Atlanta Hawks Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAEASTERN CONFERENCESoutheast DivisionAtlanta Hawks

Oct 15

Our Atlanta Hawks preview 2021 finds that after three straight seasons of last-place finishes in the Southeast Division, this team excelled last year. In 2020-2021, the Atlanta Hawks (41-31) finished first in their division and fifth in the East. In the postseason, they got to the Conference Finals by beating the Knicks (4-1) and 76ers (4-3). In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Hawks four games to two. However, it was quite a run. This season, Atlanta will be in the hunt once again.

Hawks Frontcourt

The Hawks have a solid group in the paint. Power forward John Collins, a 55.6 percent field-goal shooter who hit 39.9 percent of his threes, and center Clint Capela, a daily double-double threat, can score, rebound, and defend. Our Atlanta Hawks preview 2021 notes that along with averaging 17.6 PPG, Collins grabbed 7.4 RPG and made 1.0 BPG. Capela shot 59.4 percent from the floor while averaging 15.2 PPG and 14.3 RPG. The center added 2.0 BPG. Danilo Gallinari, who was traded to the Hawks last season by Oklahoma City, was a solid addition at power forward, while former Grizzly and Spur Gorgui Dieng provides fine backup for Capela.

The wing is also in fine shape, as it features three young, talented players. De’Andre Hunter is a solid 48.4 percent shooter, while Kevin Huerter offers fine field-goal chops from virtually anywhere on the court. Plus, Cam Reddish brings versatility to the floor, ably filling in at small forward as well as shooting guard. In addition, he’s a tenacious defender.

Atlanta Hawks Preview – Backcourt

Trae Young mans the Atlanta point position. Last season, his third in the NBA, Young averaged 25.3 PPG and 9.4 APG. Although just 6’1,” he is quick, agile, and fast. Young can work defenses to find the open shot or the open man. Plus, in the playoffs last year, he took his game to another level. Last year, shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic hit 43.8 percent of his threes and 47.3 percent of his field goals. He was good for 16.4 PPG, 3.3 APG, and 1.1 SPG. Delon Wright, formerly with the Kings, arrives, adding a new dimension to the point. Plus, Lou Williams, who played for the Hawks from 2012-2014, returned last season as a capable, productive veteran shooting guard.