Hawks preseason grades: 1 sentence reports for Trae Young, Zaccharie Risacher & more

The games will count the next time the Atlanta Hawks take the floor.

They wrapped up a preseason in which the final record belied encouraging showings from the team’s key figures. 

We have already picked the Hawks to deliver on their goals to surprise their detractors and make the playoffs. But let’s take that a step further with a brief breakdown of the team’s preseason grades.

Preseason grades for Trae Young, Zaccharie Risacher & the Hawks

Trae Young: A

An all-encompassing grade for the Hawks’ best player, Trae Young, who has embraced the challenge of a new-look roster and showcased some much-needed growth as a leader

Jalen Johnson: A

After committing to improving defensively and showcasing improved range on offense during the preseason, health is truly the only thing that can hold Jalen Johnson back in a contract year.

Zaccharie Risacher: A

If it is possible that a No. 1 overall pick flew under the radar during the pre-draft process, then Zaccharie Risacher is that guy, pal.

Dyson Daniels: B+

Dyson Daniels’ defense is as advertised, and his willingness to shoot the three-ball is encouraging even if the efficiency might not be as high in the regular season.

David Roddy: B

He might not have a major role this season, but it will be difficult for the Hawks to keep David Roddy off the floor with all he can do when on it.

Kobe Bufkin: B-

The Hawks’ top pick in 2023, Kobe Bufkin gets this grade largely for getting healthy over the summer and making it through the preseason that way.

Clint Capela: B-

Ankle soreness cut his preseason short and undermined what was otherwise a clinic on consistency from Clint Capela.

Bogdan Bogdanovic: C+

What Bogdan Bogdanovic showed in the preseason was not as encouraging as his run in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and was compounded by his limited exposure.

Onyeka Okongwu: C+

Similar to Bogdanovic, Onyeka Okongwu was an observer for most of the preseason, though the latter had a better showing in his lone performance.

Larry Nance Jr.: C

You see the energy and athleticism of Nance, whose age and contract situation make him a Hawk to monitor in trade chatter.

Garrison Mathews: C

The ball was not falling like we’re used to seeing, but it will surely come for the confident Garrison Mathews.

Vit Krejci: C

Like Mathews, the deep ball was not falling for Vit Krejci whose versatility was on display.

Mouhamed Gueye: C

While it is tempting to give Mouhamed Gueye a higher grade based on his flashes, he must showcase more consistency and efficiency.

Kevon Harris: C

A solid showing in his two preseason appearances should at least keep him on their shortlist of emergency options.

Keaton Wallace: C

He is a solid prospect to have in case of emergency, though he does not stand out in any particular area.

De’Andre Hunter: C-

De’Andre Hunter played in two preseason games and did not look particularly good in either of them.

Seth Lundy: C-

Second-year swingman Seth Lundy only played one game but that three-ball fell (1-for-2).

Daeqwon Plowden: D

Another exhibit-10 prospect, Daeqwon Plowden failed to make much of an impact in more playing time than our next entrant.

Dominick Barlow: D

Dominick Barlow failed to see enough playing time to properly evaluate.

Cody Zeller: N/A

The likely first domino to fall when roster decisions are made, Cody Zeller is simply occupying a roster spot at this point.

Nikola Djurisic: N/A

Nikola Djurisic is not under contract and is a draft-and-stash prospect.