Are the Hawks serious contenders in the East?

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily – "Are the Hawks Serious Contenders in the East?"

Release Date: July 10, 2025

In this insightful episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, host Dave DuFour engages in an in-depth discussion with Lauren Williams from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to evaluate the Atlanta Hawks' prospects in the upcoming NBA season. The conversation delves into the Hawks' strategic offseason moves, player acquisitions, front office vision, and the team's potential to vie for the Eastern Conference title.

---

1. Offseason Moves and Team Reshaping

Lauren Williams begins by highlighting the Hawks' proactive approach during the offseason. She emphasizes the significance of their recent trades and free-agent acquisitions, positioning the team as a strong contender in the East.

[03:26] Lauren Williams: "I'm very high on the Hawks. I think that they have a good shot at making the conference finals."

Williams attributes much of the Hawks' potential success to the relative weakness anticipated in the Eastern Conference next year. She underscores the importance of the team's offseason activities, stating that the Hawks were already a solid team that faced challenges with injuries last season.

---

2. Key Player Acquisitions and Their Impact

The discussion shifts to the Hawks' notable trades, including the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis from Boston and the sign-and-trade deal for Nikhil Alexander Walker. Williams expresses particular enthusiasm for Walker's addition, drawing parallels between him and Dyson Daniels.

[04:23] Lauren Williams: "I think my favorite one is probably... them doing the sign and trade to get Nikhil Alexander Walker... they have the defensive background. It's just perfect."

Williams believes that Walker's defensive prowess and shooting ability will significantly bolster the Hawks' roster. She contrasts this with the acquisition of Porzingis, who, despite his age and injury history, offers valuable floor-spacing due to his shooting skills.

---

3. Lineup Adjustments and Player Roles

The conversation delves into how the new acquisitions will integrate into the Hawks' lineup. Williams envisions Porzingis as a bench asset, leveraging his ability to space the floor without overburdening the primary rotation.

[07:16] Lauren Williams: "Nikhil Alexander Walker is going to be a guy that comes off the bench because he and Luke Kennard are going to be sort of that scoring punch."

The role of Jalen Johnson is also discussed, particularly his recovery from a torn labrum injury. Williams emphasizes the necessity of his return and how he will serve as a secondary playmaker alongside Trae Young.

[09:57] Lauren Williams: "He's been steadily working himself back... they're banking on him having a big start to the season."

---

4. Front Office Vision and Long-term Strategy

Lauren Williams provides insight into the Hawks' front office strategy under the new GM, Ansi Sonneil. She praises the team's balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term building.

[18:37] Lauren Williams: "The vision is that they're going to have a team that's going to go out there and compete... they're trying to build something that's going to be long term."

A standout moment in the episode recounts a strategic draft-day trade that secured the Hawks a high lottery pick, showcasing the front office's adept maneuvering.

[21:16] Expert Analyst: "This is what good front offices do... the Hawks pulled off... it's probably the best trade anyone's pulled off in the last 10 years."

---

5. Potential for Conference Finals and Beyond

The hosts analyze the Hawks' chances of reaching the conference finals, considering their young roster and the experience brought in by new signings. While optimism is high, Williams remains cautious about the team's youth and the need for maturity.

[24:14] Lauren Williams: "This team is so freaking young... I do not think that it's yet."

---

6. Coaching and MVP Contention

Towards the episode's conclusion, Dave poses questions about coaching accolades and MVP potential.

• Coach Quinn Snyder's Best Coach of the Year Prospects:

  [30:35] Expert Analyst: "If they're top three in the East, I think he gets a lot of buzz."

• Trae Young's MVP Contention:

  [31:43] Lauren Williams: "For him to be MVP, I feel like the Hawks are gonna have to be... top two."

Williams highlights that Trae Young's MVP chances are intertwined with both his individual performance and the team's success.

---

7. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lauren Williams [03:26]: "I'm very high on the Hawks. I think that they have a good shot at making the conference finals."

• Lauren Williams [04:23]: "Nikhil Alexander Walker... he has the defensive background... ability to space the floor."

• Expert Analyst [21:16]: "This is what good front offices do... it's probably the best trade anyone's pulled off in the last 10 years."

• Lauren Williams [31:43]: "For him to be MVP, I feel like the Hawks are gonna have to be... top two."

