As the Atlanta Hawks enter the 2023-24 NBA season, there’s an air of anticipation and optimism surrounding the team. The journey through the previous season was marked by twists and turns, highlighted by a transformative trade that brought Dejounte Murray from the Spurs, forming a dynamic backcourt duo alongside Trae Young. However, despite high hopes, the Hawks grappled with consistency, finding themselves on the fringes of the playoff race.
The turning point came with the appointment of Quin Snyder as head coach, bringing a new level of stability and a fresh approach. Under his guidance, the Hawks found their rhythm and secured a playoff berth through the play-in tournament. Their battle against the Boston Celtics was hard-fought, yet they fell short in a six-game series.Â
Now, as they step into the 2023-24 season, the Hawks have had the opportunity to undergo a full preseason with Snyder, an offensive genius. With a revamped roster and the invaluable experience from the previous season, the Hawks are set to write a new chapter in their pursuit of success.
Point GuardsÂ
Trae Young, Patty Mills, Kobe Bufkin, Trent Forrest
Leading the charge is star point guard Trae Young, whose electrifying playmaking and scoring prowess will once again be a focal point of the Hawks’ offense. He remains one of the best point guards in the league, as he averaged 26.2 points and 10.2 assists per game last season.
Accompanying him is veteran Patty Mills, known for his sharpshooting and clutch performances. Emerging talent Kobe Bufkin provides depth, while Trent Forrest offers defensive tenacity from the bench.
Shooting Guards
Dejounte Murray, B. Bogdanovic, Wesley Matthews, Seth Lundy
The dynamic presence of Dejounte Murray as a shooting guard, combined with his defensive excellence, adds a new dimension to the team. Murray will have to look to bounce back to his all-star form, as he had an underwhelming campaign last season, averaging 20.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per gameÂ
Bogdan Bogdanovic brings his scoring versatility and experience to the backcourt. Wesley Matthews and Seth Lundy provide additional options in the rotation.
Small ForwardsÂ
De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, Garrison Mathews
In the small forward position, De’Andre Hunter, a rising star, is expected to be a key contributor to the team’s success. Hunter’s two-way skills, characterized by his defensive prowess and scoring versatility, bring a valuable dimension to the Hawks.Â
Joining him is rookie AJ Griffin, infusing the roster with youthful athleticism and energy. Griffin’s dynamic playing style and potential for impact make him an exciting addition. Garrison Mathews further bolsters the lineup with his sharpshooting and defensive intensity, adding perimeter scoring and tenacious defense.
Power Forwards
Saddiq Bey, Jalen Johnson, Mouhamed Gueye, Miles Norris
Moving to the power forward slot, Saddiq Bey’s versatility is set to shine as he becomes a key figure for the Hawks. Combining scoring capabilities with defensive acumen, Bey is known for his well-rounded game, making him a valuable asset.Â
Jalen Johnson, offering potential and athleticism, presents opportunities for development and growth. Mouhamed Gueye and Miles Norris provide critical frontcourt depth, contributing to rim protection, defensive support, and overall balance in the rotation.
Centers
Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu, Bruno Fernando
In the center position, the Hawks boast an imposing duo in Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. Capela’s shot-blocking and rebounding prowess anchor the defense, while Okongwu complements him with emerging offensive skills and additional shot-blocking abilities. Together, they form a formidable frontcourt, capable of protecting the rim and controlling the boards.Â
Adding depth to the center rotation, Bruno Fernando offers valuable relief minutes, displaying athleticism and hustle on both ends of the floor. This depth and versatility across the forward and center positions position the Hawks well for the challenges of the 2023-24 NBA season.
The Hawks Will Look To RegroupÂ
In the 2021 NBA playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks captured the imagination of fans as they soared all the way to the Conference Finals, igniting hope for a bright future. However, since that remarkable run, they’ve struggled to recapture those heights. Now, with Quin Snyder at the helm, the Hawks are poised to regroup and reclaim their place among the league’s elite.
The key to their resurgence lies in the dynamic duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Young’s magical playmaking and scoring abilities have been well-documented, but it’s the partnership with Murray that holds the key. Murray, who once graced the San Antonio Spurs with his triple-double threat, must channel his past brilliance to create a formidable backcourt with Young. If this pairing clicks, the Hawks will be a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the playoffs.
While the road to the top may be challenging, Young’s history of delivering magical performances in the postseason offers hope. The Hawks don’t necessarily need to be the favorites; they simply need to secure a playoff berth with a healthy roster and a respectable record. Once there, the possibilities are endless. As the Hawks regroup and build towards a promising future, fans eagerly anticipate the magic that Young and Murray could conjure on the court.
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