The Atlanta Hawks have been the surprise team of the NBA thus far this season. After landing the number one pick in the 2024 NBA draft, many expected them to struggle this season with only Trae Young to rely on. Despite that, the Hawks have gotten off to a strong start and even came within just two games of winning the NBA Cup.
Part of their surprising success has been their shrewd decision-making to rebuild the roster around youth. They drafted a 6-8 wing, Zaccharie Risasher, who is already a good defender and has the potential to be a knockdown shooter for years to come. Atlanta then decided to trade All-Star Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans in a deal that netted them Dyson Daniels.
Daniels has emerged as a star in the making, particularly on the defensive end, where he has racked up an eye-popping amount of steals per game as well as deflections. If that weren't enough, Jalen Johnson has taken a step forward and is a borderline All-Star this season.
Those three players, along with Young and a fairly deep supporting cast, including DeAndre Hunter, who has had a strong season, have turned the Hawks into a potential playoff team with upside.
The surprising Atlanta Hawks have rebuilt their roster on the fly.
After making what initially appeared to be a disastrous trade with the San Antonio Spurs in which they gave up three first-round picks and a pick swap for Murray, they have pivoted nicely since. Moving Murray for Daniel's is a win in and of itself, but they also received two first-round picks for him, including the Lakers 2025 first, which may be a lottery pick.
Having those picks, along with the Sacramento Kings' 2025 first, should help them continue to add talent even though they don't own their own pick between 2025 and 2027.
If the Hawks can find another key player with one of those picks and potentially flip an asset such as Clint Capela for a future piece, then they could be better positioned for the future. That could keep the Hawks from having to trade Young and even make it more likely that he signs an extension since they have done a terrific job of retooling around him.
All in all, the Hawks have surprised many with their play thus far. Young has a better-supporting cast, including Risasher, Daniels, Johnson, and Hunter, this season compared to last year, and the results are encouraging. While they still have a ways to go before they enter the contender conversation, they are definitely on the right track.