The Atlanta Hawks have gone 4-4 since the trade deadline. However, they are 1-4 in their last five as they continue to navigate an injury-ravaged season with a new-look roster still feeling each other out.
There have been some positive developments, though, and the Hawks may be able to lean into those down the stretch as they look to make the postseason.
One could be leaning into their new guys.
Specifically, the Hawks’ lineup featuring newcomers Caris LeVert and Georges Niang alongside starters Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu has proven rather effective in its limited time together.
According to Cleaning The Glass, the group boasts a plus-12.3 net efficiency differential that would rank in the 72nd percentile if it met the minutes requirement.
They have logged just 81 qualifying possessions together.
No surprise about what is working for Hawks
Despite the small sample size, it makes sense that the group has proven effective for many reasons. It subs out rookie Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft who has started all but two games he has been active for this season.
It also removes fellow youngster Mouhamed Gueye, the second-year former second-round pick who has filled in as the starting power forward with Jalen Johnson lost for the season.
Young players can be more prone to mistakes in highly-leverage situations.
Beyond that, though – Risacher has shown an advanced IQ anyway – it also puts former Cleveland Cavaliers teammates LeVert and Niang together. The duo arrived having played 976 minutes together this season with the Cavs.
Unsurprisingly, LeVert and Niang rank fourth and fifth, respectively, on the Hawks in minutes per game since the trade deadline.
LeVert is this in scoring in that span; Niang is fourth.
These Hawks are not going to defend even as well as they did at various points earlier this season. Johnson’s injury took away one of the Hawks’ best defensive presences as well as one of their best offensive weapons.
This season is far from over. The Hawks enter play on February 28 6.0 games back of the No. 6 seed, which would allow them to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
They are just 1.0 games back of the No. 7 seed, which would lock in a home Play-In game.
The Hawks would also get two opportunities to secure a playoff spot. Trae Young set the bar at a playoff appearance. But making a strong push and showing well in the Play-In would be a good season for this team, all things considered.