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 Trae Young Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Worst-case scenario: High expectations lead to major disappointment for the Atlanta Hawks

As previously stated, the Hawks are a team going into next season with high expectations, and with good reason. A young core getting more experienced, Trae Young continuing to become a “superstar,” and promising rookies all point to the Hawks picking up right back where they left off. However, such high expectations could hold a fairly young team back.

The fact that Atlanta’s core is so young is obviously exciting moving forward, but in the short term, it could be dangerous. The team tasted real success last season, which means fans, experts and the team itself will likely expect to continue on that success. For a team that doesn’t have much veteran leadership, these lofty expectations could put so much pressure on the Hawks that it holds them back.

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Atlanta has to make sure they don’t measure success based on last season or what other teams are doing this season. If they get caught up in trying to keep up with teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks in the standings they could struggle. It’s important they just focus on making the playoffs and go from there.

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