-shooter, Delon Wright. This is a fantastic move that brings more depth and talent. The six-year pro is a strong two-way guard who is coming off a career-high 10.2 points per game while playing for the Detroit Pistons and the Sacramento Kings.
Atlanta has also continued their recent draft success, with Sharife Cooper and Jalen Johnson the next of what is becoming a long line of great picks. Cooper has signed a two-way contract while Johnson may struggle to get minutes. Both will have plenty of opportunities to shine as McMillan has shown his willingness to give young players their chance.
Hopefully, Cooper and Johnson can make the most of these moments like Onyeka Okongwu last season where he worked his way to becoming an invaluable member of the squad in the postseason.
The Atlanta Hawks’ final roster tweaks and what it all means.
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On paper, this team is one of the most exciting and talented in the league and is more than strong enough to contend for the Eastern Conference title. The rebuild has been fast-forwarded thanks to a number of fantastic moves over the course of the last three years. Of course, this team couldn’t be put together without letting some players go in other directions.
The sacrificial lambs this summer were Bruno Fernando and Kris Dunn as they departed for the Boston Celtics as part of the three-team trade that bought Wright to the Hawks. Nathan Knight is also on his way out as he signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, we thank you for your time with the Hawks, good luck for the future!
Overall, the past 12 months have been a fantastic time to be an Atlanta Hawks fan. The growth on the court, as well as the confidence in the workings off of the court, make for a great combination. Atlanta’s ability to lock down their franchise faces for the next five years cannot be overlooked and the willingness to build around them is what every player wishes to be a part of.
The league is beginning to take notice of Atlanta and hopefully, the work being put in now will create a market that will interest players and fans from all over!
The Hawks are a team talked about within basketball circles in the UK and other countries. All the attention is usually reserved for the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Boston Celtics. This is particularly so now that a televised opening day game has been confirmed and a long-awaited return to the NBA Christmas Day slate is upon us.
Trae Young and the rest of this Hawks squad are putting the league on notice and demanding global respect and recognition. Long may it continue!