ATLANTA — The Hawks have stumbled out of the gate. A 1–3 start has cast a shadow over what was one of the most optimistic offseasons in recent memory. This was supposed to be the season Atlanta reclaimed its place among the Eastern Conference elite. Led by front office head Onsi Saleh, the Hawks made moves that inspired genuine belief. They added proven shooters and versatile defenders to complement their star backcourt. Yet, early struggles for the Hawks on both ends have derailed that optimism. Not even their 2020–21 Eastern Conference Finals run generated this much preseason respect — and now, that respect feels premature.
The Hawks Are Surprisingly Struggling, But Here’s The Silver Lining
Shooting Woes Define Early Offensive Struggles
The offense, expected to be elite, has sputtered. The Hawks currently rank 24th in offensive rating, a shocking development given their offseason firepower. Luke Kennard, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were brought in to stretch the floor. All three have strong shooting pedigrees — yet Atlanta sits 21st in three-point percentage.
Missing Porziņģis and second–year Zaccharie Risacher for two games certainly hurt, but it’s not the sole explanation. The Hawks are simply not shooting nor making enough three-pointers. In today’s NBA, poor three-point shooting plus poor volume is a death sentence, even in the ‘weaker’ East.
Still, there are reasons for optimism. Poor shooting often regresses to the mean, and this roster has too many capable shooters to stay cold for long.
Dyson Daniels’ Slow Start Hides His True Value
Dyson Daniels has struggled to replicate his breakout campaign. The reigning Most Improved Player is averaging just 5.0 points, 2.3 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. His shooting has fallen off a cliff — 30.4% on two-point attempts.
But raw numbers don’t tell the full story. Daniels still ranks in the 65th percentile in overall impact. The Hawks are outscoring opponents by 5.3 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor. That’s 61st percentile impact — modest, but encouraging.
Even through his offensive slump, Daniels’ defense, rebounding, and hustle have provided stability. When his shot returns, his all-around game will once again elevate Atlanta’s ceiling. His shooting around the rim and in the paint has noticeably dipped but there’s optimism that it will get better sooner rather than later.
Defense Should Improve With Health
The Hawks’ defense has been the bigger concern. They rank 25th in defensive rating and have allowed opponents to feast in the paint. Onyeka Okongwu has struggled in recent years as a rim protector, and his 6’9” frame often leaves him mismatched against modern supersized centers.
This is why Porziņģis’ presence is crucial. Unlike in Boston, where he was a luxury piece, he’s a defensive necessity in Atlanta. His shot-blocking and floor spacing make him the key to balancing both ends of the floor. Once he’s fully healthy, the Hawks should see immediate defensive improvement. The team possesses so much length with the combo of Daniels, Risacher and Johnson.
An Easier Schedule Offers Hope
The schedule softens over the next two weeks. Atlanta faces the Nets and an undermanned Pacers squad, followed by the Cavaliers without Darius Garland, the struggling Magic, and the injury-ravaged Lakers.
That stretch offers a golden chance to get back to .500 and rebuild confidence. If the Hawks can rediscover their rhythm, the optimism from the offseason might not be misplaced after all.
The Hawks are struggling but there are silver linings. The Hawks just need time, health, and a few made threes to remind the league why expectations were high in the first place.
Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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