Atlanta Hawks: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Storyline 2: Who will lead this team on the stat sheet?

Here are some quick predictions: Taurean Waller-Prince will lead the way in scoring, John Collins in rebounds and blocks, Trae Young in assists and Kent Bazemore in steals.

It’s extremely tempting to put Jeremy Lin as the top assist-getter for the season but there is a lot of uncertainty right now surrounding his role on the team. He will likely be the starter on opening night but I see Trae Young taking that starting spot shortly after.

John Collins without a doubt will lead this team in rebounds and blocks. It won’t make a difference if Dewayne Dedmon stays healthy or not either. Collins jumps like he’s got springs in his shoes which makes him an exceptional shot blocker and dunker along with being a fantastic effort rebounder.

Collins will almost certainly lead the team in dunks.

Taurean Prince was the runner-up in the scoring category for the Hawks last season and trailed only Dennis Schroder who is no longer with the team after he was traded to Oklahoma City. Prince is by far the most proven scorer on the roster aside from Vince Carter who has declined rapidly. Carter will also not play as prominent a role.

Assuming he doesn’t get traded, Kent Bazemore should once again lead the team in steals. He is an excellent defender and capable of matching up with some of the toughest wings in the game. Atlanta will probably be shopping him throughout the season but they will certainly hold onto him if there is no compelling offer.