Atlanta Hawks 2024 NBA Offseason Preview: All That’s Left to Do is Compete

2023-24 season: 36-46

Highlight of the season: Dejounte Murray’s play as Trae Young missed 23 games. Murray, who averaged 24.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 9.2 assists during that stretch, reminded the Hawks and the league as a whole that he wasn’t just a complementary player .

How it ended

In a way that will force the front office to have serious discussions regarding the current roster. The Hawks, despite quality depth, an abundance of talent and seemingly quality players at every position, simply couldn’t turn their individual pieces into a cohesive collective, finishing well below their own expectations and being eliminated of the play-in tournament. by the even more inconsistent Chicago Bulls. It’s not exactly a dream season.

To be fair to Atlanta, only three rotation players (Murray, Bogdan Bogdanović and Clint Capela) have played 70 games this season, and head coach Quin Snyder has constantly had to make adjustments to an evolving rotation. Young, the team’s main star, missed much of the season (28 games), with forward Jalen Johnson missing 26. De’Andre Hunter, arguably the most powerful two-way winger on the team, missed 25 games, and their center of the future, Onyeka Okongwu, only managed 55 appearances.

This type of injury-riddled season needs to be taken into account before the Hawks even consider blowing up this team, especially since the organization is about to change its guard. Or, a change of center. Okongwu signed a four-year extension worth $62 million before the season, which could potentially lead to Capela being moved elsewhere to earn minutes.

Before a decision is made, the Hawks need to identify which players they believe will hold up best long-term from a health standpoint. They can’t afford another season like this with such a competent team.

That won’t stop fans or pundits from wondering aloud who will stay and who will go, however. The name on everyone’s lips is Young, and the question is mostly whether the pick-and-roll maestro will return to Atlanta next year.

The answer remains to be seen, but there are elements that work both for and against the theory that he’s sticking around, and yes, we’ll get to that.

The biggest need out of season

A better primary wing. As solid as Hunter is, and no matter what happens to Young, the Hawks need a big, high-end forward who can create sustainable offense, defend and make plays on the ball. Think Keegan Murray, but optimized. Of course, such a player is rarely on the market, so the Hawks are likely forced to bid on players of this archetype by making a premium offer.

Development project

Rumors surrounding a possible Young trade could mean the Hawks are looking for a plug-and-play scorer like SEC Player of the Year and conference leading scorer Dalton Knecht of Tennessee. The 6-6 senior guard averaged 21.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Another guard whose game translates better to the NBA due to the spacing available is 6-5 guard Isaiah Collier of USC. -Krysten Peek

Projected draft picks (pre-lottery): No. 10

Salary Cap Breakdown

The Hawks have no cap space and have spent the last few summers losing money due to a roster that is only getting more and more expensive. That’s not going to change this summer as Saddiq Bey needs a new contract and Okongwu’s extension comes into effect.

They have Murray in a brilliant deal, which looks like a complete steal, and if the organization pivots to a core that has Murray and Okongwu as two of its main pillars, Atlanta could be in good shape moving forward. ‘Before.

Key free agents

Saddiq Bey (FRG)

Next season’s goal

Win games. As simple as that. The Hawks don’t have any lottery balls to play for, which has prompted them to field a competitive team no matter what they do with Young and Capela. There will be no tanking in Atlanta next season.

What can move the fantasy needle

Trading Young or Murray. After failing to make the playoffs and the duo posting a -6.5 net rating when sharing the court this season, it’s time for a change. Capela has one year left on his contract, so trading him for future capital before next summer would also be a wise move. Okongwu is next and signed through 2028, so Atlanta already has a significant investment in its frontcourt. Okongwu is a fantastic sleeper that you’ll want to keep an eye on next year. —Dan Titus