Watching the Atlanta Hawks' offseason moves, there was a level of hope among a frustrated fan base that perhaps things were turning in the right direction. Trae Young finally had a level of help with Jalen Johnson returning to the lineup and Kristaps Porzingis providing the needed size and flexibility to the starting lineup. Still, this hasn't prevented a 1-3 start that has included losses to the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors. Leaving reason for a sense of panic around where the season is headed, if it is going to be another middling year that ends in the Play-In Tournament.
This has been a familiar path ever since the Hawks' magical 2021 run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Each offseason was met with rumors about Trae's future and whether or not the Hawks might opt for a reset. Finally, this changed in the 2025 offseason with the Hawks making winning moves and making it clear that there was a focus on contending. However, this has yet to show up on the court with Atlanta playing a familiar brand of sloppy defense and lacking a clear offensive identity.
Hawks Get off to Alarming Start After Putting Together Exciting 2025 Offseason
It has left fans with every reason to have a healthy level of concern, wondering if this season will play out familiarly. Regardless of the answer, the Hawks must understand that this should be the last version of Quin Snyder's Hawks. If this season fails yet again, it is time to blow it all up, starting with the head coach position and rebuilding the entire roster.
Continuing to embrace this core has yet to complete the job, leaving fans in a perpetual state of hope that the next season will be different. With that said, it is important to note that it is incredibly early in the season, and new lineups are still learning how to play together. While this must translate into a better defensive effort, it is far too early to call it another lost season just yet.
As concerning as the signs might be, fans should take a breath and give the new look Hawks a bit more time to gel. This must start tonight against the Brooklyn Nets, who sit 0-4 on the season and should give Atlanta a great chance to put their season back on track.
It is time for Trae's Hawks to either relive the 2021 magical run and show themselves capable of winning at the highest level, or to move in another direction. Continuing to embrace mediocrity isn't acceptable for a group like Atlanta's roster.