The reasons for the Atlanta Hawks' poor start to the season

The start of the season has not been the dream one in Atlanta. With a 1–3 record, the Hawks have quickly shifted from enthusiasm to concern, tarnishing what had been one of the most optimistic summers in recent years. This campaign was envisioned as the team's return to the East's elite. Under the leadership of President Onsi Saleh, the franchise bolstered itself with sharpshooters and versatile defenders to enhance their star backcourt duo.

However, the early performances have shown a different picture: offensive failures, defensive breakdowns, and chemistry still under construction. The same organization that reached the 2021 Conference Finals had regained media respect during the preseason, but that credit is quickly dissipating.

The most concerning aspect of the start is the underperformance on offense. What was supposed to be one of the league's most explosive attacks has fallen short: Atlanta ranks 24th in offensive rating and 21st in three-point percentage.

The arrivals of Luke Kennard, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were meant to open up the floor and bring dynamism to the system, but the execution has not met expectations. The absences of Porziņģis and sophomore Zaccharie Risacher in two games explain part of the inconsistency, although they do not fully justify the lack of accuracy.

In the modern NBA, low volume and low efficiency from outside are a lethal combination. Nevertheless, there are reasons to believe that this slump will not last: statistics tend to stabilize, and Atlanta boasts too much offensive talent to stay cold for long.

Dyson Daniels: a rough start that hides his true impact

The case of Dyson Daniels symbolizes the team's erratic start. The current Most Improved Player (MIP) has not found his offensive rhythm: averaging just 5.0 points, 2.3 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, with a worrying 30.4% on two-point shots.

However, superficial figures do not reflect his full contribution. With Daniels on the court, the Hawks outscore their opponents by 5.3 points per 100 possessions, an impact that places him in the 65th percentile of the league. His defense, rebounding ability, and energy remain distinctive, even when his shot is not falling.

If he regains confidence and accuracy in scoring, his versatility will once again elevate Atlanta's competitive ceiling, as he did last season.

Defensively, the Hawks are also far from their best form. They rank 25th in defensive rating and have allowed too many points in the paint. Onyeka Okongwu continues to struggle as a rim protector against taller centers, a challenge exacerbated by his limited height (6’9”).

This is where Porziņģis becomes essential. In Boston, his role was a luxury; in Atlanta, a necessity. His blend of rim protection and outside threat can balance the team at both ends. Once fully recovered, his return should translate into immediate improvements. Furthermore, the length and versatility of players like Daniels, Risacher, and Jalen Johnson provide solid foundations to build a more efficient defense.

The upcoming weeks could serve as a turning point. The schedule softens with matchups against Brooklyn, a depleted Pacers team, Cleveland without Darius Garland, an identity-seeking Orlando, and injury-plagued Lakers.

This sequence presents an ideal opportunity for Atlanta to return to a 50% win rate and regain confidence. If the team rediscovers its offensive rhythm and stabilizes its defense, the summer optimism could quickly reignite.

The Hawks may not be where they want to be, but it is not yet time for alarm. The project's fundamentals remain intact: talent, depth, and clear direction. With time, continuity, and a bit of luck in the physical department, Atlanta can show once again why the expectations were so high. Sometimes, all it takes is for those three-pointers to start falling to completely change the course.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las razones del mal inicio de temporada de los Atlanta Hawks