Hawks finally make key change everyone has been waiting for

This team looks different
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher exchanges a handshake with new Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis during a timeout in the third quarter of Monday's preseason match at FedExForum
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher exchanges a handshake with new Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis during a timeout in the third quarter of Monday's preseason match at FedExForum | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Quin Snyder and the Atlanta Hawks put the team’s upgraded roster to good use in their preseason match against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday by finally democratizing the offense. 

Historically, Trae Young has dominated offensive possessions for several reasons. The team has never had elite offensive talent around him, forcing them to adopt a heliocentric brand of basketball. Young’s ability as an offensive engine created plenty of good looks for him and his teammates, but this playstyle was unsustainable

Entering the season, Snyder and Young noted that the star point guard must improve his efficiency. This is particularly important for Young, who is in the midst of a contract negotiation. However, it was unrealistic for him to significantly improve his efficiency without changing the quantity or quality of shots taken.

With the additions of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, Snyder can finally remove Young from his ball-dominant role. Young was still the most involved player on the offense, but he was no longer asked to create every shot, whether for himself or his teammates. 

The sky is the limit for the Hawks' offense

Jalen Johnson’s court vision and scoring were on full display in his slightly increased role within the offense. His most exciting play came when the forward set a screen for Young, who passed to Johnson in the short roll at the free throw line. As the pass was thrown, Porzingis’s man, PJ Hall, stepped up to deny Johnson an open layup. Johnson caught the ball and took one dribble before dropping a breathtaking lob to Kristaps Porzingis, who perfectly read the defense on a baseline cut.

Porzingis is the third offensive star Atlanta has desperately craved, who has enabled the team to balance the offense. We began to see flashes of what he will look like in this offense on Monday. Porzingis set two drag screens to begin the possession for Young, who flipped the ball back with a sweet behind-the-back pass to the big man. Porzingis cut to the rim, was cut off, then hit Dyson Daniels on a baseline cut eerily similar to the Johnson-Porzingis lob.

Young himself struggled in Memphis, scoring just four points from the field on a dismal 2-11 from the field and 0-8 from three. While this initially appears discouraging, the fact that Atlanta could win and have a coherent offensive identity despite Young’s poor individual performance is another sign that this team is different. Of course, Memphis was missing four of five starters, including Ja Morant. Nonetheless, Atlanta's offense looked dangerous and could be unstoppable when Young is hitting his shots.

With the offensive talent on this roster, Young is no longer required to be the focal point of every possession. Snyder ensured he remained involved on this side of the court, but democratizing the offense was a critical step toward maximizing Young and the team’s offensive performance. This offense could be terrifying once Young and the team develop familiarity within the new offensive scheme.