Three takeaways from the Hawks’ Summer League finals loss to the New York Knicks

The Hawks are officially winless in Summer League. Is it time to panic?

The short answer: not at all.

While this summer has been a winless one, they have generally done a good job of staying in games and continuing to hold their own against their opponents despite being undermanned. If Risacher, Bufkin or Đurišić were healthy for most of the Summer League, I expect them to have stolen one of these games in crucial moments.

A fantastic Summer League season is defined by positive results from second-year players, one or two players who show their skills are worthy of a two-way contract, and obvious sparks from rookie draft picks. For me, the Hawks have met two of those three conditions.

I think Kobe Bufkin would have been a prime candidate for the first of those criteria. He didn’t play a single minute of Summer League due to a right shoulder injury. As fans won’t forget, Bufkin averaged 24 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds on 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. He hit that three-point percentage on eight attempts per game, suggesting he has some potential as a volume shooter. He started getting rotational minutes in April, finding success with his mid-range and on-ball defense.

The Hawks signed Keaton Wallace to a two-way contract immediately after his game against the Washington Wizards, who has aged well throughout Summer League. Against New York, he was four rebounds shy of a triple-double as he put up 26 points, nine assists and six rebounds on 47 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range. His aggressiveness in taking his shots was impressive—he took twelve three-pointers in a game where the Hawks really needed someone to step up. The fact that he was able to create his own shot off of good efficiency is a testament to his value, and it’s not unreasonable to think he could spend time with the Hawks in 2024-25.

In terms of rookie flashes, they got that and more from Risacher, Đurišić, and Gueye. Đurišić has only played one game, but the playmaking potential he shows is significant. I particularly liked the pass he threw to Risacher in the corner for a three-pointer early in the Washington game — he used his driving ability to draw the defense’s attention before kicking it. Risacher showed confidence in his shot and found space on several occasions when working off the ball. His handling was also much better than expected, as he showed some nice moves to free up defenders. Gueye’s offense has come in spurts, but he looked particularly strong in the game against the Lakers before he got hurt. His three-point shot has some potential, and his handling looked solid during his time in Las Vegas.

Now that the Summer League finale is over for Atlanta, here are three takeaways from yesterday’s game:

Miles Norris or Jordan Bowden expected to have two-way contracts

For me, Norris and Bowden clearly stood out as the two candidates for the Hawks’ latest two-way contract. Norris has always been one of the Hawks’ top options as a backup and he got the start against New York. He used those minutes to lead the team in rebounds and bring solid defense to every lineup he was a part of. A more impressive scoring performance would have likely sealed a two-way deal, but Norris did a lot of things right for the Hawks in Summer League. Evidenced by plays like these:

Bowden has gotten better with every game he’s played. His game against New York was a perfect example of what efficient shooting looks like. He made four three-pointers while grabbing six rebounds and dishing out two assists. He had two steals, but his primary value is as a shooter. If the Hawks decide to bring him back on a two-way deal, it’ll be because they believe in what he can offer as a surface player.

EJ Liddell needs time in College Park to unlock his potential

After his 22-point performance against San Antonio, fans were really eager to see what Liddell could bring to Atlanta this year. He was aggressive as a finisher, racking up ten free throw attempts. That was the second-most free throw attempts by a Hawks player in Summer League this year. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to repeat that performance against Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York.

Having him play in College Park could be a huge benefit to the Hawks. The environment the Skyhawks have built is one of the most proven “defensive incubators” in the NBA. Many players have seen their defenses improve as a result of being in College Park, and I think Liddell could be the latest beneficiary. It also gives Liddell more time to get another year of playing time that will help him recover from the torn ACL he suffered as a rookie. There’s a real chance Liddell could be a valuable piece for the Hawks in 2025-26. He’ll still be just 24, and he’s younger than Creighton forward Baylor Scheierman, who the Celtics drafted in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. He just needs to develop more control and refinement in his scoring abilities.

Rob Baker II and Nick Ongenda will not be on two-way contracts, but are expected to remain with the The Skyhawks

Rob Baker II has been the undisputed starter at center for Atlanta throughout Summer League and I thought his performance in Summer League was solid. However, there is nothing to fault in his performance against New York. He didn’t make a single shot and couldn’t really catch up on defense. That shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Baker has been a solid finisher and a positive offensively for the most part. However, he hasn’t stood out as a defender and I think his time with the Skyhawks could bring that out.

Ongenda played very little, but was active on the offensive end against New York. He spent time with the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, and I was surprised he didn’t play more in some of the early Summer League games. If he develops into a good rebounder and finisher, that could give the Hawks some added depth at center if they get rid of Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr.