The Hawks limped into the play-in with a 40–42 mark last year, exiting before they even reached the postseason. Now, 4 years apart from a thrilling Eastern Conference Finals run earlier in his career, Trae Young- just 27- finds himself in perhaps his prime. This offseason’s bold reshuffle added Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Asa Newell- while veterans Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., Georges Niang and Terance Mann exited. With Young’s own extension still undecided, the spotlight now also falls on Porzingis- the new cornerstone in this shot at redemption.

On his show, Zach Lowe stressed just how crucial Kristaps Porziņģis is for the Hawks. He said, “Porziņģis is not a bonus for them. He’s essential for them because you mentioned the shooting issues of

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