The 2026 NBA offseason - which is still technically going on - was one full of wild movement. A decent bit of cross-conference movement, at that.
Two of the biggest names on the market came to the already-talented Eastern Conference. Great. A conference that didn't employ LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard had the team who won the most recent championship, and now, well, it has LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.
It also has the Atlanta Hawks - a team that everyone seems to be forgetting about. They didn't make all the headlines this summer, and understandably so, but they made all the right moves that could sneakily leap them into contention. Don't sleep.
Atlanta's biggest advantage over other top squads: continuity
Amidst a league that heavily incentives squads to shake things up, Atlanta remained patient, to the dismay of many, but to the approval of most.
They don't need anyone's approval, though. They're more than on the right path, even after a first-round elimination to the eventual-champions.
Again, it's easy to forget about a team who suffered an early-exit and didn't go out the next summer and acquire a superstar. It's difficult to blame the national media. Atlanta will just have to force them to talk about them by dominating, which they'll have a great chance to do early in the year.
Anytime a team makes a drastic change - which many of the Eastern Conference's contenders did - there's an inevitable early adjustment period.
The Hawks have fallen victim to this many times in the past, but this year, they shouldn't. They still could, but it's highly unlikely. Everyone they added should fit right in.
They didn't bring in anyone who requires high volume that could disrupt the offensive flow at first. Philadelphia did. Toronto did. Miami did. Shoot, some could even say Cleveland did. Atlanta can pick up right where they left off.
Their new additions should only add a spark, not an adjustment
Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins played their roles to a tee in Oklahoma City, not letting ego get in the way.
The Hawks kept their starting five together, adding the two 2025 champions and three talented rookies. They also brought back Jock Landale, who helped Atlanta significantly in their remarkable late-season playoff-push.
While other teams are starting to get it together, Atlanta can attack. Don't be surprised to see them near the top of the Eastern Conference for the early portion of the year. Maybe they can stay there, too.
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