5 Lineup combinations that could work for the Atlanta Hawks

Hawks’ potential all-bench lineup

PG: Kobe Bufkin

SG: Bogdan Bogdanovic

SF: AJ Griffin/Saddiq Bey

PF: Saddiq Bey/Jalen Johnson

C: Onyeka Okongwu

This lineup will most likely rarely be used as either Young or Murray will be on the court with the second unit. However, Bufkin offers the added depth and ability to give Young and Murray rest at the same time if need be. Bufkin did play point guard at Michigan so he can play the position, however, it is unclear how the Hawks plan to use him. Despite this, he should be given plenty of time on the court as a rookie. Griffin’s role with the Hawks was seemingly cut out after Snyder took over, but he will no doubt be in the plans moving forward this season.

Small Ball lineup

PG: Trae Young

SG: Dejounte Murray

SF: Bogdan Bogdanovic

PF: De’Andre Hunter

C: Onyeka Okongwu

“Small Ball” is nothing new in the NBA, and the Hawks certainly have the capability to run it. Okongwu may only be listed at 6-foor-8, but he plays much bigger than his size would indicate. There are some concerns with this lineup, mainly Hunter playing at the four. While he is a good defender, his subpar rebounding could pose an issue.

Hunter has played 31% of minutes in his career at power forward so using him there isn’t a terrible idea. Early on in his career, Bogdanovic played more minutes at small forward than shooting guard.  But when he arrived in Atlanta, he transitioned to mostly playing the 2.

Tall Lineup

PG: Dejounte Murray

SG: Bogdan Bogdanovic

SF: De’Andre Hunter

PF: Jalen Johnson

C: Clint Capela

Last season, the Hawks used this lineup the 4th most time (with Collins instead of Johnson). Johnson should replace Collins in this lineup that played 71 minutes together. Unfortunately, this lineup with Collins instead of Johnson was a net negative in scoring, shooting percentage, rebounding (defensively), assists, steals, blocks, and turnovers. However, Atlanta would often use Murray to run the second unit so this lineup could be seen very often this coming season. With Johnson now in the mix this lineup could be much better this coming season and produce positive results.

Seven lineups last season were used for over 60 minutes of action last season. With Bey and Johnson competing for minutes and Bufkin trying to fit in, the lineups Synder could run will be interesting to see.

The Hawks have their fair share of depth to utilize in the rotation. Atlanta could cause a lot of mismatch problems for opponents this season.