---

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a recap of the Hawks' promising offseason moves and their potential impact on the team's performance. Dave expresses confidence in the front office's strategy and thanks Lauren Williams for her valuable insights.

[33:26] Dave: "Make sure you guys go like subscribe wherever you're listening. We appreciate you joining. Enjoy the rest of your day."

---

Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Atlanta Hawks' current state and future prospects, making it essential listening for NBA enthusiasts keen on understanding the dynamics within the Eastern Conference.

Transcript

[Intuit QuickBooks]

Do you own a business that's ready to thrive? It's time to let Intuit QuickBooks take things like unpaid invoices and tracking expenses off your plate so that you can take things to the next level. Intuit QuickBooks is a powerful AI driven all in one business solution that can help with day to day tasks like invoicing expenses and taxes. QuickBooks can help you unlock the growth of your business so that you can get back to enjoying your business. Manage and grow your business all in one place. Intuit QuickBooks your way to money get 90% off for 3 months limited time only. Terms and conditions apply. Money Movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Incorporated, licensed as a money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

[Capital One Bank Guy]

Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Ah, really? Thanks Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Term supply see capital1.com bank capital1 NA member FDIC.

[Intuit QuickBooks]

As a salesperson, the search for the right buyer or buying groups can feel like you're endlessly sifting through leads and hoping they're ready to buy. Thankfully, LinkedIn Sales Navigator is more than just a tool, it's your strategic sales partner. LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a sales intelligence platform that helps professionals effectively prospect and engage high value customers, drive higher revenue and increase sales performance. Sales Navigator helps you target the right buyers, surface key signals such as job changes or which accounts you should prioritize, and shows you hidden allies so that you can find those buyers that are most likely to convert. Whether you're looking for new clients or strength strengthening relationships of current accounts, LinkedIn Sales Navigator has new AI features designed to help sellers find the right people and get right to the right conversations, all at scale. Fueled by LinkedIn's 1 billion-member platform, Sales Navigator gives you the most up to date first party data enabling you to unlock conversations with the people that matter. Ready to get right to the right conversations? Try LinkedIn Sales Navigator now with a 60 day free trial at LinkedIn.com NBashowskowsk23 that's LinkedIn.com NBashow23 for a 60 day free trial. Terms and conditions apply.

[Dave]

Good morning and welcome to the NBA Daily for July 10, 2025. Dave is sweating in Vegas and we welcome in Lauren Williams from the Atlanta Journal Constitution to talk the Atlanta haw. What's up, guys, and welcome to the show. Lauren Williams. We've missed you.

[Lauren Williams]

Thank you. I've missed you guys, too. What a pleasure.

[Expert Analyst]

I just saw Lauren at the finals.

[Dave]

Luckily, yeah, we haven't had her on the show in a while, so. And we definitely needed to have you on Lauren, because a lot has been going on. The Hawks have been extremely active this off season. They've made some trades, they've made some free agent moves, and I mean, Dave is. Where do you put them for next year?

[Expert Analyst]

I'm very high on the Hawks. I think that they have a good shot at making the conference finals. I mean, a lot of it has to do with the East. East is weak. East is going to be down, especially next year. But I like the moves that they made, and I think this was already a pretty good team that dealt with some injury, you know, some poor injury luck last season. I think they would have performed better, you know, we'll see. And a lot of this is just, I believe Trey Young can get hot in the playoffs, you know. Yeah, I buy that guy as a playoff performer.

[Dave]

Yeah, he's capable. Being a villain. Anyone's story for sure. But Lauren, let's look at some of these trades. I mean, are these moves. Kristoff course gets traded to Atlanta from Boston. They acquire Nikhil Alexander Walker, they add in Asa Newell in the draft. I mean, there's a lot of movement here, a lot of options in terms of the best moves. But I want to know your expert opinion. Which one did you like the most for retooling the Hawks?

