The Atlanta Hawks had the best offseason across the league, truly turning nothing into something by gaining three rotation players and improving their overall draft capital. ESPN, however, suggests that Hawks fans should pump the brakes on their hype train.
In Bobby Marks’ training camp preview, he had “managing expectations” as the first thing Hawks fans should look out for, above both Trae Young and Dyson Daniels’ potential extensions. He specifically said that “how this revamped team manages expectations will play a huge role in how we determine its success this season.”
While it is a gloomy reality to consider, Marks is right. In a vulnerable Eastern Conference, Atlanta has a prime opportunity to overperform relative to their talent level. However, even if the team flames out in the playoffs, this season will almost certainly be a victory for the team.
This season is a step forward for the franchise, regardless of the outcome
The acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard cannot be understated. The Hawks had already found their young core of Young, Jalen Johnson, Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher. These four players check most of the major boxes required for successful teams: a primary offensive threat, a two-way stat-stuffing forward, a defensive menace, and an all-around solid starting forward.
What was left was the hard part. First, the team needed a solid rim protector. Interior defense is the backbone of successful teams, and the Hawks had no established rim presence on the defensive end. By trading for Kristaps Porzingis, Atlanta filled this need while also adding perhaps the best three point shooting center of all time.
Next, the team needed a second defense-first guard to ensure Young never plays without elite defensive help. Nickeil Alexander-Walker accomplishes this while also spacing the floor. He shot 38.5% from deep on 3.9 attempts a night while flashing skills as a secondary creator. Arguably most importantly, Alexander-Walker did not miss a single game over the past two seasons. To have a player like this on your bench is a luxury that cannot be taken for granted.
Finally, the team needed a true offensive spark plug for when Young rests. Luke Kennard was made for this role. He is the active career three point leader, can shoot in a variety of situations, and is underrated as a playmaker. While his playoff fit next to Young is shaky at best considering their defensive limitations, he will help the team survive while Young rests.
Pundits assumed the Trae Young era was a failure years ago, and the team was urged by the NBA fandom to consider trade offers for Young. To turn the disappointment of last season into young team with a bright future is beyond impressive, even if another subpar year follows.
This isn’t to say manage your expectations by being down on the Hawks’ chances this season. Rather, understand at the end of the season that, regardless of what happens this year, the team is in an excellent place moving forward.