With last night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder officially wrapped up, the Atlanta Hawks are gearing up for the regular season. Although they finished the preseason with a 1-3 record, that statistic doesn’t tell the whole story. The Hawks showcased several promising elements that could bode well for their upcoming campaign. Let’s dive into the biggest takeaways from their four preseason games.
### 1. Jalen Johnson is Poised for a Breakout Season
One of the most exciting developments for the Hawks this preseason has been the performance of Jalen Johnson. After a breakout season last year, where he narrowly missed out on the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award due to not meeting the 65-game threshold, Johnson appears ready to take his game to the next level.
In three of the four preseason games, Johnson averaged an impressive 16.9 points per game (PPG) in just 23 minutes of play, shooting an astounding 69% from the field and 87% from beyond the arc. He also contributed 7.3 rebounds per game. While it’s unrealistic to expect him to maintain such high shooting percentages throughout the season, his preseason performance has certainly raised expectations.
However, it wasn’t all perfect; Johnson averaged four turnovers per game, indicating a need for improvement in his decision-making. If he can refine his playmaking skills and become a reliable second creator alongside Trae Young, Hawks fans have every reason to be excited about his potential.
### 2. Zaccharie Risacher Emerges as a Key Player
Zaccharie Risacher, the Hawks’ recent No. 1 pick, may not have garnered as much pre-draft buzz as some of his peers, but he made a significant impact during the preseason. In just two games, Risacher averaged 16 PPG, 5 RPG, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 60% from the field and an impressive 44% from three-point range.
His offensive efficiency was highlighted by a 129.4 Offensive Rating and a 23.2 Player Efficiency Rating (PER), placing him second on the team among qualified players. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Risacher’s strong showing indicates he could play a major role for the Hawks this season.
### 3. Dyson Daniels Shines on Both Ends of the Court
Dyson Daniels, acquired in the trade for Dejounte Murray, has quickly become a valuable asset for the Hawks, particularly on the defensive end. Tasked with guarding some of the league’s best ball handlers, including Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Daniels showcased his defensive prowess throughout the preseason.
Offensively, he averaged 10.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 2.8 APG, shooting 42% from the field and 38% from three. If Daniels can maintain his elite perimeter defense while contributing offensively, he will be a significant asset for the Hawks as they look to improve their overall performance.
### 4. Defensive Improvements Are Evident
While it’s important to temper expectations during the preseason, the Hawks’ defensive improvements have been hard to ignore. The team displayed enhanced length and athleticism, particularly with the additions of Daniels, Risacher, and Johnson. This newfound defensive intensity was evident in every game, addressing one of the primary concerns for the Hawks heading into the offseason.
The Hawks needed to bolster their defense, and early signs suggest they have made strides in that area. If they can continue to build on this foundation, they could become a formidable defensive unit in the regular season.
### 5. Kobe Bufkin Shows Promise as Backup Point Guard
Kobe Bufkin’s preseason performance has opened the door for him to potentially step into the backup point guard role. While his overall numbers were somewhat inconsistent, he had a standout game against the Thunder, scoring 31 points on 46% shooting and 50% from three-point range.
Across four games, Bufkin averaged 15.0 PPG, 4.3 APG, and 3.0 RPG, though his shooting percentages (37% from the field and 34.6% from three) indicate room for improvement. Nevertheless, his ability to create offense when Trae Young is off the floor could be crucial for the Hawks as they navigate the regular season.
### Additional Insights
As the Hawks transition into the regular season, the excitement surrounding their roster is palpable. With players like Johnson, Risacher, and Daniels stepping up, the team looks to build on the lessons learned during the preseason. The Hawks’ defensive improvements and the potential emergence of Bufkin as a reliable backup point guard add to the optimism.
Fans can look forward to a season filled with potential as the Hawks aim to make a significant impact in the Eastern Conference. The foundation laid during the preseason could very well set the stage for a thrilling regular season ahead.