Assessing Atlanta

Aug 21

Just one year ago, the Atlanta Hawks seemed to find their stride, reaching their second Conference Finals in franchise history as Trae Young set the world on fire. However, it doesn’t quite feel that way.

After what was nothing short of a remarkable run for the young ballclub, the regression put on display the following year had been disappointing, to say the least. Now with hopes that their latest acquisition in All-Star guard Dejounte Murray can turn things around, the franchise could very well be setting themselves up for disappointment.

Although pairing another All-Star caliber player alongside Young certainly sounds like the right idea, the cost must equate to the asset’s value in return. While Murray is certainly a quality piece, three first-round picks are a hefty price for a fringe All-Star. Additionally, when considering the fact that each of those picks remains unprotected, one might think Atlanta could be practicing better risk management.

That’s not to mention they’ve also lost Danillo Gallinari and Kevin Huerter. The Hawks have also been shopping forward John Collins for nearly three years, meaning Atlanta could be starting the season with a very different roster than in years past. Rather than build upon what had been working throughout the 2020-21 NBA season, Landry Fields and the Hawks front office are betting on Murray.

So long as the organization can revitalize a winning culture around their new star duo, those draft picks the Spurs paid for may not be so valuable. Otherwise, Atlanta may have mortgaged a bright future, making it all the more difficult to incentivize the star they already have to stay put.