The Atlanta Hawks have a chance at creating something really special in 2022-23.
They didn’t make many changes during the summer but the few changes they did make were massive.
Of course, they were part of the massive deal that landed them Dejounte Murray, formerly of the San Antonio Spurs.
With Murray on board alongside Trae Young, John Collins, Clint Capela, and more, the Hawks are looking bigger and better than they have been in some time.
The Hawks are also picking up Jalen Johnson’s third-year option, sources told ESPN. Johnson was the 20th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Duke, and should have a larger role in Atlanta’s rotation this season. https://t.co/ITTdjPKSJJ
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 11, 2022
But they aren’t done tweaking their roster yet, even just days from the regular season’s start.
The Hawks just picked up the fourth-year option of Onyeka Okongwu, the sixth pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Atlanta also picked up Jalen Johnson‘s third-year option too.
Johnson was the 20th pick in the draft and could be enjoying a larger role in the team’s rotation this year.
It has become quite obvious that the Hawks see themselves as title contenders, even in the stacked Eastern Conference.
They are preparing themselves for a long, hard-fought season.
Hawks Flying High
Both of these signings are pretty smart for the Hawks.
Okongwu put up 8.2 points and 5.2 rebounds last season with a 69% field goal percentage (keep in mind he only played for 20 minutes a game on average).
Johnson wasn’t as productive: the rookie was scoring 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds a game but only played for about 6 minutes a game.
The Hawks see both of these guys as prospects who can grow in the new season.
They won’t be starting many games but they could be crucial bench players who give the team depth.
The Hawks need that: they know they have one of the best starting fives in the East but they need to beef up the rest of their roster for the long season ahead.
NEXT: The Hawks’ New Recruit Looks Like A Great Fit