Now that one of the biggest free agency periods in NBA history has concluded, we're approaching one of the most highly-anticipated seasons in quite some time, and the Eastern Conference has caused the paradigm shift.
The Philadelphia 76ers traded for Jaylen Brown and signed LeBron James, while keeping their star trio from last season. Not only did Philly make moves, but Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Miami Heat, and the Toronto Raptors are in the process of acquiring Kawhi Leonard.
Having multiple superstars move over to the East will only make things harder for the Atlanta Hawks, but they’re making roster improvements of their own. Since the landscape has drifted substantially, we can finally predict which teams will find the most success this upcoming season.
Hawks must get through the beasts of the East
As it stands, the reigning champions hail from the East, and there’s no reason why the New York Knicks can’t repeat next season. Their roster is spearheaded by two future Hall of Famers, and the perimeter is fortified with physically-imposing wings.
There is a strong chance they will be the best team in the East again, with Philly right behind them as the second-seed. Adding Brown and LeBron will certainly make them a top seed, with the Detroit Pistons right behind them as the third.
It’s not unrealistic to think these three will be the top contenders, so seeds four through six will be the most interesting. The fourth-seed will likely belong to Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics. Some are skeptical about Tatum carrying their offense after tearing his achilles tendon, but we can’t forget about Paul George.
Although he is 36 years old, the nine-time All-Star can still produce on offense. The two of them will make an interesting pair alongside Derrick White. They’re expected to have a solid season with Head Coach Joe Mazzulla on the sidelines.
The reigning Coach of the Year has proven himself at this point, so the Hawks will certainly have to fight for a spot in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. All four of these teams are likely playoff-bound, and not to forget the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It'll be an excellent opportunity for Atlanta to prove themselves, as well. Their foes are multiple reasons why President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh was so adamant about improving the team, even trading the 2024 first-overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, to the Dallas Mavericks. Now it’s time to see where the Hawks will finish amongst this stacked conference.
Hawks should be able to win 48 games or more
Analyzing the Hawks from a bird’s-eye view, pundits and analysts across the league are still skeptical about their young roster. In a recent prediction list, BetMGM predicted that Atlanta will earn 43.5 wins this year. This would be around three less than their 46-win total in the 2025-26 season.
In the same month, Bleacher Report listed the Hawks at No. 8 of the best starting lineups in the entire league. Quite the contrast.
It’s safe to say the aforementioned teams will win 50+ games, but the Hawks can win 48 to 52 games this season. Some might disagree, and it’s understandable.
However, the Hawks have finally established their chemistry with a full offseason together. Now with five new teammates and an improved Jalen Johnson, we’ll get to see their true potential.
Of course, the last image the world has of the Hawks is their historic loss to the reigning champions, but all they can do is apply their lessons ahead of a new season.
BetMGM also listed them as +6600 underdogs to win the 2027 NBA title. It’s clear they still have to prove themselves.
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