The Atlanta Hawks enter the 2024-25 NBA season looking to bounce back from a disappointing 36-46 record that saw them miss the playoffs. Despite boasting Trae Young, one of the league’s premier playmakers, the team’s underwhelming performance triggered a wave of changes in the offseason.
With their defensive struggles, roster shakeups, and questions surrounding Young’s long-term future, the Hawks face a critical juncture this season. Last season, Atlanta’s biggest issue was defense. The Hawks finished with a 118.4 defensive rating, ranking 27th in the league, ahead of only the Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards—teams that were primarily focused on rebuilding through the NBA Draft Lottery.
While Atlanta’s offense was solid, with a 116.4 offensive rating (12th in the league), it wasn’t elite enough to offset their defensive woes. This imbalance left them stuck in mediocrity and prompted a re-evaluation of the roster heading into the new season.
Hawks Underwent Major Changes: Murray Out, Risacher In
The Hawks made several significant offseason moves, most notably trading Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for a package of Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, and two future first-round picks. Murray’s tenure in Atlanta, while productive, did not provide the spark the team hoped for, especially with questions about his fit alongside Young.
The trade signaled the Hawks’ decision to build more directly around their star point guard, though it left them without a proven secondary scorer or defensive anchor in the backcourt.
In addition to retooling via trade, the Hawks made a splash by winning the NBA Draft Lottery and selecting Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick. The French forward offers shooting, size, and defensive versatility, but his development will take time, making it unlikely that he can immediately fill the void left by Murray.
Risacher’s potential is clear—his ability to space the floor, read the game, and impact on both ends projects a bright future—but the Hawks may need patience before he becomes a foundational piece. The expectations are high for him as he ranks third in Rookie of the Year outlook on DraftKings Sportsbook at +900, behind only Zach Edey (+550) and Reed Sheppard (+700).
Is the Hawks’ Supporting Cast Enough on the Wing and Center?
Jalen Johnson, who is coming off a breakout season where he averaged 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 56 games, represents another young piece critical to the Hawks’ success this season. Johnson’s versatility as a forward allows him to contribute across multiple areas, and the Hawks will look for him to continue building on his progress. If Johnson can take another leap, he could help offset the loss of Murray and give the Hawks a legitimate frontcourt playmaker to complement Young.
However, stability on the wing is another concern. De’Andre Hunter, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, remains a key figure in Atlanta’s rotation but has been inconsistent in staying on the court. Hunter played only 55 games last season and has managed 60 or more games in just two of his five NBA seasons.
Atlanta added David Roddy to bolster its wing depth, but Roddy has yet to show the kind of consistency that would make him more than a stopgap option. If Hunter continues to miss time, the Hawks could be exposed on the wing, an area they cannot afford to be vulnerable in given their defensive struggles.
The Hawks’ center position also comes with questions. Clint Capela, now 30, has shown signs of slowing down, raising concerns about his ability to continue anchoring the team’s defense. Capela’s role as a lob threat for Young in the pick-and-roll has been crucial, but his declining mobility has made it harder for him to protect the rim and defend in space. Meanwhile, Onyeka Okongwu, a former lottery pick, is seen as the long-term replacement for Capela. Okongwu offers real defensive potential, especially as a switchable big who can guard multiple positions, but he has yet to secure the starting center spot.
Okongwu’s style, which emphasizes versatility over verticality, raises questions about how well he fits with Young, who thrives when playing with a lob threat in pick-and-roll situations. As Young is blitzed more frequently in the absence of a secondary star, Okongwu’s ability to play in the short roll, make quick decisions, and attack the paint will be critical. If Okongwu can’t fill that role effectively, the Hawks’ offense could become easier to contain.
Crowded Backcourt Around Young: Who Will Step Up?
Even with Murray’s departure, the Hawks find themselves with a crowded backcourt. Bogdan Bogdanovic returns as a veteran presence who can provide both playmaking and shooting alongside Young. Bogdanovic’s ability to space the floor and score off the dribble is essential, but his defense has long been a concern. For Atlanta to make a serious playoff push, Bogdanovic will need to be surrounded by players who can compensate for his defensive deficiencies.
Enter Dyson Daniels, one of the key pieces acquired in the Murray trade. Daniels brings defensive versatility and playmaking ability, making him an intriguing option in the Hawks’ rotation. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide some ball-handling relief for Young will be valuable, but his offensive game remains a work in progress.
How well Daniels fits in with Young and Bogdanovic will determine whether the Hawks can field a balanced lineup capable of competing in the East. The rest of the backcourt rotation will be an important element of Atlanta’s success, too.
Vit Krejci presents another option after playing 24.6 minutes per game last season. He played most of his minutes at point guard, averaging 6.1 points and 2.3 assists. However, for second-year guard Kobe Bufkin, the crowded backcourt presents a challenge. Bufkin, a promising young player, will need to carve out a role as a complementary piece, particularly as a shooter and on-ball defender. He showed flashes of potential last season, but consistency will be key if he hopes to earn meaningful minutes in a rotation that already has several established guards.
Betting Outlook: Hawks in Play-In Territory?
Heading into the season, the Hawks’ betting outlook reflects the uncertainty surrounding the team. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Atlanta is listed at +170 to make the playoffs and -210 to miss them. The over/under for their final seeding is set at 9.5, with the odds favoring a finish outside the top eight in the Eastern Conference. This suggests that the Hawks are viewed as a likely candidate for the Play-In Tournament, rather than a secure playoff team.
The team’s reliance on Trae Young remains a key factor in their outlook. Young is favored to lead the NBA in assists on DraftKings Sportsbook, with +135 odds, and has +4000 odds to win the scoring title. While Young is an elite offensive player, the lack of a secondary star puts immense pressure on him to deliver on a nightly basis. His +8000 odds for MVP reflect that while he may post gaudy numbers, the Hawks’ overall team success—or lack thereof—will likely keep him from serious MVP consideration.
How Uncertain is Young’s Future?
Adding to the Hawks’ uncertain outlook is the growing speculation about Young’s future with the team. ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have been monitoring Young, but they haven’t engaged in serious discussions with Atlanta. The San Antonio Spurs were disinterested in pursuing a deal for Young before adding Chris Paul. Regardless, should the Hawks struggle early in the season, the potential for a trade could grow.
In a recent report, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that Young faces a pivotal season, as his next contract could be crucial for both the player and the franchise. Windhorst called the next deal for Young the “stress max,” as it will require careful consideration from both sides due to the new CBA rules around spending. Young can extend his contract after this season, and Windhorst explained that under the new environment, teams need to be especially cautious about locking players into 30% max contracts that strain the salary cap. If Young doesn’t deliver a standout season, it could affect his chances of securing a long-term extension in Atlanta. He will be motivated, to say the least.
With $89 million owed to him over the next two seasons and a player option worth nearly $49 million in 2026-27, Young remains Atlanta’s most valuable asset, both on the court and as a potential trade chip. If the Hawks struggle early in the season, the pressure to trade Young could intensify. It just remains to be seen if they can command an intriguing enough offer to make a deal.
Hawks Present a Risky Outlook
The season is a pivotal one for the Hawks. With major offseason changes, the team is looking to redefine itself around Young. However, questions remain about the team’s defensive capabilities, roster depth, and the center position. The uncertainty surrounding Young’s future only adds another layer of complexity to the Hawks’ outlook.
For bettors, Atlanta presents a risky proposition. If Young stays healthy and the supporting cast gels, the Hawks could outperform expectations and make a playoff push. But if trade rumors intensify or the team struggles defensively, the Hawks could face another frustrating season—potentially leading to a major shift in the franchise’s direction.
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