There is no beam being lit in Atlanta, but the energy around this version of the Atlanta Hawks feels similar to what we saw in Sacramento a few short seasons ago. With a reloaded roster that now includes Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, the Hawks are stepping into a new tier of expectations. A playoff berth is no longer a hopeful goal, that's now the expectation. And the pressure that comes with that is starting to take shape.
The Eastern Conference is dealing with some major injury setbacks heading into the year with Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton set to miss the entire season. In theory, this gives Atlanta a real chance to rise toward the top of the standings. Some early projections have them securing home court in round one of the playoffs, which speaks to how much things have shifted this summer.
It all starts with Kristaps. Adding a high-level stretch big with shot-blocking ability gives Atlanta an element they have not quite had during the Trae Young era. When healthy, Porzingis opens up spacing for shooters, protects the rim, and can serve as insurance in late-clock situations. Having him in the frontcourt gives this team more layers than it had before.
The Hawks have a big opportunity on their hands
Kennard and Alexander-Walker both bring specific tools that this team needed as well. Kennard is one of the best pure shooters in the league and will help give lineups more floor balance when Young is creating off the dribble. Alexander-Walker brings defensive versatility, something the Hawks have been trying to stockpile for years now.
Of course, with more talent comes more responsibility. The Kings’ “light the beam” season worked because they took advantage of a wide-open conference and played with urgency every night. That same approach will be needed in Atlanta. The Hawks will have a potentially lights-out offense, but the defense will have to hold up as well.
The other part of this is time. Trae Young has now been in Atlanta for seven seasons. For all the debate that has surrounded his game, he has shown he can produce in the postseason. What he needs now is the kind of group that can consistently win around him. This roster might be the best one he has had, but that will only matter if they capitalize.
There is plenty to be excited about for Hawks fans, but there is also no denying the stakes. The Hawks have built something that looks ready to take a big step forward, and now they have to prove it.