[Lauren Williams]

Honestly, the. I think my favorite one is probably, you know, them doing the sign and trade to get Nikhil Alexander Walker. You add a guy who, I think has a similar trajectory to what, you know, Dyson Daniels had last year. I'm going to put Nikhil Alexander Walker in, you know, most improved race from right now just because of how similar their storylines, if you will, or their career trajectories have been. Both came from New Orleans. Of course, NA is a little bit older than Dyson, but, you know, the fact that they've both, you know, hit multiple teams and then they start to have this sort of offensive explosion just because they're getting a little bit more playing time, but they have the defensive background. It's just perfect. And I think if you're a team that, you know, started the season as one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA and you get better, you're in the middle of the pack. Thanks to everything. You know that Dyson Daniels added to the, to the roster and how he kind of upped everybody else's defensive energy. You kind of have to double down on that and adding NA to that, especially with how well he shoots the ball. I think they've just kind of gotten on an amazing track. Obviously adding in Kristaps Porzingis is huge. Just because when you get a seven footer who you can have essentially as a one year rental and see kind of what he can add, you know, that's great. But because he's a little bit older, he turns 30 on August 2nd. He, he's injury prone. It's hard for me to say that that's my favorite move just because you never know how much you're going to be able to bank on him. But he does, you know, ultimately add a lot to this roster just because of how he can space the floor. You know, he leads the league or is pretty high up in the list of all time blocks. I think he's what, nine or something like that. So I mean that's pretty huge, especially if you're pairing him alongside a guy like Jalen Johnson or Onyeko Konguk. But I'm going to double down and say Nas. Probably my favorite move that they've done so far.

[Expert Analyst]

I mean especially after you look at what he did in the playoffs for the Timberwolves. Like he's another guy that can make shots actually like not just spot up and shoot from three but you know he could attack a closeout. He could hit that mid range which is a shot that I think it. Atlanta could really use a guy who can step in and shoot that. You. What do you expect the lineup to look like? I'm really curious here because I mean he obviously is a high level player but he was in that bench role in Minnesota. You look at, you look at what the Hawks have already, they've already got a lot of guys that they need to play like is not going to break into the starting lineup or is this going to be a thing where like you expect Quinn Snyder, is he going to play around night to night? I mean Porzingis, look, let's say all things go great for Porzingis. He's going to play 60 or 65 games at best. So you know that a Kwongu is going to get a lot of rotation in there as a starter. But I'm really curious about how they're going to stretch out the minutes with all these guards and, and wings that they have to fill out.

[Lauren Williams]

I so if that's the thing with Quinn Snyder, it's hard to kind of gauge what his lineups are going to look like because last season he would play anywhere from, you know, eight guys, especially when they were healthy. And then it slowly extended out to like 9, 10 as like injuries started to pile up. So, you know, in this upcoming season, I think that, you know, N is going to be a guy that comes off the bench because he and Luke Canard are going to be sort of that scoring punch. I think. Yeah, Luke Canard, they just made that deal official the other day, but I think depending on what they need, it'll be either Luke or not. As your sort of six man role, I do envision Porzingis sort of coming off of the bench only because you promote Onyeko Kongu after you move on from Clint Capella. He's your, you know, he's your starting center of the future. He pairs so well with Jaylen Johnson that it's hard for me to see Quinn wanting to mess with that starting lineup knowing how well it sort of worked early on with Trey Dyson, Zachary, Richard Jalen and then Onyeko Kongo. So I think it's easier to sort of move the pieces around that sort of foundation versus trying to make something work right off the bat with kristaps at the 5.

[Expert Analyst]

So also protect him a little bit. Right. Like if you're looking for.

[Lauren Williams]

Yeah. And I know some people look at that 30 million dollar contract and say you're paying a guy 30 million dollars, but I also think it's for one year and you know what your foundation is, so why not sort of roll with that a little bit longer and then you adjust accordingly.

[Dave]

It does feel like the Atlanta Hawks are taking a chance to figure out can we capitalize on the talent that we have right now to the maximum ability. And Trae Young now has all these tools around him to be able to produce something. And you know, I think we talked about this right before we jumped on like, could they get to the conference finals? For sure. I think one of the factors that's kind of outlying, of course, Chris Hotspur's thing is people are talking about 30 million and they're not just talking about from the perspective of just having money on Cap. They're also talking about the fact that he didn't play a ton of games, especially towards the end of that year. And health is a factor for the Atlanta Hawks. As Dave mentioned name that comes to mind, Jaylen Johnson. I mean, he was having a phenomenal season before you know, heading out, basically off of his injury, playing about 30 games last year. Where do you see his trajectory in all of this and how impactful can he be for the Atlanta Hawks making that jump to a team that could end up in a conference finals?

