Every NBA team has a plan going into the offseason. Specifically, every team usually has one glaring need that they need to cover first. It is a need that not only the front office sees, but the fans do too. In 2025, the Atlanta Hawks had that glaring need... and it was defense.
Clint Capela's future remaining uncertain with Atlanta, as well as matching the overall offensive firepower with a strong defensive force, created issues that were at the top of the team's priorities. Some teams struggle to hit these glaring needs, but Atlanta hit them almost immediately.
Let's look at how the Hawks addressed their biggest weakness with some key moves.
Kristaps Porzingis Provides Frontcourt Size with Sharpshooting Ability
Kristaps Porzingis is a legitimate rim protector who can also stretch the court with his shooting ability. This signing allows Atlanta to stretch the court better, as well as have an excellent big man. Porzingis averaged 1.8 blocks per game in the 2024-2025 season, a higher average than Anthony Davis and standout rookie Victor Wembanyama.
Less than a month after the offseason period began, Atlanta pounced on the opportunity to sign Porzingis. The front office signed him to a one-year deal worth $30 million. This leaves Atlanta with the opportunity to move on if injuries continue to plague Porzingis or restructure his contract to be more flexible for Atlanta if he does as good as experts say he will. Overall, this is a home run get for Atlanta.
The Return of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher
Two key players who stepped up for Atlanta last year were Dyson Daniels and No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher. These young, talented players are expected to only get better going into the 2025-2026 season. Daniels had a surprising yet historic season in 2024. He became the first player in the 21st century to record 225+ steals and average 3.0 steals per game.
As Daniels returns to the team in 2025, he is expected to be a future DPOY candidate. His type of play in the backcourt is just the complement Atlanta has been looking for Trae Young.
Although Zaccharie Risacher did not have quite the historical season Daniels did, he still has massive potential for his future with Atlanta. He brings size and athleticism to the forward position that is primed to help Trae Young and overall efficiency. He is a guy who can play both offense and defense and stretches the court, similarly to Kristaps Porzingis. Although his rookie campaign was not ROTY numbers, it is still something to look forward to in Atlanta.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard Cap Off Perfect Offseason
The biggest win for Atlanta this offseason was acquiring Kristaps Porzingis. Aside from that, they also went out and got Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard. Although these guys are not particularly known for their defensive presence, they bring that to this Atlanta team.
They both have size and the ability to guard both guards and forwards, and can provide offensive spacing and shooting. Specifically with Alexander-Walker, these additions can help Atlanta cause havoc and create turnovers needed for Trae Young to get in space and succeed. Pairing these two with Dyson Daniels in the backcourt is the perfect move for Atlanta's front office to boost defensive impact.