In 2021, the Atlanta Hawks looked like a team that was going to be the future of the NBA when they made the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the eventual champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. However, since that breakthrough campaign, the Hawks have not been able to follow through.
They made the playoffs in the next two seasons but were ousted in the first round both times. In the last two seasons, the Hawks have missed the postseason, leading many to ponder the future of the current squad, including their All-Star guard Trae Young.
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Hawks legend and Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins believes that Young is the right man for Atlanta. However, they need another star to pair him with to make things work. He says there are superstar materials on the team, but if they wait, it’s going to take time.
“As a great point guard, you’re going to always have the ball and the ability to take over games when you need to. He’s shown that time and time again. He has the ability to do that. You need that other superstar, and they’ve got superstars-in-the-making, but sometimes it takes a little time. But Trae has the ability to do whatever he wants on the floor,” said Wilkins.
Getting Trae the help
According to Wilkins, the Hawks were playing well this season until forward Jalen Johnson, who was having a career year, suffered a season-ending injury. True enough, Atlanta was 22-22 entering the game Johnson got hurt. They went on to lose five in a row and never recovered.
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The “Human Highlight Film” also noted that the Hawks traded De’Andre Hunter for Caris LeVert and Georges Niang, and the team had to adjust to their new pieces. However, when they get Johnson back and fully incorporate new additions, Nique thinks the Hawks will be fine, and Young won’t have to carry the scoring load by himself.
“He doesn’t have to score more,” added Wilkins. “His decision-making and ability to get people open is next level. He’s a wonderful basketball player. I tell you what – if I had him, I would have won multiple championships. As a point guard, Trae doesn’t have to score 25 or 30 every night because your job is to get everyone involved. He’s done that. “
Nique never had a PG like Trae
Wilkins played 12 of his 15 Hall of Fame NBA seasons with the Hawks and was a perennial All-Star selection, All-NBA team member, and MVP candidate throughout his career there. However, great as he was individually, his teams never made it past the second round of the playoffs.
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The 6’8″ forward had several good teams during his Atlanta run. His Hawks tenure also saw him team up with good point guards like Doc Rivers and Mookie Blaylock. However, he never played with an All-Star playmaker who possessed Young’s uncanny scoring, sweet shooting, and sublime passing skills. Whether he would’ve won a ring with Trae is another story, though.
As for the current Hawks, Wilkins says Trae will only go as far as his supporting cast takes him, as he can’t do it on his own. He thinks they have a good young core around him, with Johnson, Zaccharie Risascher, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu. However, it will take a while for them to develop.