[Lauren Williams]

I mean, I think it's absolutely necessary for him to make that jump, even though, you know, he's coming off of that torn labrum injury that he had. He had surgery at the end of the season, and he's been, like, steadily working himself back. He's been posting a lot of stuff on social media, showing his work, and he looks like he's kind of operating at mostly full speed, but it's obviously hard to tell because it's not open runs, it's not a lot of contact. It's just a lot of, like, just a lot of drills.

[Expert Analyst]

And so it's Ben Simmons social media highlights. So I know to take all highlights on social media. That's right. Yeah. I'm just glad to see him running.

[Lauren Williams]

Around, you know, and, you know, I think it's great that, you know, Jalen is operating at, you know, the full effort that he is. And so I think mostly, you know, what the front office has indicated is that Jalen will be ready to go for training camp. And so if he's ready to go for training camp, then that, to me, says that they're banking on him having a big start to the season, especially because part of what, you know, made that team sort of fall apart a little bit last year is that they didn't have him as that secondary playmaking option. And so if he's the glue guy and you don't have that, well, that really does throw a wrench into a lot of different things. So I think they're going to bank on him being a guy that can be that connector. Obviously, Kristaps kind of helps with that because that's part of his strengths. He's a connecting guy. And so maybe that's what they do in, you know, to start the season, is that they kind of share their minutes a little bit more and you see a little bit, you know, more, I guess, split in terms of them playing the four. But then you also have a guy like, it's so tough. You have a guy like Mo Gay who had a great end to the season, and you're going to expect him to take another big leap. But to get back to Jalen Johnson, I do think it's going to be a big year for him solely because of just the versatility that he adds to the roster, you're going to expect that he, you know, takes another step as far as being able to knock shots down from three. But what he can do inside the paint is just so important to what this Hawks team needs to do, just because of how it opens things up for Trae Young to knock those shots down from, you know, 30, 40ft. Whatever trae wants to do these days. Yeah, go ahead.

[Expert Analyst]

That's the big thing. Well, no, no, that's the big thing about Jalen Johnson. I'm glad you mentioned his playmaking, because one of the things that maybe we even kind of glossed over with Nikhil Alexander Walker. This is some of the most playmaking that Trey Young has had available on the team at the same time that he's been out there. And this guy is one of the three or four best passers and playmakers in the league. It gets overlooked because, you know, he is on the ball so much. But, you know, we've hit him traditionally. I have, at least for not being able to play off the ball. I think that this is the season where the excuses have to go out the window because now you're going to have guys that are capable of doing it. And I think that that's a big thing for Quinn Snyder to be able to take this team to the next level.

[Lauren Williams]

That's another thing, too, that I think gets overlooked with Luke Canard's game a little bit. We saw it last season with him in Memphis, him playing with the ball in his hands a little bit more. So, yeah, Trey has so many options around him that can help him kind of like take some of that playmaking load off of his shoulders, and that should hopefully take some of the pressure off of him to start the season in terms of being able to score. Because over the last few seasons with the Hawks asking him to do so much in terms of trying to bring guys like Dyson Daniels and Zachary Sachet along, you could kind of see his efficiency going down. And so especially with referees kind of looking at his game a little bit differently, they're not maybe giving him a lot of the calls he was used to at the beginning of his career. I think, you know, maybe it's going to help him if he can kind of take some steps further back from the basket and knock some of those shots down. And if he got has guys that can space the floor optimally for him, well, heck, that's going to make things a lot easier for him.

[Dave]

Well, listen, to close on that Note, of the 76 games that Trae Young played last year. He had 17 with 15 or more assists. So people weren't picking up on what he's dishing out. They should know with that stat. Let's take a break real quick. We'll continue on the other side of this break. Talking about the Hawks.

