The hype train has started for the Atlanta Hawks.
A team with more promise than almost any other, the Hawks are primed to breakout. They will be one of this season's most exciting teams to watch with an exciting young core. Moreover, Atlanta quietly played quite well after the All-Star break. General Manager Travis Schlenk had a solid draft in July, too, addressing his team's need for defense and athleticism on the wing.
These are three reasons to watch the Atlanta Hawks this season. Spoiler alert: Get League Pass if you don't live in Georgia.
3. John Collins could make the leap to being an All-Star
In his second season in the league, John Collins took a jump from good to really good. He finished the season averaging nearly and 20 points and 10 rebounds to go along with much-improved defense. As an exceptional big man, he has been able to develop a jump shot around the rim and plays both ends of the floor. He's young and polished, and another offseason under his belt also allows him to be more confident in his play.
As a third-year player, Collins may be ready to transition from a good player to a great leader and player. Having Trae Young as a running mate also provides exceptional help with getting good looks for another stellar scoring season.
2. The city of Atlanta is ready to celebrate wins with a new culture
The Hawks have been near the bottom of the East since LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers swept them in 2016. The city of Atlanta wants to see its team flourish, and with State Farm Arena ready for year two of existence, the fans are bound to show out.
A show starring Trae Young, John Collins, Kevin Huerter, and talented rookies deserves to be seen. Cam Reddish and De'Andre Hunter have much to prove after one year in college. Are they ready to establish themselves as pieces of the franchise? Many think so.
They'll answer that question while playing in the game's most fan-friendly arena. According to a survey run last year by Atlanta Business Chronicle, 79 percent of Hawks fans attending games said their experience was “great” or “outstanding,” which ranked at the top of the league. These fans love their arena, and soon, many more will feel the same way about the Hawks.
1. Trae Young is That Guy
After the All-Star break last season, Trae Young was one of the best point guards in the league. His averages of 16.9 points and 7.6 assists turned into post-ASG stats of 24.7 points and 9.2 assists. Young began to take the keys to Atlanta's offense with ease, answering any questions about his NBA ability by the time the season ended.
Not only is he a great player, but he's a great person as well. He doesn't want to win alone and has the mindset to make those around him better. By no coincidence, Huerter began to see his confidence rise and many people were calling Collins a dark-horse for Most Improved Player of the Year.
Young is a man of the community, too. Before his rookie season even began, he was already planning a career beyond basketball: philanthropy. His back-to-school event last fall provided 500 backpacks to underprivileged children in his hometown of Norman, Oklahoma. As the leader of a team, you have to be willing to put in the time and effort. Young has proven that he will do everything he can on and off the court to show that he is a man of the people…not to mention one with ice in his veins.
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