Trae Young had an excellent individual season as the NBA Assist champion (11.6), while averaging 24.2 points per contest. His level of maturity has undoubtedly increased, and it has improved every facet of his game. His efficiency fluctuates, but his shot selection has improved nonetheless.
Trae Young: Floaters
He led the league in game-winners and ranked third in clutch points, primarily due to his patience in big moments throughout the regular season. It was another stellar offensive year for the 4x All-Star, but he could still improve some things that would expand his game even more, most importantly his floater in the lane. Young’s teardrop is his second-most-utilized move, but he struggled mightily with it, especially during the NBA Play-In tournament.
Young’s teardrop is his second-most-utilized move, but he struggled mightily with it, especially during the NBA Play-In tournament. According to Shotcreator.com, Young shot 45.3% from the floater range, which had a devastating effect on his efficiency, as he finished the season with a 41.1% shooting percentage.
Young’s ability to penetrate is stifled without his floater, and at 6’1, he mus score in the modern NBA.
Dyson Daniels: Shot Creation
Dyson Daniels put himself on the map this season as an All-NBA Defender. The 22-year-old Australian accumulated a historic 229 steals across 76 games. His abilities were an absolute blessing for the Hawks after a failed two-season experiment with Dejounte Murray, and his impact has led to a nomination for the 2024-25 Most Improved Player.
He will only continue to improve due to his infatuation with defending the world’s best player and his physical gifts. The surprising part of his performance this season was the offensive developments. He increased his total from 5.8 to 14.1 points per game. At this rate, he can become a two-way star among the likes of Kawhi Leonard if he improves his shot creation.
According to StatMuse, Daniels averaged 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.3 Assists, and 4.3 steals in four games without Trae Young this season. It was their first season playing together, and once Daniels becomes even more comfortable alongside his new point guard on the court, they will develop into a very dynamic pairing.
Zaccharie Risacher: Physicality & Rebounding
This season, Zaccharie Risacher did precisely what he was supposed to as a No.1 overall pick. He made an instant impact with 12.6 points per game and showed rapid improvement throughout the season. He will be a project for the developmental team for the next few seasons, and he has the potential to become something extraordinary in Atlanta. His scoring prowess is remarkable, but many times this season, he would be knocked off balance on the way to the rim.
Building muscle will come naturally, but he must focus on adjusting to the physicality with his trainers this summer. It’ll allow him to penetrate more, allowing his athleticism to shine as he forces his way to the rim. According to ESPN, he weighed approximately 200 pounds this year, and if he can gain about 15 pounds of muscle, we can expect to see a massive difference next season. It’ll also benefit his rebounding, which will help the Hawks exponentially.
Some fans remain skeptical of the team’s rebounding efforts, as they lack a true seven-footer. Fortunately, their players possess exceptional length and are taller than average for their positions. Risacher is listed at 6'9, and improving his rebounding could lead to more second-chance points. Atlanta ranked ninth in offensive rebounds (12.4) this season, and they could become a top-five team as Risacher improves. He grabbed 3.6 rebounds per game and should average at least 5-6 next season.
Onyeka Okongwu: Post Game
Onyeka Okongwu became the starting center on January 20th. After playing 40 games as a starter, he averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. The former USC Trojan is developing nicely, and a better arsenal in the post could take him to the next level.
Okongwu can spread the floor with a three-point shot, which is perfect for the Hawks' system; however, improving his post-scoring will make him a reliable three-level scorer. He already has a superb touch around the rim, averaging 70% in the interior. Adding a drop step or fadeaway will cause defenses to respect him more, creating opportunities for others as he passes from the post.
It makes him a major threat as a scorer, playmaker, rebounder, and defender. This season, he came close to a triple-double multiple times because of his ability to draw in the defense and pass out. He will turn 25 next December and is already under contract for the next three seasons, so fans should be excited about his progression heading into the future.
Jalen Johnson: Durability
Jalen Johnson rose to an All-Star level this season after averaging 18.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. The 6‘9 point forward has established himself as Trae Young’s co-star and will be alongside him for the future after signing a five-year $150 million extension. He can defend, score, rebound, and pass at a star level, accompanied by remarkable athleticism.
Johnson was on pace to win Most Improved Player before suffering a season-ending torn labrum on January 23rd. Johnson’s impact was so vital that it spelled the end of the Hawks' season before the All-Star break, and durability concerns have spread throughout the fan base. He suffered a fractured wrist against the Washington Wizards last season and missed 14 games.
The Hawks went 4-10 during that time and suffered without Johnson in the 2025 Play-In tournament. His top priority should be increasing durability by adding more muscle this summer and nursing any underlying health issues. Atlanta has the potential to be a top-six team when fully healthy, and that's impossible without Johnson in the lineup. He possesses superstar potential, but it’s meaningless if he’s unavailable.