Sports Talk Georgia Staff
The Atlanta Hawks entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mandate: build a roster that can compete with the Eastern Conference’s elite. Their most impactful move was acquiring Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade, pairing the 7’3″ stretch big with franchise cornerstone Trae Young. Porzingis brings rim protection, pick-and-pop versatility, and veteran playoff experience — a major upgrade to Atlanta’s frontcourt.
In addition to Porzingis, the Hawks signed defensive-minded wings and veteran shooters to balance their offensive-heavy core. Jalen Johnson returns healthy, Dejounte Murray remains a two-way threat, and Saddiq Bey and Onyeka Okongwu round out a deeper, more balanced rotation. Atlanta’s front office prioritized versatility, spacing, and defensive switchability — all critical in today’s Eastern arms race.
How Atlanta Compares to Eastern Conference Contenders
While the Hawks made aggressive upgrades, other Eastern contenders took different paths:
- Boston Celtics: Retained their core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, adding bench depth but no major shakeups.
- New York Knicks: Stayed the course with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, banking on internal growth and chemistry.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Doubled down on Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, but didn’t address spacing or wing depth.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Still dangerous with Giannis and Dame, but aging depth and injury concerns linger.
- Orlando Magic & Indiana Pacers: Young, athletic, and rising — but still a tier below in playoff experience.
Atlanta’s moves position them as a dark horse contender with a higher ceiling than the Knicks or Cavs, and potentially more playoff upside than the Bucks if Porzingis stays healthy.
What the Hawks Must Do to Make the Playoffs
To secure a playoff berth in the crowded East, the Hawks must:
- Improve defensive consistency, especially in transition and pick-and-roll coverage.
- Maximize role player contributions from Bey, Okongwu, and the bench unit.
- Keep Porzingis healthy and integrate him smoothly into offensive sets.
- Elevate Trae Young’s leadership, focusing on efficiency, ball movement, and late-game execution.
If Atlanta can stay in the top six by midseason and avoid injury setbacks, they’ll be a dangerous playoff team with the potential to upset higher seeds.
