Atlanta, GA

Biggest questions for Trae Young, Hawks this offseason

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2022

Biggest questions for Trae Young, Hawks this offseason

The second crew going fishing this postseason is the Hawks, who have been despatched packing by the Jimmy Butler-and-Kyle Lowry-less Warmth on Tuesday. Atlanta struggled mightily in its first-round collection, because the Warmth grounded its as soon as high-flying offense. Trae Younger had one of many worst stretches of his profession, and the Hawks didn’t do an important job of defending both. (Atlanta’s minus-11.8 web score within the playoffs is second worst solely to the Bulls.) So the place do the Hawks go from right here? Listed below are three offseason questions for the franchise.

What does Trae Younger do About his Protection?

Younger had a tough collection on each ends of the ground in opposition to Miami. Offensively, he was stifled, ending with extra turnovers than discipline targets revamped the course of 5 video games. Defensively, the Warmth continuously concerned him in actions on and off the ball. And since Atlanta tries its hardest to maintain Younger from getting switched (keep in mind when P.J. Tucker caught him within the submit?), the Hawks usually quit open appears to be like elsewhere whereas attempting to assist Younger. Through the common season, Atlanta completed with the fifth-worst protection within the league, although it was slightly higher on that finish of the ground after the All-Star break. The entire crew’s struggles can’t be positioned on Younger. On the similar time, in a playoff collection through which opposing coaches can zero in on him—and have the gamers to take action—it turns into a tough scenario for the Hawks.

Younger’s dimension might be going to stop him from being a real stopper or high-impact defensive participant. Even getting him to one thing like common could be a win, although. And we’ve seen perimeter stars undergo this earlier than. Opposing groups should still hunt Devin Booker, however he’s come a good distance from early in his profession to the place he’s now. Younger might by no means change into adequate to show Atlanta right into a switchable behemoth. He can nonetheless work on how he fights by means of screens, his off-ball consciousness, and chasing gamers who transfer usually within the halfcourt. An enchancment on that finish of the ground from Younger would go a good distance in how the Hawks stack up in opposition to among the higher groups within the East.

Who’s Onyeka Okongwu’s greatest frontcourt accomplice?

Okongwu performed an essential position in the course of the Hawks’ first-round collection, as Clint Capela missed a number of video games resulting from a knee damage. Whereas Okongwu in the end wasn’t impactful sufficient to alter the course of the collection, all through the season and within the playoffs he flashed sufficient potential to be an essential a part of this crew transferring ahead. It’s unclear how he slots into the frontcourt, nevertheless. Per Cleansing the Glass, the 6’9″ Okongwu performed 100% of his minutes at heart this season. (He performed a negligible three minutes with Capela.) Within the 122 minutes that Okongwu performed with Younger and John Collins, the Hawks posted a minus-7.0 web score, with a foul offense and truly satisfactory protection. Okongwu vowed in his exit interview Wednesday he would return subsequent season with a leap shot, which might even have fascinating ramifications for Atlanta.

Basically, whereas the Okongwu-Collins pairing is thrilling in concept, it didn’t ship nice outcomes this season. Can the Hawks count on them to develop right into a extra formidable frontcourt duo? If Okongwu does truly flip right into a little bit of a shooter, pairing him with Capela—signed by means of 2025—intrigues me as a result of it provides this crew a extremely strong defensive frontcourt to guard Younger. Asking Okongwu to change into a adequate shooter in a single offseason to take care of the crew’s spacing will probably be a tall job, although.

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What’s nearly actually more likely to occur is Danilo Gallinari is not going to be introduced again subsequent season, as a result of the Hawks can save almost $16 million by releasing him earlier than his contract absolutely ensures. Determining find out how to greatest make the most of Collins, Okongwu and Capela will probably be a fragile dance for the Hawks transferring ahead. Whereas the Collins-Capela pairing has usually been good on each ends of the ground, Okongwu’s upside calls for an even bigger position.

Is De’Andre Hunter the second star?

