23. Atlanta Hawks (2-3)
I have to admit that I though the Atlanta Hawks were going to be putrid this season, and I still might be right. But so far, through the first two weeks of the season, that hasn’t been the case. And mostly because Trae Young has been great.
The rookie point guard is averaging nearly 22 points, eight assists and four rebounds per game on 39 percent shooting from 3-point range. But it hasn’t just been the rise and play of Young that has the Hawks performing better than expected.
Taurean Prince has also made a big jump this season; he’s been the team’s leading scorer, averaging 22 points on 50 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent from 3-point range. He’s been a pleasant surprise and has the Hawks encouraged.