Hopes are high for the Atlanta Hawks for the upcoming season; the Hawks arguably have the most improved roster over the offseason following the additions of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. Atlanta is clearly on an upward trajectory, and the players they added fit so seamlessly within their Trae Young-led nascent core that is poised to take the next step in their march towards playoff contention.

Last year, the Hawks were certified giant-killers in the Eastern Conference when they had their whole squad available. But the season-ending injury to Jalen Johnson put such a damper on the Hawks' contending plans that they ended up missing the playoffs altogether.

This season, however, it will be inexcusable for them to make the playoffs — especially when some

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