The Atlanta Hawkshave made strides this offseasonto improve their team, and now it'll be up to them to provide results on the court. Last season, the Hawks found success despite several changes throughout the first half of the year, and they finished with the No. 6 seed and a matchup against the New York Knicks in the first round.
Going back to the regular season, the keys were given to Jalen Johnson to lead the team, and it's safe to say he ran with the opportunity. He turned into an All-Star and All-NBA player, and he's barely touched the surface of what he can accomplish in the league. He had his hiccups in the playoffs, but it was his first time as the No. 1 option in that kind of setting, so grace should be given.
With all the moves that the Hawks made this offseason, they didn't get another bona fide star to pair alongside Johnson. It was going to be hard to do so in the draft, as they didn't get one of the top three picks that included AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer. Instead, they landed on Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 pick, who will bethe point guard of the futurefor the team.
The Hawks didn't make a huge move during the offseason for a reason
The Hawks had another chance to possibly add a free agent or make a trade, and the first person to come to mind was Jaylen Brown. Though the Hawks wererumored to have some interestin acquiring Brown, in the end, it went against the philosophy of Onsi Saleh, noting that the teamisn't one player away from competing.
Instead, the Hawks re-signed some of their players from last season, as well as making trades for players such as Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort, who will bring toughness and experience to the team.
The Hawks are hoping that the core that includes Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu and Asa Newell continues to make strides as well, but the main piece at the top of the board will be Johnson.
The Hawks are counting on Jalen Johnson to take another step
Every season, Johnson has gotten better, and he had his best season last year. He showed his ability to control an offense while also being a threat whenever he's in transition. His defense took a step back last season, but that can be due to the added responsibility on the offensive side of the ball.
If Johnson continues to improve those parts of his game, while also becoming better in the half-court, there's no reason why the Hawks can't be a top six seed again this season. There are several other teams who will take leaps in the Eastern Conference, and the Hawks should be in those conversations as well.
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