Day 1: Atlanta Hawks – How High Can They Go?
The Atlanta Hawks closed out the 2024–25 NBA season with a 40–42 record, locking up the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite battling through the Play-In Tournament, their postseason ended early with a loss to the Miami Heat. For a team with All-Star talent and a top draft pick, it was a year of highs, lows, and lingering questions.
Team Identity & Coaching
Head coach Quin Snyder implemented a structured offensive system paired with a more aggressive defensive scheme. The Hawks shifted away from their previous free-wheeling pace and leaned into calculated playmaking, with Trae Young orchestrating from the top. Yet, inconsistency plagued them, particularly in late-game scenarios where decision-making under pressure often faltered.
Key Players & Highlights
- Trae Young: 24.2 points and an NBA-best 11.6 assists per game. Broke the franchise record with 880 total assists.
- Dyson Daniels: Breakout season with 3.0 steals per game. Named Most Improved Player and All-Defensive First Team.
- Zaccharie Risacher: The No. 1 pick averaged 12.6 points, showed flashes of perimeter defense and smart off-ball movement.
Season Turning Points
The Hawks' overtime win against the Lakers in January was a signature moment. Trae posted 31 points and 20 assists, while Daniels hounded the perimeter defensively. Another turning point came in March, when injuries to Okongwu and Bogdanović exposed the team’s lack of bench depth - resulting in a 5-game skid that nearly cost them a postseason berth.
Our Analysis
Dyson Daniels’ defensive presence was pivotal. With him on the court, Atlanta’s defensive rating improved by 7.3 points per 100 possessions. His ability to guard 1-through-3 positions unlocked Snyder’s switch-heavy schemes, giving the Hawks a modern edge on defense - at least when he stayed out of foul trouble.
Bench Production & Depth Issues
Atlanta’s bench ranked in the bottom third in points per game. While Jalen Johnson showed promise as a hustle forward, the lack of consistent scoring and rim protection off the bench often forced starters into heavy minutes. This wore down the core late in the season, especially during the 11 road games in their final 15 stretch.
Fan Sentiment & Culture Shift
There’s a growing divide in the fanbase. Some believe the team should retool around Daniels and Risacher, while others remain committed to the Young-Murray core. What’s clear is this: fans are demanding accountability, tougher defense, and smarter late-game execution. The Kristaps Porziņģis acquisition has sparked interest, but also added pressure - especially with expectations for postseason success now unavoidable.
Fun Fact
The Atlanta Hawks are the only NBA team to have reached the Conference Finals in both the East (2021) and West (1961, as the St. Louis Hawks).
Looking Ahead
- Can Kristaps Porziņģis stay healthy and complement Trae’s pick-and-pop game?
- Will Dyson Daniels evolve into a Defensive Player of the Year contender?
- Is this the season where Atlanta commits to a clear identity - and sticks with it?
Final Thoughts
The 2024–25 Hawks were both promising and frustrating. But with Snyder’s system taking root, the emergence of Daniels and Risacher, and a bold offseason move to acquire Porziņģis, the building blocks are finally in place. The question isn’t whether the Hawks can win - it’s whether they can win together.