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Atlanta Hawks: This year’s Hawks are not the same old Hawks

By Corey Ghee

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 30: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks elbow-bumps John Collins #20 during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 30, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 30: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks elbow-bumps John Collins #20 during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 30, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Not your same old Atlanta Hawks

This year’s Atlanta Hawks team is different.

The resurgence in Atlanta is well underway, as the new-look Hawks are off to an impressive start, despite a close loss in Brooklyn that saw them take the Nets to the wire. After missing the playoffs for the previous three seasons, Lloyd Peirce’s team looks ready to breakthrough.

Trae Young is playing at an MVP level, and a busy offseason has changed the culture and paid dividends early.

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Free-agent pickups Bogdan Bogdanovic and Rajon Rondo have already started to settle in, with the former coming out scorching hot through four games. The return of Clint Capela and John Collins to the lineup has been a huge boost for Young, with both altering the game offensively and defensively. Their homegrown talent is continuing to come along, as swingmen Cam Reddish, Kevin Huerter, and De’Andre Hunter have all improved their scoring and field goal percentage. Veteran Solomon Hill has even found himself a role. New additions Danilo Gallinari, Onyeka Okongwu, Kris Dunn, and Tony Snell are banged up, but they will soon be in the fold, making this team even deeper. Deep enough for an extended playoff run.

We just saw the Miami Heat sneak through the Eastern Conference into the NBA Finals. Now with Brooklyn in the fold, Milwaukee getting stronger and Boston, Philadelphia, and Miami still in the picture, the East isn’t as wide open as it has been. The Southeast division is wide open though and for the taking. Atlanta may just be able to keep up though, as it’s apparent they’re about to take that next step.

The Hawks lead the league in scoring and free throw attempts, and they most likely will lead the league in 3-point percentage. Atlanta is going to put up points with anyone, six players average double-figures. They’re versatile enough to play small ball with teams and they’ve got defensive stoppers to counteract the offensive firepower in the Eastern Conference.

If Trae Young’s play right now is a sign of things to come, the league might be in trouble. Young is becoming a superstar right before our eyes. He’s averaging 34 points so far and both of his field goal percentages have risen.

He was flawless in the opener versus Chicago, including going 5-6 from 3. He’s been more aggressive with his game as well, getting to the charity stripe, even more, this season. Young has the superstar potential Atlanta hasn’t seen since Dominique Wilkins.

The Hawks will most likely be buyers at the trade deadline too, and they have the bait to reel in a really vital piece to their playoff run. Expiring contracts and John Collins not re-signing could potentially see Atlanta bring in a bigger piece for their puzzle. Peach City is one of the bigger markets in the league.

Next. The Golden State Warriors have looked rather mediocre this season. dark

The Atlanta Hawks are real and so are their playoff aspirations.

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