The Atlanta Hawks came into the offseason with a simple mission: fix what went wrong. After watching their 40-42 record earn them nothing but a quick Play-In Tournament exit, the front office knew they couldn’t run it back with the same roster. What they did next has NBA analysts taking notice.
Why Are the Atlanta Hawks Getting So Much Credit for Its Offseason?
According to the latest offseason analysis by PFSN, the Atlanta Hawks received an ‘A’ grade, one of the highest marks handed out this summer.
“The new leadership team, led by Onsi Saleh and Bryson Graham, has moved aggressively to build a more complete roster with better shooting and improved chemistry,” Brandon Austin wrote.
The centerpiece of Atlanta’s transformation came on July 7, when the Boston Celtics traded Kristaps Porziņģis to the Hawks in a three-team deal. The 7’2″ big man averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 42 games while shooting a career-best 41.2% from three.
Kristaps Porzingis mismatch hunting and post-up creation
ATL added one of the most efficient self-creators overall in the league: 95th% in self-created FGA with a +11.3 rTS% on creation looks + 97th% post scorer over the past 3 seasons averaging 1.23 PPP. pic.twitter.com/JoxNqB1NNN
— #InSnyderWeTrust (@dlee4three) July 7, 2025
With his floor-spacing ability and rim protection (career 1.8 blocks per game), Porziņģis gives Atlanta something it’s been missing. He fits perfectly as a pick-and-pop partner for Trae Young, adding both offensive firepower and defensive stability.
“Atlanta’s biggest swing came early with the acquisition of Kristaps Porziņģis, a proven stretch big who brings shooting, rim protection, and the promise of a new frontcourt dynamic alongside Onyeka Okongwu,” Austin noted in his report.
What Other Moves Did Atlanta Make This Offseason?
The Porziņģis trade wasn’t Atlanta’s only roster shake-up. The Hawks also brought in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, but their shrewdest work came on draft night.
During the 2025 NBA Draft, Atlanta struck a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, trading down 10 spots while securing a valuable unprotected 2026 first-round pick (most favorable of New Orleans and Milwaukee). Despite moving back, they still snagged Asa Newell at No. 23.
The Atlanta Hawks just got an elite rim protector in Asa Newell 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/duUtMDcIdb
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) June 26, 2025
“The Hawks’ savviest move, however, may have been on draft night, when they traded down and secured an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from the Pelicans, which has the potential to turn into a top selection given New Orleans’ struggles and the Bucks’ uncertainty,” Austin explained.
Newell brings intriguing upside to Atlanta’s frontcourt. Over 33 games in college, he averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 54.3% from the field. His 29.2% from beyond the arc needs work, but his athleticism and motor give the Hawks another promising piece for the future.
Atlanta’s front office’s message is clear: the days of settling for mediocrity are over. These moves show a franchise ready to compete again.
