Atlanta Hawks: Best and worst-case scenarios for the 2021-22 season

By Ben Bundy | Sep 20, 2021

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 16: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Wells Fargo Center on June 16, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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Atlanta Hawks Sharife Cooper. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Best-case scenario: The Atlanta Hawks’ new additions help them make a title run

The Hawks have one of the most promising young cores in the league. Obviously, they have a franchise player in Trae Young, but they also have the likes of Cam Reddish, John Collins, Kevin Huerter, and De’Andre Hunter who are all key players and all under 23 years old. The future certainly is bright for the Hawks. As for the upcoming season, it is very likely Atlanta could be right back in the hunt for a title again.

The Hawks’ young core will have another season of experience under its belt. Plus, other key pieces like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela give the team impressive depth and talent all over the court. The only issue with that is every other team will also have another year of experience. However, Atlanta managed to add a couple more pieces to the mix that might just help them take that next step this season.

The Hawks drafted both Jalen Johnson and Sharife Cooper in the 2021 NBA Draft. Johnson managed to make the All-NBA Summer League First Team, averaging an impressive 19 points and nine rebounds while shooting high percentages from everywhere on the court. He gives the Hawks a young, athletic wing who can help them on both ends of the court. What may have Atlanta fans even more excited, though, is the showing that Cooper had at the NBA Summer League. He managed to average almost 18 points and nine assists while also showing he is not afraid to take the big shots down the stretch of a game. He showed he is more than capable of being Young’s backup.

Johnson gives the Hawks even more depth and talent on the perimeter in a league dominated by elite wings. Cooper emerged as what looks to be the ideal backup for Young. Adding both of these players to an already promising team could be exactly what the team needs to play for a title in the 2021-22 season.

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