[Intuit QuickBooks]

Are you a business owner looking to grow your business? You did what most dream of doing start your own business. And now you're faced with the reality of how to make your small business run smoothly. Intuit QuickBooks can help QuickBooks is a powerful, AI driven all in one business solution. That means those day to day tasks, invoicing expenses, taxes can be done effortlessly. But here's where it gets really good. You don't need to hire a team of analysts to find growth opportunities hiding in your business data. QuickBooks can help with cash flow optimization, profit and loss analysis. It helps you see how your business is doing and uncover new ways to be more profitable. QuickBooks can help you unlock the growth of your business so that you can get back to enjoying your business. Manage and grow your business all in one place. Intuit QuickBooks your way to money get 90% off for 3 months limited time only Terms and conditions apply. Money Movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Incorporated, licensed as a MONEY Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. I don't know about you guys, but when it gets to be dinner time, my kids are chanting chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets. And you know what? There's one reason that I can feel good about saying yes. Because Butcherbox makes it easy to mix things up with high quality, responsible sourced proteins that are full of flavor and not fillers. From kid friendly favorites to dinner worthy cuts, that's something for everyone at the table. Butcherbox delivers better meat and seafood straight to your door, including 100% grass fed beef, free range organic chicken, pork raised, crate free and wild caught seafood. All Butcherbox proteins are sourced from partners who meet strict animal welfare and sustainability standards. That means no antibiotics or added hormones ever. Whether you're feeding a growing family or trying to eat clean without the stress, ButcherBox offers curated or fully customizable plans that fit your schedule and your preferences. When our customized box gets to our door, we're always super excited to load up the fridge because we know that we're going to eat really good salmon, we're going to have really great beef in the fridge, we're going to have chicken too that our kids are all going to enjoy and that my wife and I are going to enjoy as well. It's all so flavorful and delicious and just nice to have on hand. And as a certified B Corp. Butcher Box is committed to high standards from how the animals are raised to how their team supports workers and reduces environmental impact. Plus, every box ships free always and includes member only perks like recipe inspirations, tips and exclusive deals to help you make the most of every meal. Right now Butcherbox is offering our listeners $20 off their first box and free protein for a year. Go to butcherbox.com athleticmba to get this limited time offer and free shipping always. That's ButcherBox.com AthleticMBA don't forget to use our link so that they know that we sent you.

[Capital One Bank Guy]

Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Aw really? Thanks Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Term supply See CapitalOne.com Bank Capital One NA Member FDIC.

[Dave]

All right, we've talked a little bit about some of the moves that the Atlanta Hawks have made, but now it's about what is it actually going to look like. And it really starts from the top, Lauren, particularly from the GM position, the person that's pulling all these pieces together. Of course we know Landry Fields exits in that role. Auntie Soleil comes in and starts incorporating his team and making moves. So far from what you've seen, per the team he's brought on as well as the moves that he's made. What's the vision from the front office for the Hawks next year?

[Lauren Williams]

Yeah, I think the vision is that they're going to have a team that's going to go out there and compete. And I think the key thing that Anci has stressed or Ansi Soleil has stressed to us in the media availabilities that we've had with him over the past three or so weeks, is that they're trying to build something that's going to be long term. And you look at in terms of the moves, you know, they, they trade down and on draft night, move from the 13th pick that they got in that Sacramento trade, they flipped it and got a first round pick for the 2026 draft when they had a pick swap with the spurs after the Dejounte Murray trade. So by everything that we've seen, it's, you know, they're trying to make Moves not only for the future, but they're trying to set themselves up for success long term. And it's not that they've just said that they're doing that, but it seems like the actions are sort of lining up with every, with the words that we're hearing. And so I think getting a first round pick, that's not just a pick swap, you know, for the long term next year in a draft class, that's quite good. I think that's huge for the team. And I think, you know, depending on obviously how they finish out this regular season, you know, maybe into the playoffs just because I just don't want to jinx anything. I believe my, my words maybe hold too much and I jinx things. But depending on how things work out in the playoffs, maybe they're just one piece away from what they need in order to actually be a Finals contender. And so maybe that's something that they address in the draft, who knows? Or next free agents class. So by and large it seems like this front office is experienced. It has, you know, a clear cut plan that's, that's actually something that they can, you know, enact or act upon and move upon and just it seems that they're very well respected around the league. And so I think that's huge when you're able to pull off moves again by moving down from 13 to 23 and getting a first round pick, especially from the Pelicans team that who knows what's, what's going on.

