The Atlanta Hawks are soaring to new heights this season, and their resurgence is turning heads on the national NBA scene. Long being a team stuck in the middle of the pack, Atlanta now appears poised to make a run as a potential darkhorse team in the East. This transformation is powered by franchise cornerstone Trae Young, the emergence of key players like Jalen Johnson, and a roster loaded with dynamic contributors who can defend, shoot, and thrive in high-stakes moments.

The Hawks' recent performance is breaking their cycle of being ‘mid’ 

Over the past five seasons, the Atlanta Hawks have epitomized being stuck in the middle, compiling a cumulative record of 175-169, which translates to a winning percentage of approximately .509. This period includes a standout 2020-21 season where the team finished 41-31, achieving a .569 winning percentage and making a notable playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, this success was bookended by seasons of underperformance, such as the 2017-18 campaign with a dismal 24-58 record (.293 winning percentage). Atlanta has hovered around 7th-10th seed in the East, and these fluctuations underscore the team's struggle to maintain consistent success, often finding themselves hovering around the .500 mark and failing to secure a strong foothold in the Eastern Conference.

This pattern of inconsistency has kept the Hawks in the league's middle tier, preventing them from breaking through as a formidable contender. The team's inability to string together consecutive winning seasons has been a significant barrier to establishing a lasting presence in the postseason. The 2020-21 season's deep playoff run appeared to signal a turning point, but subsequent seasons did not build upon that momentum, highlighting the challenges of sustaining high-level performance in the NBA.

In the context of the franchise's history, this recent stretch reflects a broader trend of fluctuating success. The Hawks have experienced periods of competitiveness interspersed with seasons of rebuilding, contributing to an all-time record that hovers around .500. 

However, this historical backdrop sets the stage for the current season's resurgence, as the team aims to break free from past patterns and establish itself as a consistent force in the league.

The Hawks’ turnaround: Trae Young and capable pieces behind him 

At the heart of Atlanta’s recent success is Trae Young, a player whose brilliance has often been overshadowed by debates about his defensive limitations or the team’s overall performance. Yet, this season, Young’s play is demanding the league’s attention. Averaging over 12 assists per game, Young is on pace to join John Stockton as the only players in NBA history to average that many assists across an entire season. His ability to orchestrate the offense with precision has not only elevated his teammates but also reintroduced him as one of the league’s most watchable entertainers.

Young’s court vision and flair for the dramatic have become must-watch television. Whether it’s a no-look lob to teammates or a deep three from well beyond the arc, his highlight reel is a nightly reminder of his offensive genius. Yet, it’s not just the flashy plays; it’s the consistency with which he’s delivering them. His recent performances in the NBA Cup have been a showcase of his ability to command the stage on a national level, further solidifying his reputation as a star built for big moments.

The Hawks’ deep run in the NBA Cup has been a perfect platform for the team to announce itself to a wider audience. In their quarterfinal victory over the New York Knicks, Young’s 22-point, 11-assist performance was a masterclass in controlling tempo and exploiting defensive weaknesses. Atlanta’s ability to thrive in this high-stakes environment speaks to the growth of its roster and the leadership of its star player.

More importantly, the NBA Cup has offered Young a chance to dispel lingering doubts about him being able to lead a team. Critics have often pointed to his inconsistency or questioned his ability of being a franchise cornerstone to lead a team to sustained success. But this year, Young’s play has been a decisive rebuttal, showcasing a level of maturity and poise that suggests he’s ready to take the Hawks to the next level.

The Hawks’ best roster in the Trae Young era

While Trae Young remains the centerpiece, the emergence of Jalen Johnson as a secondary star has been equally critical to Atlanta’s resurgence. Johnson’s unique skill set as a jumbo forward who can score, playmake, and shoot has added a new dimension to the Hawks’ offense. His ability to initiate plays and create mismatches has relieved pressure on Young and diversified the team’s attack.

Players like Johnson, who can impact the game in multiple ways, are increasingly valuable in today’s NBA. In many ways, Johnson’s breakout is reminiscent of the rise of other versatile forwards who have become cornerstones for championship-caliber teams. For Atlanta, his development represents a critical step toward building a roster that can compete with the league’s elite.

Another key to the Hawks’ success has been their improved defensive identity. Dyson Daniels, acquired in the offseason, has emerged as one of the league’s premier point-of-attack defenders. His ability to rack up deflections and disrupt opposing offenses has provided Atlanta with a defensive anchor on the perimeter.

The frontcourt rotation of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu has also been instrumental. Both players excel as rim protectors and lob threats, perfectly complementing Young’s playmaking. Meanwhile, rookie Zaccharie Risacher, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, is beginning to find his footing, contributing as a 6’10” forward with shooting range and defensive versatility.

Veterans like De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanović round out the roster, providing stability and experience off the bench. Hunter’s ability to guard multiple positions and Bogdanović’s scoring touch have been invaluable in close games, giving Atlanta a level of depth that’s been lacking in recent years.

Introducing Atlanta on the national stage

The Hawks’ resurgence isn’t just about winning games; it’s about reestablishing themselves as a team to be reckoned with on the national stage. For years, Atlanta’s potential has been a tantalizing but unrealized promise. This season, that promise is finally being fulfilled. With Trae Young leading the way, the Hawks have become one of the league’s most exciting teams to watch, blending highlight-reel offense with a gritty, competitive edge.

This season presents a pivotal opportunity for Trae Young to reshape the narrative of his career, shifting from being viewed solely as a high-scoring guard with defensive flaws to a true leader who elevates those around him. For the Hawks, it’s a chance to prove that their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run wasn’t a one-time fluke but the beginning of a larger, sustained success. With Young guiding a rejuvenated roster, the Hawks aim to break free from their recent history of inconsistency and establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, securing a more prominent position on the national NBA stage.

As the NBA Cup and the regular season progresses, the Hawks' ability to maintain their current level of play will be pivotal in determining whether they can overcome the inconsistencies of the past and solidify their status as a rising power in the league. The journey toward consistent excellence is not without challenges, but the foundation being laid this season offers a promising glimpse into a brighter future for the franchise.