Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks have experienced a season of incredible highs and devastating lows. However, the NBA Playoffs are on the horizon, and the Hawks are the ninth seed in a razor-thin Eastern Conference race. Landry Fields and the Front Office made some huge moves at the trade deadline when they revitalized the bench by adding Georges Niang, Terance Mann, and Caris LeVert.
Unfortunately, It came at the expense of fan favorites De'Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic, although the trade has benefited the Hawks greatly. Even with their current injuries, they still have the making of a 6-8th seed on paper. Young’s increase in playmaking has raised the game of his teammates, and they’re 5-4 post-deadline. The roster is moving in a positive direction, but a realistic assessment of their playoff hopes requires a broadened lens.
Casual will predict an early exit, but this roster has defeated the best teams of both conferences throughout the season. They’re battle-tested and proven; regardless of the adversity, they can adjust to secure victory. Atlanta’s biggest problem at this point in the season has been their consistency. After amassing a seven-game winning streak in January, they haven't been able to string together five wins consistently.
This could be attributed to their current injuries and lack of star power on the roster.
Young has maximized the offensive capabilities of his shooters, but another fierce scorer is needed for a serious playoff run. Jalen Johnson had announced himself to the league before suffering a season-ending torn labrum in his left shoulder on January 23rd versus the Toronto Raptors.
Losing Johnson’s production was a devastating los for the season because of his consistency, playmaking, and defensive gravity. Dyson Daniels and Terance Mann have shared his responsibility as the secondary playmaker in his absence. Even though both guards have alleviated a massive weight off Young’s shoulders, Johnson’s 19 points and 10 rebounds per game will also be hard to replace.
Moving forward without Johnson significantly lowered their chances of a clean entry into the playoffs. Nonetheless, the Hawks are trying to win now, and even though they were trying to avoid the Play-In, it seems to be their light at the end of the tunnel.
Hawks must fight for Play-In berth, but then what?
It’s safe to say the Hawks have had a disappointing season, but the optimism amongst the fanbase has not wavered. They still have a lot of talent, including Zaccharie Risacher, who has improved month by month during his rookie campaign. Onyeka Okongwu has shined as the starting center, and Dyson Daniels, who continues to have a stellar breakout season as one of the league's premier defenders, will be massive for the Hawks to win the Play-In tournament
Depending on what 7-10th seeds looks like come April, their possible opponents could be the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Orlando Magic.
The Hawks have beaten and lost to all three teams this season. Orlando is the most dangerous team, given its star power, with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Even though the Magic are 3-3 in their last six games, both stars could explode in the one game needed to advance.
Obviously, the Play-In is not ideal, but it is the best option for Atlanta, given their 27-33 record with 22 games remaining in the season. As of March 2nd, their next five games consist of the Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers (twice), Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers. They could easily go 1-4 during this run, given the Hawks’ inconsistencies.
Because of the close standings, it would be massive for the Hawks to upset some higher seeds this month. The Chicago Bulls are behind the Hawks in 10th place with a 24-36 record and have regressed after trading two-time All-Star Zach Lavine to the Sacramento Kings during the trade deadline frenzy after eight years in the Windy City. So, Atlanta’s spot seems secure unless something drastic happens, such as Young or Daniels suffering a long-term injury.
If the Hawks secure a playoff spot, they will face either the Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics. Over the years, we have seen Young raise his game to a new level during the Playoffs, and the Hawks have produced wins over both powerhouses during the regular season. The Hawks' three new veterans will be the difference-makers off the bench, similar to their Eastern Conference Finals roster of 2021.
A ring is very unlikely, but at least the young core will gain much-needed playoff experience while the entire roster continues to build chemistry going into the off-season.