Photo Creds: ATL Hawks IG
By: Sean Barden & Aryan Javan
The Hawks have proven themselves that they are a top-tier team in the NBA, and as one of the youngest teams in the league, they still have plenty of room for improvement. It is an interesting situation because while some of these players are still developing, they will also have to take on smaller roles due to the depth of the roster. This season will be crucial for the future of this young Hawks core, and what many players on the team are dubbing as a “finals-or-bust season.” It is time for the Hawks to step up and show that they are the contender we all know they are.
Photo Credit: SLAM
Trae Young (PG):
The Hawk’s perennial superstar is entering uncharted territory this year. In his fourth year in the league, Young finally garnered some of the respect that he has deserved after a very successful regular season and playoff run. Now, it is Young’s turn to back up the hype, after receiving his first supermax extension. The Hawk’s will be expecting Young to follow up his incredible 2020-21 postseason with much of the same. The expectations have shifted, it is no longer “The young Hawks,” it is the “Proven Hawks,” and Young must carry the brunt of that load as the face of the franchise. The bulk of Atlanta’s fan base believes another MVP-caliber season is in the works for the All-Star point guard. On our TwitterSpaces show #TheHighlightFactory, we got to catch up with Ice Trae’s trainer, Alex Bazzell, who informed us that Young has looked hungrier and more focused than ever before. I think we will see that hard work payoff.
STATS Prediction:
26.2 ppg, 11.2 apg, 48% FG, 36% 3PT
Potential Accolades:
All-Star Starter, an All-NBA Team selection, Top 5 in MVP Voting, Assist Title
Photo Credit: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG/SF):
The Serbian sharpshooter has been hailed as “the best shooter in the league” by Hawks fans. While Bogdanovic’s volume may not match the likes of a player like Stephen Curry, his efficiency certainly does. Towards the end of the 2020-21 season, the Hawks were left in a challenging position. Marred by injuries to superstar Trae Young , wingmen DeAndre Hunter & Cam Reddish, Bogdanovic went ballistic. Bogdanovic averaged 18.7 ppg on a scorching 46.2% from three-point land following the All-Star break, and became the clear secondary shot creator that Young had so desperately needed. However, “Bogi” suffered an injury to his knee prior to the Hawks incredible postseason run and had a lackluster playoff showing by his standards. Now, more eyes and more attention will be on Bogdanovic, and he will be required to carry the offense during stretches of games. While former head coach, Lloyd Pierce, saw Bogdanovic as more of a catch-and-shoot player, Nate McMillian tapped into all the facets of his game. It will be interesting to see how it will translate across an entire season with higher expectations.
STATS Prediction:
16.4 ppg, 3.4 apg, 1.3 spg, 46% FG, 44% 3PT
Potential Accolades:
Fringe All-Star, Top 5 in 3PT%
Photo Credit: NBA.com/AP
De’Andre Hunter (SF):
Hunter’s 2020-21 season can be judged in two different lights. One could look at the young wing’s massive improvement in almost every individual statistic and conclude that he may be the next superstar for the Hawks. However, if you look at the amount of games he played in, it is alarmingly low. While the Hawk’s training staff played it cautiously across the board, health will be a significant factor in determining not only his success, but the success of the entire team. While being an incredible shot creator, Hunter can also fill that jack-of-all-trades-role, as well. If Hunter can marginally improve his offensive production, keep that same incredible defense prowess, and stay healthy, we may be talking about a max contract, and a legitimate shot at the Most Improved Player Award. Entering his second to last year on his contract, now is the time for the young wing to take the final step in developing into the player we all know he can be.
STATS Prediction:
15.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.3 spg, 45% FG, 35% 3PT
Potential Accolades:
Most Improved Player of the Year, fringe All-Star
Photo Credit: Getty Images
John Collins (PF):
If I could use one word to sum up this article, it would be expectations, and John Collins sure does have some high expectations, set by himself after signing a five-year, $125 million extension. I have a lot of appreciation and respect for Collins as a professional. It is typical for players to chase individual stats and accolades to secure the highest contract possible, especially in a contract extension year. However, Collins chose to give up what likely could have been several million dollars and sacrificed his individual success for the team’s success to stay in Atlanta long-term. Very few players in the NBA would do this for ANY team, let alone a team like the Hawks, which does not have a grandiose amount of historical success and typically has not been known as a free agent destination. The Hawks gave him precisely what he deserved. Collins can now continue building his legacy in Atlanta by contributing the tough, gritty, win-at-all-cost mentality, he displayed during the playoffs this past season. Collins is one of the few Atlanta players who I think will see a regression in personal stats; however, this is not from a lack of production, but rather continuing to put his team’s success over his own.
