We’re preparing for the coming NBA season by scouting the divisional opponents of the Miami Heat. First up on the list is the Atlanta Hawks.
Much like the Miami Heat will be doing this season as they prepare for their opponents, we’re going to break down each divisional rival in regards to their offseason and their outlook for the 2019-20 season. As we move through the Southeast Division, we’ll get started with the up-and-coming Atlanta Hawks.
Offseason review
The Atlanta Hawks kicked off their major offseason transactions with a draft night blockbuster trade, sending the eighth overall pick, the 17th pick, the 35th pick and the rights to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first round pick (conditional) to the New Orleans Pelicans for the fourth overall pick, the 57th pick and Solomon Hill.
They used the fourth pick to draft De’Andre Hunter, and then they drafted Cam Reddish 10th overall with their own pick.
They also acquired Allan Crabbe from the Brooklyn Nets, traded Hill and Miles Plumlee to the Memphis Grizzlies for Chandler Parsons, traded Kent Bazemore to the Portland Trail Blazers for Evan Turner, and signed Jabari Parker in free agency.
Needless to say, the Atlanta Hawks were among the most active teams in the NBA this summer as they were highly active both in free agency and on the trade market.
Outlook
Coming off a 29-53 season in 2018-19, the Hawks may find themselves in a similar spot next season after adding a number of youngsters to the roster. While Trae Young will be going into his second season and may develop significantly with a year under his belt in the NBA, he will be surrounded with rookies and young players and role players, which very little in the way of star power to help propel them to competitiveness.
The Hawks will likely not win enough games to pull them into playoff contention, but they’re going to be a fun team to watch every night. They’re explosive on offense, they have one of the most fascinating young cores in the NBA with John Collins, Reddish, Hunter and Young, and a good season for this group could truly springboard them into further success down the road.
Proven star power and veteran talent are two big advantages the Miami Heat will hold over the Hawks next season. While the Hawks have the flashy Young, the Heat have a veteran team with playoff experience led by Jimmy Butler.