Atlanta, GA, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Hawks have made significant moves in the offseason, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, aiming to enhance their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. With a promising roster blend of youth and experience, All-Star Trae Young leads the charge for a potentially impactful season. The team has garnered attention for having the third-best odds to win the Eastern Conference, positioning themselves as serious contenders as they prepare to face tough competition next season.
Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks made significant strides this offseason, aiming to position themselves as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. The sound strategic moves have augmented their roster, evident through a series of trades and signings designed to enhance both offensive capabilities and defensive prowess.
One of the most notable transactions was the trade for Kristaps Porzingis, recognized as one of the NBA’s top floor-spacing centers. This addition is expected to open up the game for the Hawks and provide a strong inside presence. Additionally, the Hawks brought in Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a player known for his defensive skills in the backcourt, which is anticipated to bolster their perimeter defense.
The Hawks also secured an unprotected first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the trade, enhancing their future draft assets. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Hawks will face competition from established teams including the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Orlando Magic, all recognized as expected contenders in the Eastern Conference.
At the helm of the team’s aspirations is Trae Young, an All-Star point guard whose skills as a playmaker are critical to the Hawks’ success. Young’s confidence in the team’s potential is evident, as he believes that health is the primary barrier to achieving greatness this season. With the roster enhanced by both experienced players and emerging talent, the Hawks are aiming for an impactful season.
Young expressed optimism about the season ahead, stating that the only major barrier to success is maintaining a healthy roster. The anticipated return of Jalen Johnson, who is expected to be healthy, adds to the team’s depth. Furthermore, the emergence of Dyson Daniels as a standout defender will provide additional strength to the team’s defensive lineup.
The Hawks’ starting lineup exhibits a blend of youthful energy and seasoned skill, reinforcing their competitiveness within the conference. In fact, experts from ESPN have ranked the Hawks as having the third-best chance to win the Eastern Conference, complementing their assessment of Young among the top playmakers in the league.
This offseason, several Hawks players have gained recognition, with multiple athletes ranking among the top 100 players in the league. Trae Young holds the 29th position, while other significant rankings include Jalen Johnson at 44th, Kristaps Porzingis at 50th, Dyson Daniels at 55th, Onyeka Okongwu at 79th, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at 96th. The fluctuating number of players in these rankings over the past three seasons signals a growing national perception of the Atlanta Hawks as a team on the rise.
Both Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis are also in contract years, which adds an extra layer of motivation to their performances. As the Hawks look towards the future, their current roster composition, alongside a favorable landscape in the Eastern Conference, positions them as one of the serious contenders for the upcoming season.
FAQ
What significant trades did the Atlanta Hawks make during the offseason?
The Atlanta Hawks traded for Kristaps Porzingis, a top floor-spacing center in the NBA, and signed Nickeil Alexander-Walker to improve backcourt defense.
How does the Hawks’ roster look for the upcoming season?
The starting lineup features a mix of young talent and new players, with key contributors like Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels, enhancing the team’s competitiveness.
What are the experts saying about the Hawks’ chances in the Eastern Conference?
Experts predict that the Hawks have a strong chance of advancing in the Eastern Conference, with a panel of ESPN experts ranking them as having the third-best chance to win the conference.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Additions | Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker enhance the roster. |
| Player Rankings | Trae Young (29th), Jalen Johnson (44th), Porzingis (50th), and others recognized. |
| Contract Years | Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis are both in contract years, boosting motivation. |
| Eastern Conference Outlook | Hawks ranked third best chance to win the Eastern Conference by ESPN experts. |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta Hawks Basketball Operations Announcements
- Peachtree Hoops: Best Atlanta Hawks
- Heavy: Hawks’ Playoff Hopes
- NBA: 2025-26 Season Preview for Hawks
- AJC: Hawks in ESPN’s Top 100
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Hawks
- Google Search: Atlanta Hawks news
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Hawks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Hawks
- Google News: Atlanta Hawks
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
