As the NBA Playoffs get closer, the Play-In and the first round is coming into focus. Even though fans think they know who the most likely teams are to win the big one, there's always a dark horse that could surprise everyone. This year, that team is the Atlanta Hawks. You have been warned.
It's been a long time since the Hawks were relevant. Their last title was in 1958, back when they were the St. Louis Hawks. They've never won a conference title, keeping in mind that conferences didn't exist until the 1970-1971 season. The Hawks couldn't win something that didn't exist in 1958.
They have won more than a few division titles over the years, most recently in 2021. It would have been the highlight of the disappointing Trae Young era in Atlanta. Sadly, it was the team's biggest accomplishment during his dubious run with the Hawks.
Better days are coming to the Atlanta Hawks
Over the last couple of seasons, Atlanta has been making some interesting moves that were capped off at the 2026 Trade Deadline. They managed to convince the Wizards to take Young off their hands while also freeing Jonathan Kuminga from the Warriors and Steve Kerr's lack of vision.
All of this has been done to build around Jalen Johnson, who has emerged as their top player. He's been dynamic all season long. This burst of dominant play was a big part of the reason Young finally got traded. Atlanta had another option.
Another smart move was picking up Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who has quickly found a place as the second half of the Hawks' one-two punch alongside Johnson. Combined with other moves made recently, Atlanta is suddenly a team that needs to be taken seriously.
A dark horse rides into the NBA Playoffs
Since the trade deadline in February, the Hawks are 16-6, which is an impressive record. That includes an 11-game win streak. They now have a 42-33 record, making them the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Before the deadline, Atlanta was a .500 team.
Most recently, they managed to eke out a one-point overtime win over the Pistons, the number one team in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks have made all the right moves this season, and it's showing. While it's unlikely they'll win a title this year, Atlanta is poised to make some noise in the playoffs.
Oddly enough, they're just like the Pistons last season. Everything was coming together, and Detroit saw the postseason for the first time in a minute. It gave them confidence. Even a reasonably good showing in this year's playoffs could do the same for Atlanta, prepping them for next year.