The Atlanta Hawks have one of the most interesting rosters in the Eastern Conference heading into next season. However, no matter how talented Jalen Johnson is, the Hawks are still one big swing trade away from being a legitimate contender in the East. They just don't have a good enough perimeter star to pair alongside Johnson right now.
During the playoffs last year, CJ McCollum assumed the role of the Hawks' primary perimeter creator. And he did great. He played well enough against the New York Knicks to steal two games against the eventual NBA champions. However, this summer, the Hawks didn't do enough to upgrade from McCollum to a perimeter star good enough to lead them into the future.
They brought McCollum back. And he can play the role pretty well. But if the Hawks truly want to be viewed as a contender in the East with Johnson as one of their best players, they need to make a trade for a better star.
Hawks still one big-swing trade away from being legitimately competitive
Atlanta already has its supporting cast. Johnson is an All-Star, and behind him, the Hawks have plenty of high-level role players ready to compete for a playoff spot.
Dyson Daniels is an elite Defender. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a great secondary shock creator. Onyeka Okongwu is a quality starting center. And behind those guys, they have plenty of young players ready to step into larger roles.
Unfortunately, they still don't have the perimeter star that they need. The Hawks need a guy who can take over with the ball in his hands on the outside, acting as a threat from beyond the three-point arc and in the mid-range.
They need a lead creator. Perhaps rookie Kingston Flemings can eventually grow into that role, but it's yet to be seen how long that will take.
In the meantime, the Hawks should be constantly scouring the market for potential trades for a lead creator at the guard position. That's what Johnson needs more than anything.
Atlanta needs a clutch scorer. A trusted playoff performer. Johnson can be that, but the Hawks also need a guy who is a reliable threat from beyond the three-point line and can play that role with the ball in his hands.
Until they get that on the roster, the Hawks aren't going to be able to be taken seriously as a contender in the Eastern Conference, especially with how much rosters across the East beefed up this summer.
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