After the Hawks failed to land the Greek Freak this summer in one of the most drawn-out, painful trade sagas in recent history, it was thought that Atlanta may be playing the long game rather than pushing for a title this season.
In the first week of the budding 2026-2027 NBA season, it appears as though this sentiment was entirely inaccurate - not only on the front of the Hawks being too weak to contend in a bloated Eastern Conference, but also on the Heat's side - no team with Giannis is automatically a contender.
Miami's ice-cold 0-3 start perfectly juxtaposes the Hawks' strong 2-1 opening - was Atlanta correct in staying far, far away from all the Giannis drama last year?
Atlanta's pool of assets theorized to be sent off for Giannis
Last season, many a mock trade was suggested between the Hawks and the Bucks - simply put, because Atlanta owned a significant share of Milwaukee's future draft capital (their 2026 and 2027 first round picks, with some protections).
One mock trade from ESPN saw the Hawks giving up Trae Young, Zaccharie Risacher, and four first-round picks (including Milwaukee's two firsts) to acquire the Greek Freak.
Still other mock ideas were floated where Atlanta could facilitate an Antetokounmpo deal to a third party, while stockpiling assets of their own, thanks to their unique position of holding two Milwaukee picks.
The Hawks ultimately chose to stay completely removed from all the Giannis drama, and it appears the organization was all the better for it - at least, in the short start to the 2026-2027 NBA season.
Hawks' hot start perfectly foils cold Heat
Atlanta has started the year blisteringly hot. Despite dropping an unfortunate single-digit game to the Rockets, their first two victories were momentous achievements, earned through an impressive showing of team-first offense and staunch perimeter defense.
Miami, on the other hand, has had a nightmarish start to their season.
The Giannis-led Heat have dropped the first three games of the season, and quickly find themselves within a growing pit they'll need to dig out from in order to gain some breathing room in an absolutely jam-packed Eastern Conference.
It seems, by avoiding the Giannis sweepstakes, the Hawks had the right idea the entire time - build from within, and only take large risks when the price is absolutely right. Milwaukee's asking price was always too high for Antetokounmpo, and fortunately, Onsi Saleh never ventured to risk his organization's future for a lottery ticket.
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