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3 Keys For The Hawks To Reach The Playoffs Next Season

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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) controls the ball against Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the first half at State Farm Arena.

The Atlanta Hawks have been “stuck in the mud” since their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Since that deep playoff run, they finished inside the Play-In Tournament for the last four seasons, including missing the playoffs in the previous two. After Atlanta traded away Dejounte Murray last offseason, many thought the franchise was headed for a rebuild; that was not the case. In fact, the Hawks increased their win total by four, finishing 40-42, despite roster holes and getting hit with significant injuries. They fell just short of the playoffs after losing in overtime to the Miami Heat in the second round of the Play-In. The Hawks must improve three key areas to reach the playoffs next season.

3 Keys For The Hawks To Reach The Playoffs Next Season

Jalen Johnson Must Stay Healthy

Jalen Johnson captivated NBA audiences in 2023-24 when he was in the running for the Most Improved Player award. He increased his points per game from 5.6 to 16, but multiple ankle injuries took him out of the running for the honor. Johnson took another step forward in the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. However, he suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder in January, forcing him to miss the rest of the season. The Hawks sorely missed his athletic finishing in the halfcourt and helpside rim protection.

As Atlanta’s second go-to option behind Trae Young, Johnson’s ascension to stardom is key for the franchise’s future. They didn’t have great options to replicate the 23-year-old’s production. Mouhamed Gueye and Georges Niang shared most of the power forward minutes, but not without complications. Gueye’s defense and rebounding came on strong towards the end of the season, but he was limited offensively. In contrast, Niang provided much-needed spacing but struggled defensively. Johnson’s versatile defense and rim-running capabilities were sorely missed. This left Quin Snyder to choose between a defense-heavy or offense-heavy power forward – Johnson gives the Hawks both.

Backup Center Is A Big Question Mark

For the first time in five seasons, Clint Capela did not end a season as the Hawks’ starting center. Onyeka Okongwu took that role on Jan. 20 and passed with flying colors. The sixth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft averaged 15.4 points and 10.1 boards per game, shooting 38.2% from three over the final 40 games of the regular season. Now that Okongwu asserted himself as a starter, Atlanta needs a solution behind him.

Capela and Larry Nance Jr. are free agents this summer. Dominick Barlow, who struggled to defend at the five, has a team option for the 2025-26 campaign. As currently constructed, Gueye would play backup, but he only played center for a handful of games at the end of the season. The Hawks could target a bigger backup for Okongwu through the draft. Khaman Maluach at pick 13 is a notable option. However, if Atlanta wants to take a step forward, they must sign a veteran backup big. If Capela signs a team-friendly deal, the Hawks could bring him back. Other potential options include Steven Adams, Kevon Looney, Luke Kornet, and Day’Ron Sharpe. They give Atlanta an option who will crash the glass and provide defensive stability.

Secondary Shot Creation In The Halfcourt

Opposing teams trapped Young a lot this season, which forced his teammates to make critical reads and score in the halfcourt. Besides the four-time All-Star, the Hawks lack creation off the dribble in a slower-paced game. These issues came up significantly in the Play-In matchups against the Heat and Orlando Magic. Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels certainly had encouraging development seasons, but they are not good enough offensively to take the pressure off Young. Despite his rise to stardom, Johnson is still developing his offensive repertoire in the half-court. Caris LeVert provided some creation for the second unit, but he is a free agent this summer.

As a result, Atlanta relied on getting out in transition to score consistently, finishing third in pace this campaign. However, teams must generate quality looks when the game slows down to make a competitive postseason run. The Hawks struggled in this department. Young turns 27 next season, entering the prime of his career. Whether through trade or free agency, Atlanta must obtain a consistent answer to counter trap-heavy defenses against its star point guard next season.

 

Featured image: © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The post 3 Keys For The Hawks To Reach The Playoffs Next Season appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.