STATS Prediction:
14.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 57% FG, 38% 3PT
Potential Accolades:
Fringe All-Star
Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin
Clint Capela (C):
“CC” also was awarded an extension this past off-season, but the emergence of rookie, Onyeka Okongwu, during the 2021 Playoffs certainly leaves a lot of questions. There is little to no argument about Capela’s impact on the Hawks (just look at his off/on numbers). With Capela on the floor, Hawks’ opponents averaged a staggering 8.5 fewer points per 100 possessions. Not only does Capela contribute on the defensive end, but he has quickly become Trae Young’s favorite lob-target on the offensive end. His high-pick-and-roll with Young has become the envy of every offensive savant. I expect similar outputs from the Hawks big-man this season and perhaps a chance at the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
STATS Prediction:
13.3 ppg, 14.5 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 58% FG
Potential Accolades:
All-Defensive Team, Top 3 in Defensive Player of the Year, Rebounding title
Cam Reddish (SG/SF):
Cam Reddish maybe the player Hawks fans are most excited to see a full season of. The lasting image Hawks faithful have was watching Reddish torch the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. A lot remains to be seen for the young forward, but boy does he ooze superstar potential. In the couple games during his return, he looked physically bigger, more comfortable with the ball in his hands and had a very stingy defensive presence. We had NBA reporter, Rashad Phillips on our Highlight Factory show, and he mentioned multiple times how high the Hawks front office is on Reddish. If we can get a full season of Reddish paired with the tutelage of Coach McMillan, the Hawks have another dog to throw at opponents. Durability and availability are his main enemies at this point.
STATS Prediction:
11.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2 spg, 41% FG 33% 3PT
Potential Accolades:
All-NBA Defensive team selection
Kevin Huerter (SG/SF):
As a Hawks fan, someone who really surprised me from the beginning of the season to the end of our playoff run, was Kevin Huerter. From game one, you could tell he had put in work over the offseason, and it clearly showed in his play. Everyone in Atlanta will forever remember “Game 7 K’von” when he was absolutely abusing Philadelphia 76ers guard, Seth Curry, on his way to a 27-point performance…on the road might I add. He is a steady presence for the Hawks and another shot creator off the bench. I expect Huerter and Reddish to carry a brunt of the offensive load for the Hawk’s second unit. Huerter also has the potential to be in the closing lineup of many games much like he was last season. Truly, who knows, if he keeps getting better, maybe he will be able to steal one of the starting spots. Keep putting in that work Kevin, because it is definitely translating on the court.
STATS Prediction:
13.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.0 apg, 43% FG 37% 3PT
Potential Accolades:
6th Man of the Year, Three-Point contest participant
Delon Wright (PG/SG):
Wright was a key addition for the Hawks during the offseason. Coming to Atlanta via a three-team-trade between the Hawks, Celtics and Kings, he fills a pivotal need at backup point guard. Many Hawks fans want to throw out Sharife Cooper as the immediate backup to Trae Young, but summer league and preseason success does not always translate to the regular season. As high as I am on Cooper, Wright will be the backup PG from day one. He is a solid veteran that can run the offense with our second unit. He has been solid anywhere he has played and his skillset will definitely be embraced on this deep Hawks team.
STATS Prediction:
5.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.0 apg, 42% FG 33% 3PT
Danilo Gallinari (SF/PF):
Gallinari performed like most Hawks fans thought he would when they signed him to a three-year deal during the 2020 offseason. Microwave scoring, a big body who can bully smaller opponents, and bit of a ball-stopper, which has been a part of his game since coming into the league. Especially with the injury situation, “Gallo” was called on many times to lead the second unit or carry the load offensively for big stretches of games. I think with the return of a fully healthy roster, his personal numbers take a big hit, but he can always be called on to score some buckets.
STATS Prediction:
8.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 44% FG 36% 3PT
Gorgui Dieng (C):
With Okongwu out to possibly after the All-Star break, the front office made a smart investment at backup center. The casual fan may not follow the career of Dieng, but he has been a solid player in this league since he was drafted from Louisville. The Senegalese international has a nice stretch-mid-range game for a big man. His hustle and motor will be another player the Hawks can throw at opponents with their infinite lineup possibilities. He should be a nice piece for the first half of the season till Okongwu returns fully healthy.
