The National Basketball Association is just over a month away, and it is once again time to preview every NBA franchise. I will be covering the teams in the Eastern Conference and my colleague, Joel Beatton, will feature teams in the Western Conference. Today we are featuring the Atlanta Hawks.
Key Acquisitions
The most notable acquisition in Atlanta in 2024-25 was small forward Zaccharie Risacher of Lyon, France. Risacher, who was a native of Spain, was the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This is a great time for French basketball. Three French basketball players were selected in the top six. Center Alex Sarr was selected second overall by the Washington Wizards and Tidjane Salaun was selected sixth overall by the Charlotte Hornets. We cannot forget about Victor Wembanyama who was selected first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
The Hawks also increased their depth off the bench. Their new acquisitions are Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels and David Roddy. Daniels is from Bendigo, Australia.
Fantasy Star
Trae Young of Lubbock, Texas is ranked fourth among point guards, behind Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers. In 2023-24, Young averaged a double-double, as he had 25.7 points per game, and 10.8 assists per game. He also averaged 2.8 rebounds per game, 1.3 steals per game, and had a field goal percentage of .430, a three-point percentage of .373, and a free throw percentage of .855.
Projected Finish
The Hawks finished third in the Southeast Division in 2023-24, but were 10 games below .500 at 36 wins and 46 losses. Expect a little drop this season as their young nucleus group of players takes time to gel and mature. I am projecting a return to third place in the division.
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