When Trae Young went down early in the season, many Atlanta Hawks fans experienced a sense of déjà vu. Injuries have haunted the team for years, and previous absences by Young often resulted in a lackluster performance on the court. However, this season has been different. During Young’s absence, the Hawks have impressively secured 12 wins out of 18 games, positioning themselves firmly in the race for a top seed in the Eastern Conference. This turnaround can be attributed largely to the remarkable growth of three players.
Jalen Johnson has emerged as a star in the making, showcasing his potential with averages of over 23 points, ten rebounds, and seven assists per game, boasting impressive shooting splits of 54% from the field, 41% from three-point range, and 79% from the free-throw line. His development has clearly marked a shift in the team dynamic, and it’s evident that Johnson has become the standout player within the organization.
Onyeka Okongwu is also enjoying a breakout sixth season, averaging a career-high 16.4 points primarily off the bench. His newfound ability to stretch the floor with a three-point shot—connecting at over 37% on 5.1 attempts per game—has significantly enhanced his contributions on offense, a stark contrast to his previous career high of only 2.0 attempts.
Perhaps the most surprising development has been Nickeil Alexander-Walker. After signing a three-year, $42 million contract in the offseason, he has taken full advantage of his starting role in Young’s absence. Averaging over 20 points per game with shooting splits of 47% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc, and 86% from the free-throw line, Alexander-Walker has emerged as one of the team’s most effective guards.
As the team awaits Young’s return, there will be speculation about the starting lineup moving forward. While Young will reclaim his point guard role, head coach Quin Snyder may have some tough decisions to make regarding the rotation, especially with Alexander-Walker’s recent performance. There is a potential for a starting lineup that includes:
– Trae Young
– Dyson Daniels
– Nickeil Alexander-Walker
– Jalen Johnson
– Onyeka Okongwu
Alternatively, it could feature different combinations to leverage the depth and talent of the roster, including Zachcharie Risacher alongside Johnson and Okongwu.
Regardless of how rosters are finalized, the Hawks face a positive dilemma. Depth, which has often hindered them in previous seasons, now stands as a significant asset, offering them various strategic options to enhance their performance as they strive for success. With an abundance of talent, the future looks bright for the Atlanta Hawks, provided they can maintain health and cohesion as the season progresses.