[Expert Analyst]

They're going to be awful. They're going to be awful. This is going to be a high lottery pick. Most likely this trade that they pulled off, that the Hawks pulled off. I mean the story behind it is, is pretty insane where the Hawks don't believe that this is actually being offered. I love this story so much.

[Dave]

But the Hawks essentially had to like.

[Lauren Williams]

Call them and be like, yes, are you sure about this?

[Dave]

For our listeners, it is worth breaking down again because you break it down.

[Expert Analyst]

Okay.

[Dave]

No, no, Dave, actually Dave, you go. Because I know you like telling this story.

[Expert Analyst]

Yeah. I mean it's just funny that this is a trade that's, you know, between the, the draft day trade that where the Pelicans traded up and they give away this prize jewel asset that is going to be a high lottery pick in next year's draft. It starts off as a conversation between assistant GMs. This is how business gets done in the NBA quite often. But the asset that was offered was so ridiculous that had to call Joe Dumars just To make sure that this was real. And it is, I swear, the funniest and most awesome front office story I have ever heard. Just don't ever let anyone tell you you're not qualified to do something. By the way, that's just my life advice out there after, after you read about this story. But it was a home run. I mean, this is. Aside from the Luka Doncha trade, it's the. If you're looking at it from the Hawks perspective, it's probably the best trade anyone's pulled off in the last 10 years.

[Dave]

Really good point.

[Lauren Williams]

Mind you, this is the same front office that also swindled the previous Pelicans front office regime and got Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr. You know, the pick for a second first round pick that they did not have before for this year's draft that they then flipped in the Porzingis trade and moving parts. So it's just kind of like the work that they've been doing is crazy.

[Expert Analyst]

This is what I want. Back to your point about the plan and how they're planning for the future. This is what good front offices do, right? You look for good players where you can find them. You, you sign them, you, you get a Nikhil Alexander Walker, you try to improve your team and then you wind up lucking into some of these things that, I mean, I wouldn't say having a high lottery pick handed to you is on the margins. Those second rounders are on the margins, though. I mean, the Cavs, this Cleveland Cavaliers team was built on some good lottery luck and second round draft picks and all of these other things. I think the Hawks are kind of following that blueprint. It, I mean, it fits because, you know, a lot of those guys are spurs guys over. So maybe that mindset of we can be good and also think about the future, but this pick in particular, what if they're really good this year and there's a guy out there that they could maybe go get? Well, now they have a fat asset that they could offer. Do you feel like this front office would, this season may be weird and this team might not be good enough? Like, this isn't a team that I'm penciling in. This is a title team, right. I think if they go on a great run, they make the conference finals, but we've seen that from teams before. But do you think that this front office would have the, like the guts if at the trade deadline they're like the two seed and someone's out there and they could just go get them like I don't know. Let's. Let's. Pie in the sky. Let me be crazy. Like, LeBron is out there and they could just. I mean, it's a cr. That's a crazy pick. I just gotta throw LeBron into every single trade right now. No, but, but is this a team that would maybe this year or you think? No, we keep the powder dry. We got to be smart. We say, like, because, you know, we just watched the Thunder do this, right?

[Lauren Williams]

Yeah, I think they gotta be a little smart right now. Just because, I don't know, Just. Just based. Solely based off what happened last season. Yes, I do think Zachary Risa Shay and Mo Gay, you know, are gonna take steps forward, but I don't know if they're like contender steps forward just yet. You have to remember, Zach literally turned 20 at the end of the season. Like, he spent most of his rookie season at 19. Asa Newell is going to be 20, I believe, in September. So this team is so freaking young that I'm. I just. I don't know if their trade deadline move to contender Pipeline ready yet. I think they need one more season. You know, you've got so many guys on this roster now that have playoff experience that are going to pour into these younger guys and them making it into the playoffs, you know, having as long a run as possible that they can have is going to be the experience that they're going to need. And then I think next year is more the, you know, make a big move to contender pipeline move for this team. I just, I don't quite. I don't quite think that it would be yet.

[Expert Analyst]

It would be early. I mean, and plus, like you said, early. The vision, right?

[Dave]

Like, yeah, being patient from the perspective, especially with the. The youth, it's not just a matter of, like, steps on the court physically and, you know, an ability mentality.

[Lauren Williams]

Right.

