The Atlanta Hawks enter the 2024-25 NBA season looking for a fresh start after a disappointing 36-46 finish last year. They placed 10th in the Eastern Conference and, for the second straight year, were knocked out in the play-in tournament, failing to secure a playoff berth.
This underwhelming performance prompted the franchise to make significant changes, including trading All-Star guard Dejounte Murray after two seasons in Atlanta, as the partnership between Murray and Trae Young failed to produce the desired results.
Now, with Murray gone and a mix of young talent and experienced veterans in place, the Hawks are aiming for a much-needed improvement. Under head coach Quin Snyder, the team will look to climb back into playoff contention. Let’s take a look at their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Trae Young
Reserves: Dyson Daniels, Kobe Bufkin, Keaton Wallace
Trae Young remains the undisputed leader of the Atlanta Hawks. The All-Star point guard is coming off another stellar season, where he averaged 25.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc. Known for his deep shooting range, elite playmaking, and ability to control the game’s tempo, Young is the engine that drives the Hawks’ offense.
With the departure of Dejounte Murray, the ball will be in Young’s hands even more, allowing him to take on the lion’s share of playmaking duties.
Young’s ability to orchestrate pick-and-rolls and create shots for both himself and his teammates is what makes him so dangerous. His chemistry with Clint Capela and Jalen Johnson will be critical in keeping Atlanta’s offense running smoothly. In a conference packed with talented guards, Trae Young will need to continue his role as both a floor general and an elite scorer if the Hawks hope to remain competitive.
Behind him, Dyson Daniels joins the Hawks after being involved in the trade that sent Murray to another team. Daniels is a versatile young guard known for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability, which will complement Young’s offensive skill set. While still developing as a shooter, Daniels could provide valuable minutes off the bench as a primary defender against opposing point guards.
Kobe Bufkin, Atlanta’s first-round pick in 2023, will also compete for minutes in the backcourt. Bufkin flashed potential as a scorer and defender in his rookie campaign, and the Hawks will likely look to him as a key contributor in the second unit.
Keaton Wallace rounds out the group, serving as a reserve option at point guard, likely to see limited minutes but could provide some spark with his athleticism when called upon.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Reserves: Garrison Mathews, Vit Krejci, Seth Lundy
With the departure of Dejounte Murray, veteran sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic steps into the starting shooting guard role. Bogdanovic had a productive 2023-24 season, averaging 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 42.8% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. A crafty scorer and reliable outside threat, Bogdanovic will be tasked with spacing the floor for Trae Young and capitalizing on open looks generated by his star point guard’s playmaking.
Bogdanovic’s experience and basketball IQ will be essential for the Hawks, especially with the influx of young talent. His ability to create his own shot and move without the ball will be pivotal in helping Atlanta’s offense maintain its flow. However, his durability remains a concern, as injuries have slowed him in the past. If he can stay healthy, Bogdanovic should thrive in a starting role.
Garrison Mathews and Vit Krejci will provide depth behind Bogdanovic. Mathews is known for his tenacious defense and ability to knock down three-pointers, while Krejci offers versatility and length on both ends of the court. Seth Lundy, the Hawks’ 2024 second-round pick, brings athleticism and scoring potential as a young player developing under Bogdanovic’s mentorship.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Zaccharie Risacher
Reserves: De’Andre Hunter, David Roddy, Kevon Harris
All eyes will be on Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. At just 19 years old, Risacher is already drawing comparisons to some of the NBA’s elite two-way wings. Standing at 6’9″ with a smooth shooting stroke and incredible defensive instincts, Risacher will be thrust into the starting lineup early in his career, though he may experience some growing pains as he adjusts to the pace and physicality of the NBA.
De’Andre Hunter will play a critical role as a key reserve behind Risacher. Hunter had his best season in 2023-24, averaging 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 45.9% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.
His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him one of the Hawks’ most important players, and his presence will ease the transition for Risacher.
David Roddy and Kevon Harris will compete for minutes off the bench, each bringing toughness and energy to the forward position. Roddy’s versatility and size make him a useful option in various lineups.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Jalen Johnson
Reserves: Larry Nance Jr., Mouhamed Gueye, Joey Hauser
After a breakout sophomore season, Jalen Johnson is ready to take the next step as Atlanta’s starting power forward. Johnson averaged 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game last season while shooting 51.1% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range.
His combination of size, athleticism, and ball-handling ability makes him a versatile forward capable of creating mismatches on offense and switching defensively. Johnson’s growth will be pivotal to the Hawks’ success, especially as they look to solidify their frontcourt.
Larry Nance Jr., acquired in the offseason, will provide veteran leadership and versatility off the bench. Nance is known for his high basketball IQ, defensive impact, and ability to play multiple frontcourt positions. Mouhamed Gueye and Joey Hauser will add depth to the rotation, though they are still developing as young players.
Center (C)
Starter: Clint Capela
Reserves: Onyeka Okongwu, Cody Zeller, Dominick Barlow
Anchoring the defense once again is veteran center Clint Capela. The shot-blocking big man is coming off his seventh straight season averaging a double-double, with 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 57.1% from the field. Capela’s rim protection and rebounding will continue to be critical for the Hawks, particularly in their efforts to control the paint and defend against the East’s elite big men.
Behind Capela, Onyeka Okongwu is one of the league’s most promising young centers. Known for his defensive instincts, Okongwu provides a significant boost off the bench and has the potential to take over the starting role in the future. Cody Zeller and Dominick Barlow offer additional depth at center, though they are likely to see limited minutes barring injuries.
Coming off a frustrating 36-46 season and another early exit in the play-in tournament, the Atlanta Hawks are looking to rebound in 2024-25. The trade of Dejounte Murray signals a shift toward a more Trae Young-centric offense, with an emphasis on developing young talent like Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson.
While there’s plenty of potential on this roster, the team will need to gel quickly and find consistency if they hope to improve on last year’s disappointing finish.
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