What did we learn about the Atlanta Hawks during Summer League?

The Atlanta Hawks finished Summer League last night with a loss to the New York Knicks, which capped off an 0-5 summer for the Hawks. It was a disappointing Summer League for the Hawks, who failed to win a game and failed to see contributions from some expected players.

So what did we learn about the Hawks over the past week in Summer League?

1. The Hawks haven’t had a chance to see much from their draft picks in the last two drafts

Aside from the games that featured Zaccharie Risacher and Mouhamed Gueye, Atlanta didn’t get a chance to take a look at its draft picks from the last two seasons. Before Summer League even started, guard Kobe Bufkin was injured and didn’t play this summer, while 2024 second-round pick Nikola Durisic injured his foot in the second game of Summer League. Risacher was held out the last three games, and Gueye was held out the last two. Seth Lundy, who re-signed with the Hawks on a two-way contract, also didn’t play in Summer League. The Hawks are still figuring out what they have in those guys and this summer hasn’t cleared that up, though I think Risacher played well in his two games. Atlanta is counting on these players developing.

2. Keaton Wallace was the Hawks’ best player this summer

Wallace had such a good first game this summer that he got a two-way contract right after. Wallace started at point guard right after Durisic was injured and he played well. His on-ball defense was very good, his three-point shooting was good and he showed good passing ability. Is there a chance he plays this year with Atlanta? If Bufkin can’t stay healthy, I wouldn’t totally rule him out. Regardless, Wallace played well this summer and earned his new two-way contract.

3. Dylan Windler showed he belongs in the NBA, but it might not be with the Hawks

Windler was signed by the Hawks to a two-way contract late last season and has gotten some playing time. He’s an efficient three-point shooter and he showed it this summer and I think he has a place on an NBA team. The problem is the Hawks are already struggling with their roster and Winderl is not eligible for a two-way contract. The Hawks need to figure out what to do with their roster and it’s entirely possible they can find a way to make room for Windler, but he may not fit in Atlanta.

4. Hawks must make decision on final two-way spot

NBA teams are allowed to field 15 players and three two-way contracts. The Hawks already have two two-way players in Seth Lundy and Keaton Wallace, but the third has yet to be announced. It could be someone from the Summer League team like Miles Norris or Nikola Durisic. Regardless of who it is, the Hawks have a decision to make.

5. Zaccharie Risacher showed his versatile skills

The first overall pick in the draft should be an immediate contributor for the Hawks this year, and in two games with Atlanta this summer, he showed a versatile skill set that could help Atlanta this year, whether it’s as a starter or a backup. He showed good game sense, good defense, and didn’t turn the ball over. His efficiency and shooting (two of his strengths before the draft) weren’t on full display, but Risacher has shown that in other contexts. Given that, he should be able to make a difference for the Hawks this season.