The Atlanta Hawks’ 2024–25 NBA season was marked by both promising developments and notable challenges. But the biggest highlight of their season is Dyson Daniels emergence as one of the top defensive players in the league.
The Good
Draft Lottery Win:
Despite a 3% chance, the Hawks won the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 1975, and selected Zaccharie Risacher, a promising French forward with shooting and defensive potential.
Trae Young’s Stability:
Trae Young remained a top-tier playmaker, leading the league in assists and delivering clutch performances, like a game-winning shot against the Wizards (31 points, 8 assists, 3 steals). His offensive efficiency kept the Hawks competitive.
Young Core Development:
Jalen Johnson emerged as a fringe All-Star, averaging near 20/10/5, while Dyson Daniels led the league in steals (194, most in the last 15 years) and showcased elite defense. Risacher also contributed, with a notable 21-point, 8-rebound game.
Improved Record:
The Hawks finished 37-41 (.474), an improvement over their 36-46 record in 2023-24, and secured an 8th-place finish in the Eastern Conference, earning a Play-In Tournament berth.
Defensive Progress:
The addition of Dyson Daniels and rim protection from Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu improved the defense to around the 18th-best in the NBA, a step up from recent seasons.
Team Chemistry:
The trade of Dejounte Murray for Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round picks (2025, 2027) created a better-fitting roster around Young, with players like De’Andre Hunter playing their best (e.g., 26 points, 5 rebounds).
The Bad
Playoff Elimination:
The Hawks were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament’s second stage by the Miami Heat, missing the playoffs and continuing their streak of failing to advance past the first round since 2021.
Injury Issues:
Key players like Bogdan Bogdanović and De’Andre Hunter missed significant time, with the Hawks losing more games to injury than any other team, impacting consistency.
Defensive Inconsistency:
Despite improvements, the Hawks still allowed the fifth-highest three-point percentage on wide-open shots (41.7%), exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
Tough Schedule:
The Hawks faced a challenging schedule, particularly in November, January, and March, with tough road trips and games against top teams like Boston, Denver, and Milwaukee, contributing to losses.
Risacher’s Inconsistency:
While promising, No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher had an uneven rookie season, with flashes of potential but struggles to consistently impact games, leading to some fan disappointment.
Trade Uncertainty:
Ongoing rumors about trading Trae Young created distractions, despite his commitment to the team. The Hawks’ lack of draft picks (owed to San Antonio through 2027) limits future flexibility.
