The Atlanta Hawks transformed into one of the Eastern Conference’s most intriguing teams through aggressive offseason moves.
Their biggest acquisition came in former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis, who upgrades their frontcourt when healthy.
Atlanta also added Nickeil Alexander-Walker to strengthen their backcourt alongside Trae Young.
Luke Kennard and recently acquired Caleb Houstan provide additional depth to an increasingly competitive roster.
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesLarry Nance Jr. highlights two players who are worthy of attention: Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson
With Boston entering a rebuilding phase and Milwaukee still addressing roster holes, Atlanta has positioned itself for potential breakthrough success.
Former Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. expressed excitement about the Hawks’ trajectory.
Nance specifically highlighted two players he believes deserve spotlight attention, neither being new star Kristaps Porzingis nor centerpiece Young.
Instead, he focused on Jalen Johnson and former number one pick Zaccharie Risacher.
“Obviously I’m really excited for tons of friends there. Really excited to get Jalen Johnson back on the court. He’s just as exciting as it possibly gets. I’ve heard Zach Risacher has grown a little bit,” Nance explained.
“He [Risacher] just everything that you want in somebody in your locker room. So I’m really rooting for him. So, I hope they have a good year, just not as good as us [Cleveland Cavaliers].”
Johnson and Risacher’s development could elevate the Hawks’ ceiling
Johnson represents one of the league’s most intriguing young talents with year-over-year improvement.
Despite playing only 36 games last season due to injury, he averaged impressive numbers with 18.9 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
His production suggests significant potential if he maintains health throughout a complete season.
Risacher showed promising signs during his rookie campaign, averaging 12.6 points while shooting 35.5% from three-point range.
His development trajectory and locker room presence have impressed teammates and opponents alike.
If Johnson returns to full health and continues his upward progression while Risacher builds on his solid rookie foundation, the Hawks could emerge as one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous teams.