STATS Prediction:
4.2ppg 4.4rpg 1.0bpg 46% FG
Louis Williams (PG/SG):
Lou Will was a welcome addition in his second stint with the team, and in my opinion, a great trade-find for Rajon Rondo, who I never really liked the fit of in Atlanta. His most memorable highlight was leading the Hawks to a crucial game four victory in the ECF against Milwaukee, while Trae Young was out with injury. He showed he can very well still play in this league and at a very high-level. As a victim to depth, I think Williams will only be called on for specific situations. His time in this league is almost over, but he can be the veteran voice for this team in the locker room and still make plays on the court when he is out there. Do not expect too much for “Lemon Pepper Lou,” but do not be surprised if he has a big game here or there for the young Hawks.
STATS Prediction:
4.3 ppg, 2.1 apg, 40% FG 37% 3PT
Oneyka Okongwu (PF/C):
“OO” was a welcome spark off the bench in his rookie season, especially when the lights were the brightest. His defensive ability made him an instant impact player, as he went toe-to-toe against the likes of 76ers C-Joel Embiid & Bucks PF-Giannis Antetokounmpo during last year’s playoff run. Shortly after the playoffs ended, the Hawks announced that Okongwu suffered a shoulder injury which will keep him out most likely half of the season. Do not expect much statistically from him this regular season, but his timetable of return is around February/March. There have been reports that Okongwu wants to get back earlier, but the way the Hawks medical staff handles injuries, I think they play it safe. Maybe another playoff -Okongwu is what we should hope to see from him this season.
STATS Prediction:
6.0 ppg 3.3rpg 1.0bpg 45% FG
Jalen Johnson (SF/PF):
The steal of the 2021 NBA draft happens to be a member of the Atlanta Hawks. Coming into the 2021 NCAA season, Johnson was a consensus top-five pick out of Duke. Let’s just say, after a tumultuous season with the Blue Devils, Johnson slid on a lot of draft boards, but not past GM Travis Schlenk. Johnson reminds me a bit of DeAndre Hunter when he came out of Virginia. The physical size is already there, he can pass, shoot, and play defense. The personal predictions from our HawksFanTV panel is that he has the possibility to steal that backup PF spot, currently held by Gallinari. Now, I do think Coach McMillan will give our veterans the nod at the beginning of the year, and it is hard to argue against him after the playoff run we had last year. Hopefully not, but if injuries take a toll like it did a huge portion of last season, do not be surprised at all if Johnson plays his way into the rotation permanently.
Sharife Cooper (PG):
We have a new “Sharife” on the team, the first of its kind since one of my personal favorites, Shareef Abdur-Rahim (another Georgia High School product as well). Now, they are completely different players, so I was not trying to compare the two. Cooper emerged as the king of the preseason and summer league with his dazzling play. He looked cerebral, in-tune and the natural fit at the backup PG spot behind Trae Young. I have been on record saying that this guy is so good that I think he WILL play his way into the rotation at some point this season. I will admit that probably will not happen till we are well within our schedule. The Hawks added the services of Delon Wright for a reason and we still have the hometown hero, Lou Will, as well. Much like Jalen Johnson (and again hopefully not), Cooper’s playing time may be the byproduct of injuries. If the preseason and summer league are any indication of what he can be, then the Hawks have their legitimate backup PG for the next couple of seasons.
Skylar Mayes (SG):
The sharpshooter from LSU has yet to find his footing in the NBA. The Hawks drafted him in the second round of the 2020 draft with hopes of molding him into a consistent three-point threat. With other younger players flourishing and free agent additions, Mayes has slipped down in the depth chart. He did recently agree to a two-way qualifying offer back in August. Look for Mayes to be at the end of the bench or leading our G-League affiliate the College Park Skyhawks.
Solomon Hill (SF):
SOLOOOOO, the comic relief and the “got your back guy” for this young Hawks team. When Hill stood up for Trae Young against the Knicks last season during the playoffs, that earned a ton of respect in my book! Former Head Coach, Lloyd Pierce, used Hill quite a few times at the start of last season and was part of a regular rotation. Current Head Coach, Nate McMillan, had Hill appear in brief stints of big games as well. Unfortunately, I do not see much playing time due to the depth of the roster. Hill will be a great locker room presence and ready to play if called on.
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The Hawks have one of the deepest rosters in all of basketball. The difference between our depth and what other teams call “depth” is that we have quality players coming off our bench. The front office has literally amassed a hockey team. By that I mean, they can throw different waves of different guys at any point in the game, much like a hockey line switch. The Eastern Conference has gotten better and some old foes will be back in the mix (i.e. Celtics, Bulls, Heat, and Pacers). If the Hawks can stay healthy and put together a quality regular season, they have a chance to finish anywhere between seeds one through three.
It is almost here Hawks fans! The regular season is around the corner and one of the biggest seasons in franchise history is set to get underway! See our final season prediction below, comment on who you think can be a breakout player this season, and let us know what you are expecting for the Atlanta Hawks in 2022.