[Dave]

A maturity, like the capacity to understand like, yo, we're about to go do something really drastic because we think that you guys can take the step towards a title. That's pressure, right? And so there's. There's still a level of confidence building in those guys to be able to maybe take on a big name, a big star to incorporate at the deadline and then. And then have the pressure to make something of it. So that's a really good point. I think they're close, though, and it's so fun and so unfair that you're this close with that much talent and what you're waiting on is maturity get in the way. We know that's Gonna happen.

[Expert Analyst]

Health.

[Lauren Williams]

I was gonna say, ask me again, like maybe after the in season tournament and maybe my mind might be a little different because I was going through all of the emotions when they went on that in season tournament run just because of how solid they looked. But I would, I think for me, I would want to see especially Jalen Johnson have at least as close to a fully healthy season as possible before I can say, you know, yeah, let's make, let's see the Hawks make that really big move.

[Intuit QuickBooks]

Right.

[Expert Analyst]

Is he a guy we don't even know yet, really?

[Lauren Williams]

Yeah. I had him as the most improved player before he went down.

[Expert Analyst]

Yeah.

[Dave]

So I think a lot of people had him in that category. One of the things we definitely want to know though, in terms of what you saw out on the floor for Atlanta, some of the positives, it helps that you had veterans like Clint Capella on the team that ran that pick and roll really well. But we saw Okongwood come in and be this active version of Clint Capella, this person that could take the ball on his own and be in that dunker spot and elevate, but also be outside and stretch the floor a little bit. There were so many aspects of this team that you saw their flexibility. What part of the Atlanta Hawks do you think is going to grow the most with this version that comes together? How does Kristaps Porzingis coming in, Luke Kennard with the outside shooting, na coming in with the defense and his ability to create? What part of the Atlanta Hawks are you the most excited to see grow and what's the vision there for you at least?

[Lauren Williams]

Yeah, I think I feel like the answer is a little bit obvious just because of the pieces that they added like the, the three core piece or the three major pieces that they added to the roster can all shoot. So I think the expectation is that that three point efficiency is going to go up. And mind you, I mean, they were shooting 37% as a team last season, which is nothing to really, you know, sniff at or shake your head at. But I mean, Canards a 44% career shooter now is shooting 38%. Brazinga shooting 38%. I think you can expect Jalen Johnson to have a little bit more efficiency from outside. He may not necessarily be a high volume shooter, but because of the spacing, you know, he might get a few more open looks and you'll see that confidence sort of take off. Same with Dyson Daniels, same with Okongu. Zachary Risachet, who toward the end of the season was Shooting close to, I believe 39%. So I think that efficiency is just going to continue to go up and up. And especially because Quinn Snyder wants them taking, sometimes they'll say at least like 45, 3 point attempts per game.

[Dave]

Like, that's what I got.

[Expert Analyst]

Poor Zingus, right? Yeah.

[Lauren Williams]

Like you look at the box and they, they shot like 39. He's like, I wanted them to take 10 more. And you're like, but they weren't making them. But he wants them to take it because as long as they're good shots, you know, that's all that matters to him, even if they don't go in. And so just because of what that can do to open up even the inside game, I think that's gonna, that's gonna be huge for this team. So I think that's sort of where I see them taking, you know, the next step forward. But then obviously defensively, just because of the addition of a guy like Akilah Alexander Walker, you get Jalen Johnson back. Congo has taken so many steps forward on the defensive side of the ball. And then the expectation is Zach is going to continue to grow as he kind of puts on a little bit more weight. So, yeah, I think this is a 3 and D team and they've got.

[Expert Analyst]

That line of flexibility too. Right. Like they're gonna be able to play big. They're gonna be like I, I imagine scenario where we see a Quangu and Porzingis at the same time, which is some incredible rim protection and floor space. I'm excited about the Hawks. I mean, but I was excited last year too. Like I was high on them. Now I'm probably too high on them. That's what I did.

[Dave]

Was gonna be less.

[Lauren Williams]

I was good last year. I always said I never thought that the Hawks would be good, but I thought that they would be a fun team. And then this year I'm like, I'm all in. I think they're going to be a fun and a good team. So I'm really excited to see what they're able to string together.

[Dave]

That's going to be a fun inside out game for sure. Quick question before we wrap up. Short responses from both of you. Dave, what is it going to take for Quinn Snyder to win coach of the Year with the Hawks?

