The 2019-2020 Hawks season will be all about development, featuring a lineup chock full of sophomores and rookies that will be learning how to play together. I think we see huge leaps from some guys in areas, and depending on how many wins this team notches, they are going to inrigue a bevy of free agents this summer.
Trae Young:
Last Season: 19.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 8.1 APG, 41.8 FG %, 32.4 3P%
Hawks’ fans remember Trae Young’s slow start last season. The Luke Doncic trade was already looking infamous, but Trae had a stellar 2nd half of 2019 and exploded after the all-star break. Look at these numbers from February to April 1st:
25.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 9.0 APG, 45 FG%, 38.8 3P%
He posted the first 35 point/11 assist performance by a Hawks rookie ever. He also went bonkers for 49 points and 16 assists, only one of three rookies to have a 40/10 game. The other two? Michael Jordan and LeBron James. I think Young’s in for a spectacular campaign.
This Season’s Prediction: 24.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 9.7 APG, 44 FG%, 41 3P%
John Collins:
Last Season: 19.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 56 FG%, 34.8 3P%
I caught a lot of flak on Twitter for saying I would NOT include John Collins in a package for Karl Anthony Towns. I stand by that. Collins will be an All-Star this season, as he reaps the benefits of playing with Young, after seeing a 9 point bump in PPG and shooting more 3s per game last year. I think he will improve his shooting from behind the arc, and the presence of DeAndre Hunter on the perimeter should open him up in the middle a little more. If Kevin Huerter can become a deadeye shooter, expect John Collins to be the one who reaps the rewards the most.
This Season’s Prediction: 21.6 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 58 FG%, 36 3P%
Alex Len:
Last Season: 11.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 49 FG%, 36 3P%
Len had a career year in Atlanta last season after being labeled a bust in Phoenix when they selected him with the 5th overall pick. The Hawks expended his range, making him a true stretch five, which has done wonders for him. His defense still needs work, but I think Alex takes another step forward.
This Season’s Prediction: 13.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, 61 FG%, 37 3P%
Kevin Huerter:
Last Season: 9.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 42 FG%, 39 3P%
Kevin is the most significant question mark in this rotation. I don’t think it’s due to ability, more that he needs to stay healthy. He’s starting the season on the bench due to injury but will take his role back soon. Huerter has the potential to be the best shooter in the league, and if he can be a guy like Kyle Korver with a little more swag for these Hawks, the offense goes to a whole new dimension. I’m a believer in Red Velvet.
This Season’s Prediction: 13.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 43 FG%, 44 3P%
DeAndre Hunter:
Last Season (NCAA): 15.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 52 FG%, 44 3P%
Hunter’s defense is his calling card, but I think he looks tailor-made for the NBA as a rookie with a quiet but productive offensive game. He’s here to play lockdown D on the perimeter and knock down three-point shots. He will do both at a good clip as a rookie. We may see some struggles adjusting with the tough schedule to start the season, but I think he enjoys a breakthrough 2nd half and brings even more excitement into next season.
This Season’s Prediction: 13.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 40 FG%, 38 3P%