Finding silver linings in Hawks' 0-5 showing in NBA 2K25 Summer League

The Atlanta Hawks went 0-5 during their run in the 2K25 NBA Summer League, but even in defeat, there were multiple silver linings. Casual fans finally got to witness the No.1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher in action, and most fans were pleased with what they saw. He showcased his playmaking ability with nice passes to his teammates and dropped defenders with his ball handling. 

His best game was against the No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr and the Washington Wizards, where he scored 18 points, shooting 7-for-16. He shot 2-for-7 from three but he will do better when Trae Young can set him up. Risacher also broke through screens on the defensive end, and his height at 6-foot-9 helps him block shots. 

He showcased an all-around game, finishing at the rim, making excellent passes, and playing solid perimeter defense. His potential on both sides of the ball makes him a great piece next to a player like Young. The Hawks are forming a team of lengthy defenders with offensive potential around Young, who benefits all of his teammates with his playmaking.

If Snyder is open to it, Risacher could form a backcourt pairing with Young since his ball handling was better than expected. Giving Young a big shooting guard after losing Dejounte Murray would be incredibly poetic, especially since Risacher’s catch-and-shoot style would be perfect for Young moving forward.

He needs to keep improving his shot creation to perform step-back and create separation to score in isolation scenarios. With his height, he would be a nightmare for most shooting guards in the NBA. We only saw Risacher twice during the Summer League because he sustained a right quad contusion after playing the San Antonio Spurs on July 14th. Since he sat most of the game, ending it with 11 points

Outside of Risacher, Most of the Summer League roster was filled with the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G-league. Jarkel Joiner introduced himself to the world stage when they played Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers, losing 87-86. It was a valuable experience that will benefit his development in the G-League. He must improve in late-game situations, which will happen as he gains more experience.

The Hawks' youngsters are steadily improving, but some of their weaknesses outweigh their strengths

Joiner took advantage of the extra minutes due to Kobe Bufkin’s right shoulder injury, which occurred before leaving for Las Vegas. His absence was felt in the closing moments of all the Summer League games. Bufkin's injury was a massive blow to the Hawks, and he has raised questions about his durability heading into his sophomore season.

 He had two injuries this season. The first was a thumb injury on November 3rd, 2023, which caused him to miss the remainder of the month, December, and almost all of January. The second was a toe injury on March 11th, which caused him to miss the entire month, returning on April 1st.

He still possesses great upside and will have a chance to showcase his skills in the guard rotation with Young and Daniels. Seeing Bufkin next to Mouhamed Gueye could’ve helped free him up for more open looks on the three-point line rather than forcing him like he had to some games.

Gueye was able to showcase his ability to spread the floor, but he needs to improve on absorbing contact. There were numerous instances where he would fall on the hardwood after a smaller defender fouled him instead of staying composed for an and-1 opportunity. As he ages, he will learn to tone down his aggression and be more calculated when trying to score. 

The Summer League was a chance to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Hawks's young core. The entire roster showed a lot, including Djurisic, who fractured his left foot but showed some athletic flashes when he was healthy. Djurisic underwent surgery on the toe on July 8, but everyone else will be ready by training camp in September. We will see who played their way into Snyder’s rotation and who needs to keep improving in the G-League.