Hawks made biggest weakness a clear priority this offseason

Atlanta's first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks revealed several areas that needed improvement, but one weakness was particularly difficult to ignore. The Hawks struggled to match New York's physicality on both ends of the floor, and President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh clearly took notice.

During his preseason media availability, Saleh explained that becoming more physical wasn't exclusively about improving Atlanta's defense. "I think physicality is not just a defensive thing. Physicality is offensive, too," Saleh said.

That distinction helps explain Atlanta's offseason better than simply looking at individual acquisitions. Saleh didn't just add better defenders; he assembled a roster better equipped to withstand the type of physical basketball that becomes increasingly important when the postseason arrives.

Hawks built a roster better equipped for playoff basketball

New York was the more talented and experienced team during Atlanta's playoff exit, but the difference went beyond talent. The Knicks consistently made the Hawks uncomfortable with their physicality, and Atlanta didn't have enough answers when games became tougher.

Saleh appears to have responded directly to that problem. Lu Dort immediately gives Quin Snyder one of the league's most physical perimeter defenders, while Dorian Finney-Smith brings another veteran capable of defending bigger players without backing down from difficult assignments.

Even rookie Kingston Flemings adds another dimension. While Atlanta shouldn't expect a rookie guard to immediately solve its physicality concerns, his size and ability to attack downhill give Snyder another player capable of putting pressure on defenses rather than relying exclusively on finesse.

Those additions complement an existing defensive foundation that already includes Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Atlanta finished ninth defensively last season, but the personnel surrounding that core now gives Snyder an opportunity to make physicality part of the team's identity rather than an occasional advantage.

That could become especially important against opponents built for postseason basketball. Atlanta learned firsthand that being a good regular-season defense doesn't automatically mean a team can withstand the increased contact and intensity of a playoff series.

Atlanta's returning players must embrace Saleh's message

The offseason additions won't solve everything by themselves. If Saleh wants Atlanta to become a legitimately physical team, players who were already on the roster must embrace that mentality as well.

Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu and Daniels will remain central to what Atlanta wants to accomplish. Their willingness to attack the glass, absorb contact and consistently impose themselves physically could determine whether the Hawks' offseason changes actually translate into postseason improvement.

Saleh's comments about offensive physicality are particularly important. Atlanta can't simply become more aggressive defensively; the Hawks also need to create contact, attack mismatches and avoid being pushed away from their preferred spots when opponents increase their intensity.

That's where this offseason could prove more significant than simply adding recognizable names. Dort and Finney-Smith bring physicality that Atlanta previously lacked, but they can also help establish a standard that influences how the rest of the roster approaches games.

The Hawks already had enough talent to reach the postseason last year. Their next challenge is building a team whose style remains effective once playoff basketball becomes more demanding.

New York showed Atlanta exactly what that requires. Saleh spent the offseason making sure the Hawks are better prepared the next time they're tested.

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