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2 Key Questions Surrounding The Hawks In 2025-26

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The Atlanta Hawks’ expectations have never been higher in the Trae Young era. Yes, they reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 but did so as underdogs on an unexpected run. After strong additions this summer, Atlanta looks like a playoff team in an open Eastern Conference. The front office addressed issues from last season, such as shooting, backcourt depth, and perimeter defensive presence off the bench. However, the Hawks’ frontcourt depth and ability to put pressure on the rim outside of Young remain big question marks.

2 Key Questions Surrounding The Hawks In 2025-26

Who Can Help Young Get Into the Teeth of the Defense

Young’s quick first step to get by his defender is one of his many weapons on the ball. His lethal floater and passing vision put defenses on edge when he breaks their first line. Teams often blitz Young in pick-and-roll coverage to force him off the ball and keep the four-time All-Star from getting downhill.

As a result, other ball handlers like Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson are tasked with making a play. While they both pass well in their respective positions, they cannot put pressure on the rim in the half-court with the ball. Therefore, Atlanta’s offense heavily relies on Young to set up their many play finishers.

Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu make great reads out of short-roll situations, while Zaccharie Risacher’s off-ball movement yields open 3-pointers and backdoor cuts. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard have played point guard in the past, but their shooting outshines their ability to get downhill. Daniels has the most experience on the ball in the starting five but lacks the burst to break down perimeter defenders consistently.

How can head coach Quin Snyder find a solution to teams trapping Young on the perimeter? Atlanta can utilize Kristaps Porziņģis‘ post playmaking skills. While the star center is best known for his deep 3-pointers, he can operate as an offensive hub as well.

Historically, Snyder has not operated out of the post, but Porziņģis brings a unique skill set that he and Young have not had in their careers.

Hawks Questions in the Frontcourt

Porziņģis, Johnson, and Okongwu make up one of the top frontcourt trios across the NBA. Atlanta can even play Porziņģis and Okongwu at the four and five together due to Okongwu’s improved 3-point shooting. However, Johnson and Porziņģis have had trouble staying on the floor. The former Boston Celtics center has only played over 60 games three times in his nine-year career. Johnson played 56 games two seasons ago due to a wrist fracture and frequent ankle sprains before suffering a torn labrum last campaign. If one of them goes down for an extended period of time, the Hawks might have to go deep into the bench to cover their minutes.

Mouhamed Gueye played 16.2 minutes per game and started 28 contests at power forward last season, but the Hawks experimented with playing him at center over the final two weeks. His defense and rebounding proved valuable, but he struggled on offense. He shot just 25.9% from deep and 42.1% from the field. Gueye likely sees an increased opportunity if either Porziņģis or Johnson misses time.

Rookie Asa Newell and sophomore N’Faly Dante, who has just four NBA appearances, are next in line after Gueye. A four-man frontcourt of Johnson, Porziņģis, Okongwu, and Gueye could potentially take just one injury for Snyder to reach for his reserves. Atlanta needs Johnson and Porziņģis to stay healthy if they want to return to the playoffs with a deep run.

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