Atlanta Hawks: Ranking all 5 starters for the 2021-22 season

The Atlanta Hawks burst on to the scene last season, going from playoff afterthoughts to Eastern Conference finalists in a jiff. Critics will point to the unusual season to detract from the team’s accomplishments, but the fact of the matter is this is a team that could be a contender for years to come.

Atlanta focused largely on retaining their own players this offseason, rather than make major splashes on the trade market or in free agency. The projected starting lineup will feature very familiar faces to Hawks fans.

The Atlanta Hawks have a clear alpha in their starting lineup, but the rest of the team’s core rotation is up for a ranking interpretation.

Before getting into the starting lineup, it is worth mentioning the players on the fringe. Onyeka Okongwu may one day be the starting center, but he needs more time to develop. Lou Williams and Danilo Gallinari have both settled into roles as dynamic scorers off the bench and will continue to fill that space, presumably for the rest of their careers.

Then, there are the guys pushing for starting spots right now. Cam Reddish and Kevin Huerter both appear to be on the outside looking in, but the head coach can sub either in at a moment’s notice. Huerter did start 49 games a season ago, while Reddish dealt with injuries and only came off the bench when he returned for the playoffs; the latter projects as a starter in the nearer future.

For now, let’s assume the Hawks roll with a starting lineup of Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, De’Andre Hunter, John Collins, and Clint Capela. When taken individually, here’s how the five Hawks starters rank.