The Hawks are coming off another disappointing campaign, one that prompted Landry Fields to finally blow up the Dejounte Murray–Trae Young tandem.
The trade with the Pelicans netted a few players, with Dyson Daniels being the most sought-after piece by the Hawks, along with a couple of first-round picks. It was an offseason that didn’t move many Hawks fans until the club won the lottery.
The Hawks came out of the draft with Risacher, and after his first preseason game, it might be time to start believing in Atlanta’s basketball club again.
The first starting lineup for the Hawks against the Pacers last night was Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, De’Andre Hunter, Jalen Johnson, and Clint Capela. Johnson, Risacher, and Daniels showed how they’ll complement Atlanta’s star point guard.
Jalen Johnson finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds in just 22 minutes of play. He’s expected to take another leap in his development, and if he can stay healthy, has All-Star potential. Dyson Daniels put up 14 points and brought tenacious on-ball, perimeter defense to bode. Zaccharie Risacher added 18 points on an efficient 7-for-9 (78%) shooting, while Trae Young had a quiet 17 and 6.
The Hawks aren’t expected to make any noise in the Eastern Conference, but the young bucks — JJ, Risacher, and Daniels — showed in the first preseason contest that this season might take some fans by surprise.
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