NBA Power Rankings Week 2: The rise of the Atlanta Hawks

Last Week: Beat Detroit Pistons 128-120, Lost to Brooklyn Nets 145-141, Beat Brooklyn Nets 114-96, Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 96-91

This Week: 1/4/2021 vs. New York Knicks, 1/6/2021 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 1/9/2021 at Charlotte Hornets

Despite blowing a 15-point second-half lead, the Atlanta Hawks are undoubtedly on the rise. They have not had their full complement thus far this season and are already one of the most enjoyable and promising teams to watch.

The loss against the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the week is an early contender for game of the year and the team answered back with a comfortable 18-point victory. Trae Young has taken a step as an offensive player, impressive for a guy who made the All-Star in his second season a year ago. De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish are noticeably more comfortable this season and are proving to be vital weapons for the Hawks. John Collins is a nightly problem.

This team has barely played Rajon Rondo and Danilo Gallinari and has yet to get Onyeka Okongwu on the court. Solomon Hill, Kevin Huerter and Bogdan Bogdanovic have carried the load admirably off the pine and help complete one of the most tantalizing offensive attacks in the entire league.

Defense will be scarce in the games Atlanta plays but they are also borderline unguardable at the other end. At least during the regular season, this ascension is not a mirage. The Hawks are here and they are ready.