9. Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are another one of these teams in the Eastern Conference that are absolutely going through a bit of a transition. However, at the same time, it’s hard not to look at this roster and see the clear talent that is evident. The Hawks are talented and if the Trae Young-Dejounte Murray duo can hit its stride, along with some continued development from the likes of Onyeka Okongwu and DeAndre Hunter, they have the chance to be a real player in the East. However, I don’t believe the likelihood of that ideal scenario playing out for Atlanta is very high.
Unless this team plays above its projections, I think it’s safe to say that the Hawks will be in essentially the same place as they were last season – trying to play their way into the postseason. And maybe they end up doing so again this year. But that should be the real expectation for Atlanta.
Maybe they do end up making a move for Pascal Siakam and everything changes, but I’m still not sold that Toronto truly wants to trade him. Without the insertion of another star on the Hawks, they’ll be just OK this year.