Seven seasons into his NBA career, Trae Young stands at a crossroads. After being drafted third overall in 2018, Young’s journey with the Atlanta Hawks has been a rollercoaster of promise, criticism, and relentless speculation. For years, the narrative surrounding Young has been clouded by doubts about his leadership, defensive prowess, and—most pointedly—his ability to win at the highest level. But as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Hawks have finally assembled a roster brimming with talent and tailored to Young’s strengths. The stage is set for a defining campaign, one that could reshape not only Young’s legacy but also the future of the franchise itself.
Last season, Atlanta’s hopes were dashed in the play-in tournament, falling to Orlando and Miami despite finishing fifth in scoring. Their 40-42 record reflected a squad that could light up the scoreboard but struggled to get stops when it mattered most. Young did all he could—leading the league with 11.6 assists per game and pouring in 24.2 points each night, including a memorable 29-point effort against Miami. Yet, even his late-season heroics weren’t enough to push Atlanta into the playoffs proper.
The offseason brought a sense of urgency and a flurry of moves from the Hawks’ front office, helmed by Onsi Saleh. Gone are the days of treading water; Atlanta made it clear they intend to compete now, with Young as the centerpiece. The most eye-catching addition is Kristaps Porzingis, acquired in a three-team deal. Porzingis, when healthy, offers much-needed floor spacing and rim protection—a dynamic the Hawks have sorely lacked. Alongside him, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, fresh off signing a four-year contract, brings two-way versatility to the guard rotation. Luke Kennard, one of the league’s elite shooters, joins on a one-year deal and is expected to provide instant offense off the bench. Rookies Asa Newell and Serbian guard Nikola Đurišić round out a group that blends experience with promise.
Defense, long the Achilles’ heel of this Hawks squad, is now shored up by the presence of Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Daniels, who led the NBA with an eye-popping 3.0 steals per game last season, is widely regarded as the league’s top perimeter defender. Alexander-Walker, meanwhile, has earned a reputation as a premier point-of-attack stopper. With these two flanking Young, Atlanta can finally mask some of his defensive shortcomings.
It’s not just the new faces that have Hawks fans buzzing. Jalen Johnson, fresh off a breakout campaign, is poised to take another leap. Despite his season being cut short by a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Johnson dazzled in 36 games, averaging 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 50% from the field. He added 1.6 steals and 1.0 block per game, recorded 20 double-doubles, and even notched a triple-double—impressive numbers for any forward. His impact was undeniable: the Hawks outscored opponents by 3.1 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. The organization’s faith in Johnson is clear; they rewarded him with a five-year, $150 million extension last October. Reports indicate he’s on track for a full recovery ahead of the new season, a crucial boost for Atlanta’s frontcourt.
Rounding out the starting five is Zaccharie Risacher, the 2024 first overall pick. Risacher’s rookie season was a revelation, and the Hawks are banking on continued growth from the versatile forward. Alongside Onyeka Okongwu and Porzingis at center, Atlanta boasts a front line that can run, defend, and stretch the floor.
The front office hasn’t just focused on the hardwood. On August 27, 2025, the Hawks announced the promotion of Kyle Brunson to executive vice president and chief ticketing officer, and the hiring of Shawn Thornton as senior vice president and chief partnership officer. Brunson, a Hawks veteran since 1998, and Thornton, who brings NHL experience and a fresh executive perspective, are tasked with spearheading major hospitality initiatives for summer 2026, including marquee events like the World Cup Arena and ATL Kickoff. These moves reflect a broader commitment to community building and innovation within the organization.
Despite the upgrades, questions linger. The Hawks’ playoff record with Young at the helm stands at 12-15, and the Eastern Conference is as open as it’s been in years. The Boston Celtics, perennial contenders, have been hampered by the loss of Jayson Tatum to an Achilles tear and the departures of key veterans. That leaves the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Detroit Pistons as the primary threats. Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat possess superstar talent but have lacked the consistency needed to dominate the East.
Pressure now squarely rests on Young’s shoulders. As Kevin O’Connor noted on The Kevin O’Connor Show, “The pressure now turns to Trae Young.” Trey Kerby echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m optimistic about what Atlanta has built, especially considering how dire it was looking during the Dejounte Murray short-lived experiment… now the pressure to me is completely on Trae Young.” NBA insider Marc Stein added further intrigue by revealing that Young and the Hawks have yet to agree on a contract extension, despite his eligibility for a four-year, $229 million deal. The front office appears to be in wait-and-see mode, eager to observe how Young meshes with Johnson and the rest of the young core before making a commitment.
Young’s critics have long pointed to his defensive limitations. But there’s evidence of growth—he’s bulked up, shown more effort, and with a revamped supporting cast, his liabilities may finally be masked. Offensively, the pieces are in place for Young to thrive. With Porzingis and Kennard providing shooting, Johnson and Daniels slashing to the rim, and Risacher developing, Young should face less defensive attention and, hopefully, see a bump in efficiency. Many believe that, with an easier shot diet and more help, Young could find his way onto MVP ballots if health holds.
Health, of course, remains the wild card. Both Johnson and Porzingis have injury histories, and Atlanta’s depth will be tested if either misses significant time. But if the Hawks can keep their core intact, the potential is tantalizing.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, Atlanta finds itself on the brink of something special. The front office has done its part, the roster is loaded with talent, and the Eastern Conference is up for grabs. Now, it’s up to Trae Young to answer the critics and lead the Hawks to new heights. The next chapter in Atlanta’s story is about to be written—and all eyes are on Young to see if he’s the author of a long-awaited breakthrough.
