ATLANTA (Oct. 22, 2025) – Buckle up, Hawks fans: the Atlanta Hawks are set for a run. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. After missing the Eastern Conference Finals since that magical 2020-21 campaign, this is the year we argue they can break back through — and maybe beyond.
Let’s start with the architect. Enter Onsi Saleh, the new general manager who has earned every bit of the “genius” moniker. Since taking over in April 2025, Saleh has calmly, and brilliantly, rebuilt a ship that had drifted. His vision: keep the core — but add length, shooting, rim-protection, and smarter depth. What has he done? Glad you asked:
- Traded for Kristaps Porziņģis via a multi-team deal with Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets. The Hawks get a genuine stretch-five who can protect the rim and shoot from the logo.
- Locked in Jalen Johnson after he’d shown breakout promise (18.9 pts, 10.0 reb, 5.0 ast in 36 games) — he underwent shoulder surgery but is fully healthy and ready.
- Resigned versatile wing Dyson Daniels and expect his second year with Atlanta to elevate the level of team defense and energy.
- Put faith in the sophomore campaign of former No. 1 (in 2024 draft) Zaccharie Risacher — long, athletic, two-way potential — as a key piece.
- Surrounded star guard Trae Young with the best supporting cast of his career: Porziņģis, Johnson, Daniels, Risacher and a deep bench of shooters and defenders such as Luke Kennard.
- Added shooting and defensive depth: the acquisition of Nickeil Alexander‑Walker on a four-year $62M deal.
Now, you might wonder: okay, nice moves, but can this actually translate? Yes. Because the Eastern Conference is now wide open. Two perennial powers are dented: the Boston Celtics are expected to be without Jayson Tatum for a chunk of the season, and Tyrese Haliburton is nursing injuries for the Indiana Pacers and expected to miss the full year. With those contenders shaky, the Hawks nip at the heels of only two teams really standing in the way: the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Neither, mind you, has a true superstar who can carry the day solo; both are absolutely beatable.
Combine that with the league’s shifting ethos: the star-duo/trio superteam is no longer the only path — deep, long, versatile rosters win now. The Hawks have that. Saleh’s blueprint aligns with the emerging model: one elite offensive hub (Trae), two emerging two-way pillars (Johnson, Risacher), a rim-protecting stretch five (Porziņģis), plus a deep bench with shooters and wings who can defend. Analysts are already calling Atlanta “quiet favorites” in the East.
Let’s talk X-factors:
- Trae Young: He still makes things go, his assist numbers are elite, and his drive-and-kick game plays nicely when the floor is spaced (hello, Porziņģis).
- Jalen Johnson’s return: If healthy and clicking, he gives you 18/10/5 upside. That kind of secondary star allows Atlanta to survive the kind of playoff series where Trae alone isn’t enough.
- Porziņģis: When engaged and healthy, his size and shooting create matchup nightmares — for opponents and playoff scouts alike.
- Depth: Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard (yes, added shooter), and the rookie Risacher provide rotational advantages.
- Coach Quin Snyder: A steadying hand, playoff vet, disciplined. He now has the roster to execute rather than just believe.
And critical takeaway: the record from 2024-25? 40-42, 8th in the East, Play-In elimination. But the canvas has changed drastically. This isn’t a rebuild any more — it’s a launch.
One funny little cherry: even LeBron James tipped the Hawks as the sleeper team this year. (Okay, fine: according to secondary sources. But still. LeBron doesn’t throw around compliments.
Here’s the humor: imagine the Hawks crashing a party everyone thought they were banned from, showing up with a bottle of Dom and the look like “Oh, we were invited?” They spent recent years being the underdog, making Play-In appearances, perhaps underestimated. Now they stroll into the playoffs with swagger and depth.
The lesson — for you, for other teams, for the league: don’t sleep on construction. It’s not always about buying a big name; sometimes it’s about assembling the right blend, with age and upside, chemistry and shading, under a clear concept. Onsi Saleh’s model deserves respect.
Will they go all the way? Hard to guarantee. The West still houses monsters. But back to the ECF? Absolutely in play. Beyond? If health holds, the depth plays out, and the matchmaking favors them (which it will, given the weakened East), yes, the Hawks can surprise. They’ve positioned themselves. The context is perfect. The opportunity is knocking.
ATL H*E. It’s time.
True to Atlanta will be all of us on LeaguePass this season.
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