Most people outside of Atlanta remain very skeptical of the Hawks' shot at a championship run.
Although they improved the roster in multiple necessary areas, there are certain signs they must show that will signify their long-awaited arrival.
1. Grit and determination
The biggest factor working against the Hawks is their youth, but this is where the Lu Dort signing will show most of its value. His championship pedigree will be priceless to a franchise undergoing a culture shift.
If Jalen Johnson and the Hawks are serious about achieving their ultimate goal, they need as many veterans as possible. While Dort is the headliner of their offseason acquisitions, Aaron Wiggins will also contribute meaningfully.
Both will help fortify the backbone of Atlanta's young core. Their playoff experience will hold the Hawks down as they aim for a deeper postseason run. Playing the Knicks provided some useful data, but with the East experiencing drastic changes, it’s impossible to avoid adversity in the 2027 Playoffs.
As this young core gets older, the challenges will only get harder. So they must show their resiliency on a nightly basis this year. Of course, they showed it multiple times last season, especially during their comeback 110-109 victory over the Knicks last postseason.
Unfortunately, we all know how that series ended, and largely due to lack of fight from the Hawks. This is the last memory the league has of them, but now with an improved roster, they can dispel any narrative surrounding their heart on the hardwood.
2. Second unit stability
Since the Hawks' starting lineup proved to be cohesive post-All-Star break last year, the bench must prove serviceable. Atlanta finished the 2025-26 season ranked 11th in bench points, and now the second unit has been elevated by a plethora of draft picks.
It’s obvious their lottery pick, Kingston Flemings, doesn’t have the mindset of an average 19-year-old.
His experiences have given him a different edge than most 6’4 point guards, and it’s already translated into an impact on the floor. During the NBA Summer League, he was a bona fide floor general, and his leadership will be crucial as he leads the second unit.
He’ll be backed up by Wiggins, Zuby Ejiofor, Asa Newell and Henri Veesaar. Newell showed resilience during his rookie year, and he’s looked noticeably bigger in recent pictures. Newell will be there for the rookies as they find their footing during the regular season.
Looking at the bench depth on paper, Atlanta has to rely on youth yet again. However, Veesaar and Ejiofor are both 22-years old with able bodies. These two, in particular, will play massive roles against the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
All three contenders have stars in their frontcourt, and they’re able to run five-out lineups as well. Veesaar is able to do the same, and Ejiofor surprised Hawks fans in July with his three-point shooting in Las Vegas.
It’s evident that the Hawks’ new pieces can lead to more wins this season, but one more weakness must be reduced for Atlanta to reach the next level.
3. Dyson Daniels’ three-point shooting
The last key factor for the Hawks this year will be Daniels’ outside shot. Although he shot a respectable 34.0% during the 2024-25 season, his percentage plummeted to 18.8% last season.
He’s received a lot of ridicule from the mass media, especially after signing a lucrative $100 million extension. Daniels has heard the chatter, and the 23-year-old has been grinding all summer, as seen on social media.
If Dyson becomes a reliable three-point shooter this year, it’ll create invaluable spacing for the Hawks starters. All of other starters are proven shooters, but they can’t hit the next level without Daniels’ shot.
A realistic goal for the former Most Improved Player should be 30% from three. He could become one of the best two-way threats in the entire league. It’ll give the Hawks three two-way players with Daniels, Dort and Nickeil Alexander Walker.
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