The New York Knicks just pulled off one of the most remarkable playoff runs in NBA history, losing only three games throughout the entire postseason. Yet, one team managed to steal two games from the eventual NBA champions: the Atlanta Hawks.
Does that mean the Hawks are legitimate contenders? Most likely not.
But the accomplishment is worth acknowledging nonetheless.
After a disappointing start to the season, Atlanta caught fire after the All-Star break, winning 20 games and establishing itself as one of the hottest teams in the league down the stretch.
Although the Hawks ultimately failed to advance past the first round, there are plenty of reasons for optimism heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
At the center of it all is Jalen Johnson. The young forward emerged as a bonafide superstar, becoming only the fifth player in NBA history to average 20 PPG, 10 RPG, and 7 APG in a single season. With Johnson as the foundation, the team has enough star power to compete with anyone at the highest level. And after the moves they made this offseason, the Hawks could easily be one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference.
Following a surprise breakout season from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks enter the season with arguably the most versatile starting unit in the league. More importantly, they have the depth to match it.
They shored up their point-of-attack defense by acquiring All-Defensive stalwart Lu Dort and pairing him with Dyson Daniels on the wing. They also addressed several major needs through the draft and free agency, fine-tuning their bench while adding some much-needed perimeter shooting.
With that being said, the Hawks aren’t the only team that improved in the Eastern Conference.
A few of the NBA’s elder statesmen are making their return to the conference, including LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Tyrese Haliburton is finally returning from injury, and the last time he played a full NBA season, he came within one win of winning it all. Meanwhile, two of the NBA’s biggest stars are joining new teams this offseason in Jaylen Brown and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Not to mention the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks. The Hawks will have their hands full competing in the East, but considering how unpredictable the last decade of NBA basketball has been, they could very well find themselves standing alone as champions when it’s all said and done.
Photo Courtesy: AP Photo/Jason Allen