Hunter was in all probability Atlanta’s greatest participant within the first spherical, main the crew in factors per recreation in addition to choosing up the hardest defensive assignments each night time. I’ve at all times been excessive on Hunter. He’s precisely what you search for in a contemporary wing—dimension, taking pictures and the power to protect a number of positions. Accidents have in all probability held Hunter again greater than something. He missed many of the 2020–21 season and many of the playoffs that 12 months as properly. In ‘21–22, he missed one other 29 video games in the course of the season.

If the Hawks wish to transfer up a tier within the East, discovering a second star—or perhaps a secondary ball-handler—goes to change into essential. Booker has Chris Paul. The Jazz introduced Mike Conley in for Donovan Mitchell. Even Luka Dončić is now flanked by Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie. Particularly with Younger’s taking pictures prowess, there’s a chance for Atlanta’s offense to look a lot completely different if Nate McMillan had any person else to provoke reliably. Think about if Younger moved round off the ball in the same method to Steph Curry? That’s a component lacking from his recreation, and it might each make his life simpler in a collection just like the one in opposition to the Warmth and generate much more open appears to be like for the Hawks’ cadre of shooters. In fact, Curry is one in every of one, and there are causes not each star is dedicated to taking part in that manner. And the Warriors even have one of many nice facilitators within the league in Draymond Inexperienced. However to ensure that the Hawks to leverage Younger’s taking pictures means if he doesn’t have the ball in his arms, they want somebody who can decide aside defenses in his personal proper.

If Hunter can change into that man trusted with the ball in his arms on the high of the important thing, that might vastly profit Atlanta transferring ahead. What the Hawks’ first-round loss confirmed is that this crew wants extra selection, as a result of an important protection can considerably scale back Younger’s affect. Hunter making a leap—and thus making the offense slightly extra egalitarian—would make Atlanta far more troublesome to cease than merely slowing down Younger. Although Hunter has largely been a spot-up participant with the Hawks, he confirmed on this collection he can perform a little extra with the ball in his arms. Having a much less Younger-centric offense the crew can go to when the scenario requires it’s one thing Atlanta undoubtedly must be ready for subsequent season.

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Atlanta, GA

MLS apologizes for falsely announcing Atlanta United transfer

Published

8 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

MLS apologizes for falsely announcing Atlanta United transfer

Major League Soccer apologized Thursday for publishing a story on its website that identified the wrong player as having transferred to one of its clubs, Atlanta United.

The league’s website, MLSSoccer.com, published a story Wednesday that falsely reported that Celtic FC and Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi had been acquired by Atlanta. The article was quickly removed.

“Major League Soccer’s website mistakenly posted an article that named the wrong player as having signed with an MLS club,” the league said in a statement to The Athletic. “The article was immediately removed and corrected. MLS extends its sincere apologies to the impacted parties.”

The false report is no longer available, and the link now directs to an error message.

The mistake appears linked to Atlanta’s transfer hint for another player, US-born Cayman Togashi, a former Japanese youth international who spent his entire professional career in Japan. Atlanta teased on social media the arrival of a Japanese player, fueling those rumors even more.

The club later announced it signed Togashi through the 2025 season with an option for 2026. The 31-year-old signed on a free transfer from Sagan Tosu in Japan’s top flight.

Last month, the Daily Mail reported that Atlanta submitted a $12 million bid for Furuhashi. The club also recently named Ronny Delia, a former Celtic manager, as its head coach. Around the time of the false report by MLS, Furuhashi played in Celtic’s 2-0 win against Dundee United, coming on as a substitute for Adam Idah in the 62nd minute.

(Photo: Craig Foy / SNS Group via Getty Images)

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns: Spread and Final Score Predictions For Tonight’s Game

Published

16 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns: Spread and Final Score Predictions For Tonight’s Game

The Atlanta Hawks are wrapping up their six game road trip tonight in Phoenix with a matchup against the Suns. It has not been the best road trip for the Hawks, as they have gone 2-3 on it, but they have been playing most of the trip without star forward Jalen Johnson. That is going to continue tonight as the Hawks will be without Johnson for the third straight game and the fourth time in the last five games. It has not been pretty for the Hawks without Johnson, but they are going to be facing one of the most disappointing teams in the league tonight.

