Hawks -- State of the Franchise

It does feel like we are trending up overall. We're in the same boat as Dallas and Indiana:

Offensive juggernauts led by high scoring PGs who struggle on defense.
Both of those teams are ahead in the standings...for now. But we're right there.

Our 8 losses have come by an average margin of defeat of only 7 points. Literally a couple of possessions have dictated every game thus far.

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Post #12 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:51 pm

Sam Amico wrote:Hawks staying average, but Trae Young on scoring rampage

There’s no slowing Trae Young these days, even if the Atlanta Hawks are sort of spinning their wheels.

Over the past four games, Young is averaging 35.0 points.

During that stretch, Young is hitting a sizzling 53.5 percent of his 3-point attempts.

Of course, the Hawks (8-8) have gone just 2-2 in that stretch — which has been par for the course this season. It’s a lot like last season, too. The Hawks are good, but not an Eastern Conference contender, despite the domination of Young.

They’ve made plenty of moves in the past year-and-half, acquiring guard Dejounte Murray before the start of last season, adding forward Saddiq Bey, and trading off John Collins (to Utah). And let’s not forget the whole coaching change from Nate McMillan to Snyder.

So, what has it all meant? Well, pretty much more of the same.

Individually, though, Young may be the biggest offensive backcourt threat in the East.

“I think his 3-point shooting is a big part of his game,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder told reporters. “He had a lot going on at the beginning of the season. He had a baby. He’s been really committed to running the team to where we’re attacking collectively. … He’s recognizing when he’s open and not he’s not hesitating.”

Young is giving them hope of better days, and a potential playoff run. You always have a chance when you have the best player on the court, and these days, that man is often Young.

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Post #13 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:26 pm

Spoiler:

Post #14 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:45 pm

Post #15 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Nov 29, 2023 5:21 pm

I feel like this isn't just the players choosing to ignore cutters.

The fact we are among the worst (ever?) at allowing cutters to run free through the defense leads me to believe it's a strategic issue. We weren't doing this last season with the same personnel.

Coaches will need to adjust this approach. Our guys are ball watching like crazy to help contain the ball handler and the backside of the defense is completely undefended.

jayu70 wrote:While the focus of this thread is on offense. The defense needs some work:

Defend the backdoor cut. These a mindboggling.

Seeing it happen - oh boy:

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Post #16 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Dec 1, 2023 1:23 pm

In their last 100 Regular Season Games, Atlanta Hawks are 50-50.

They've changed front office personnel, they've changed Head Coaches and Offensive/Defensive Systems...

and they are exactly .500 over the last 1+ seasons. :beer: