Atlanta Hawks Roster 2020 Hawks Roster

2019-2020 Atlanta Hawks Roster Top 3 Questions

What can we expect from De’Andre Hunter?

After first being picked by the Los Angeles Lakers, then dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans, and then the Atlanta Hawks when they decided to move up on draft day, what type of impact will De’Andre Hunter have in his rookie season? In a draft highlighted by Zion Williamson and a fairly locked in top 3 picks, many speculated who would go #4. Not initially seen as a top 5 pick, the Hawks moved up on draft day to acquire Hunter who might be the best defensive player coming out of this year’s draft.

After coming off the bench in his freshman year at Virginia, Hunter broke out in his sophomore campaign. He shot 52.0% from the field including 43.8% on three-pointers. There were great strides made in his offensive game as he ended up averaging 15.2 points, 2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds each game. While those offensive numbers don’t exactly stand out as a #4 overall pick, he has the defensive versatility that all teams are looking for nowadays. While he might not have the ability to be a star player, he’ll make a great complementary piece on a young Atlanta team as a versatile defender with an outside shot.

Can Trae Young prove he’s the best sophomore year player in 2019?

Speaking of rookies, Trae Young had a huge surge at the end of the year that put him into contention for Rookie of the Year honors. However, Luka Doncic simply did too much early in the season and took home the trophy at the end of the year. In their sophomore campaigns, how will Young fare and can he be even better than his rookie self? All eyes will be on Young in the early going as he’ll have the experience and be given the leadership to lead the Hawks this year.

After averaging 19.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, Young already looks NBA ready. He’ll become the #1 option on offense though his pass making abilities may make him a pass first player. That’ll make a great piece for Atlanta as it looks to model Young as the next Stephen Curry. The passing skills are already there for Young and as he’ll have to further develop his shooting skills. He only shot 41.8% from the field and 32.4% from three which will surely have to improve. If he keeps his passing skills up and the shooting improves, Young could make for one of the better shooting and passing point guards in the league.

Are the Hawks underdogs or still in the basement?

Atlanta has a great core that may still be developing. However with Trae Young and John Collins expected to make some big strides this year, will they actually be as bad as people think. Currently, the lack of experience and established shooters make them a possible lottery team. They certainly have the youth and multiple players with high ceilings but the question remains on whether they can develop quickly this year.

There’s a great group of young players in Atlanta but this season simply isn’t their time to shine. We’ll see the continuation of growth from the newly drafted players while veteran Jabari Parker will look to once again rebuild his value after injuries have derailed his career. Look for improved seasons from Young and Collins while rookies Hunter and Reddish make a name for themselves. They likely won’t have enough experience to compete for a playoff spot and are likely to finish right outside the top 10 in their conference.