[Expert Analyst]

Oh, I think if they're top three in the East, I think he gets a lot of buzz. Even with the additions that they've made, they didn't land like this huge fish. Right? This isn't like they got Kevin Durant and so he doesn't have that bias working against him. I think if they're a top three seed, maybe just home court advantage team in the east, he gets some buzz. If you look at it, a lot of the people like okc, you're not getting coach of the year. You know, Pacers obviously out of it, Boston out of it. I mean, like, it's going to be a surprise team or a team that we watch get better. And they, they did better than we expected. So I think top three in the east, he's going to be top three in coach of the year.

[Dave]

I like it. Lauren, what is it going to take for Trae Young to be a solid MVP contender next year? Oh.

[Expert Analyst]

More than coach of the year? I would say more than.

[Dave]

Yeah, agreed.

[Lauren Williams]

Honestly. Honestly, I. For him to be mvp, I feel like the Hawks are gonna have to be, you know, like top. Top two. Right.

[Expert Analyst]

Like top two 55 win team, maybe.

[Lauren Williams]

Right.

[Expert Analyst]

Like 50 some odd wins.

[Dave]

Yeah. He's gonna be scoring or.

[Expert Analyst]

Well, he's gonna be. He's gonna be 30 and 10, 30 and 12.

[Lauren Williams]

Yes.

[Expert Analyst]

Right.

[Dave]

He's good. But the thing is those numbers, and that's those numbers.

[Lauren Williams]

I think. I think the big thing is will he be able to do it efficiently? Because part of the knock against him has always been his efficie because he's had to do so much. He might be able to find his teammates, but then it's just like the shots that he was taking just never seem to really like, align with what he should have been doing in the moment. And so I think the big thing is that if he can get his efficiency up without necessarily needing, you know, to get calls at the free, you know, get to the free throw line, I think that's. I think that's a difference. I. I think that the whole knock against Trey, you know, is obviously size, but I think the big thing is it's just going to continue being that turnaround and reputation which he started last season. I think, you know, it's going to continue growing. So. Okay, we're seeing him.

[Dave]

I'm loving this. We'll have to see. We'll see what happens when. Snyder, you've got your task. Trey Young, you've got your task. Atlanta front office, apparently you're doing the right things, according to Lauren Williams. And we appreciate you, Lauren, taking the time to talk to us before you head out to summer league to join Dave in the sweating in Vegas. I hope you guys enjoy the time. Watching a little bit of ball, watching a little bit of future play out guys. Go read Lauren over at the Atlanta Journal Constitution and definitely check in with the podcast because we're going to be talking to people. Lauren, you might have to jump on while the guys are out at Summer league as well.

[Lauren Williams]

Just let me know, just tell me when.

[Dave]

Of course, of course. Thanks for joining us Lauren. Thanks Dave for tapping in and thank you guys for listening. Make sure you guys go like subscribe wherever you're listening. We appreciate you joining. Enjoy the rest of your day.

[Capital One Bank Guy]

Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Ah really? Thanks Capital One bank guy. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capitalone.com bank capital1na member FDIC.

[Shopify]

You didn't start a business just to keep the lights on. You're here to sell more today than yesterday. You're here to win. Lucky for you, Shopify built the best converting checkout on the planet. Like the just one tapping ridiculously fast acting sky high sales stacking champion at checkout. That's the good stuff right there. So if your business is in it to win it, win with Shopify. Start your free trial [e-mail] win.

[Paige]

This is Paige, the co host of Giggly Squad. I use Uber Eats for everything and I feel like people forget that you can truly order anything, especially living in New York City. It's why I love it. You can get Chinese food at any time of night, but it's not just for food. I order from CVS all the time. I'm always ordering from the grocery store. If a friend stops over, I have to order champagne. I also have this thing that whenever I travel, if I'm ever in a hotel room, I never feel like I'm missing something because I'll just Uber Eats it. The amount of times I've had to Uber Eats hair items like hairspray, deodorant, you name it, I've ordered it. On Uber Eats. You can get grocery alcohol everyday essentials in addition to restaurants and food you love. So in other words, get almost anything With Uber Eats. Order now for alcohol, you must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly. Product availability varies by region. See app for details.