Atlanta Hawks: Several Positives Emerge Despite 0-2 Start
Turnovers
The Atlanta Hawks have seen a problem from early last season resurface in a major way, so far in this exhibition season. That issue is turnovers. Atlanta has turned the ball over a whopping 56 times in two games. Those turnovers have led to a shameful 55 points by opposing teams.
Superstar point guard Trae Young has been the biggest culprit with eight turnovers in each game, for a horrid total of 16 turnovers. His running mate John Collins has committed nine turnovers, with seven against the Magic.
Shooting guard DeAndre’ Bembry, who is known for being sometimes out of control, has been guilty of six turnovers. Rookie De’Andre Hunter has turned the basketball over five times so far himself.
Rookie center Bruno Fernando committed four turnovers against New Orleans, but bounced back and committed zero against Orlando. Even veteran wing Vince Carter has gotten in on the action turning the ball over four times, with three of those coming against the Magic.
28 turnovers per game are far too many for the team to be successful. Turnovers will definitely happen for the Atlanta Hawks, the team that played with the fastest pace in the NBA last season. However limiting the total to around 15 per game, will lead to great success for Atlanta.
Defense in Game 1
The Atlanta Hawks defense was atrocious in game one against the New Orleans Pelicans. They gave up an inexcusable 133 points. The Hawks did not offer much defensive resistance, as they allowed the Pelicans to make 46 percent of their shot attempts.
Defending the three-point line has been a problem for the Hawks, dating back to the Mike Budenholzer era. That issue reared its ugly head once again in their first preseason game. Atlanta allowed the Pelicans to drain 17 three-pointers at a 37.8 percent clip. The Hawks also had an extremely low five steals for the game.
Lloyd Pierce has the reputation of a defensive coach, but the Atlanta Hawks have yet to bear that trademark. The team put an emphasis on defense in the offseason with their player acquisitions. The Hawks must improve at the defensive end of the court if they are to make some noise in the Eastern Conference this season.