Phoenix came into the season with title hopes and after a hot start, it looked like the hire of former Hakws coach Mike Budenholzer was paying off for the Suns. It has not gone well though. This team is currently outside of the top ten in the Western Conference, Bradley Beal is now coming off the bench, and Devin Booker is not playing up to his usual All-NBA level. This team has talent, but they have not shown it on a night-to-night basis, as evidenced from their loss to Charlotte on Tuesday. Even without Johnson, the Hawks have a chance tonight due to the Sun’s inconsistency.

Coming into tonight’s game, the Hawks are 6th in the NBA in PPG, 14th in FG%, 17th in 3PA, 19th in 3P%, 5th in FTA, 24th in turnovers, and 6th in rebounding. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 15th in points per 100 possessions, 18th in effective field goal percentage, 19th in turnover percentage, 8th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 9th in free throw rate.

Currently, the Hawks rank 28th in PPG allowed, 22nd in field goal percentage allowed, 30th in three-point attempts allowed, and 30th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 19th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 28th in effective field goal percentage allowed.

Phoenix comes into this game ranked 17th in PPG, 12th in FG%, 14th in 3PA, 7th in 3p%, 11th in free throw attempts per game, 25th in rebounding, and 10th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Suns are 13th in points per 100 possessions, 10th in effective field goal%, 13th in turnover percentage, 27th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 6th in free throw rate.

Defensively, Phoenix ranks 19th in PPG allowed, 14th in FG% allowed, 15th in 3PA allowed, and 21st in 3P% allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Phoenix is 23rd in points allowed per 100 possessions and 15th in effective field goal% allowed.

With Johnson out tonight, it is going to be on the shoulders of Trae Young to try and lift the Hawks to a win. Young had another 20-point, 20-assist game on Tuesday vs Utah, finishing with 24 points and 20 assists. Phoenix will likely try to guard him with rookie Ryan Dunn, who is a very solid defender, but Young is a different test entirely.

Jan 7, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) shoots an open jumpsuit against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images / Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Dyson Daniels was overshadowed a bit by Young’s performance and game-winning shot, but Daniels flirted with a triple-double on Tuesday night. Daniels scored 16 points, had seven assists, and six rebounds on 7-12 shooting. He can be the lead guard and playmaker whenever Young goes to the bench and has done a decent job of that. Daniels will also be tasked with guarding Booker tonight (which is not an easy task) and trying to limit his scoring.

Zaccharie Risacher had one of his better performances this season on Tuesday night vs Utah. He scored 14 points on 6-14 from the field and pulled in six rebounds. With Johnson out, it might be Risacher guarding Kevin Durant tonight, though the Hawks could use Vit Krejci to do that.

Krejci had a solid game for Atlanta on Tuesday, scoring 13 points and shooting 3-4 from three and I would expect him to get the start with Johnson out again.

Clint Capela had a monster game on Tuesday, shooting 9-11 from the field and scoring 18 points. He finished at the rim well and also had three blocks and Phoenix is not a good rebounding team. If the Hawks win, I would bet that Capela is very key in making that happen. With Onyeka Okongwu questionable and Larry Nance still out, it might be the first time for Dominick Barlow to play an actual role on this team as the backup to Capela. If Okongwu plays, Barlow is unlikely to see minutes.

The bench will be led by De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Garrison Matthews (as well as whoever is the backup center). Until the fourth quarter, Bogdanovic and Matthews were having a poor shooting night, but Bogdanovic nailed two big shots to keep the Hawks in the game. Combined, they shot 4-15 from three and it is tough for Atlanta to win when two of their best shooters shoot like that. Hunter bounced back from a pair of rough games and scored 17 points and hit four of his seven three-point attempts against the Jazz. The bench will have a huge role tonight in helping the Hawks to earn a victory.

How the Hawks are able to guard Durant might be the biggest mismatch in the game. Durant is close to unguardable, but the Hawks don’t really have a great option in the starting lineup and I would expect to see Hunter get a lot of minutes on him when he comes off the bench. Atlanta could not guard Lauri Markkanen on Tuesday due to his size and shooting combination and they could struggle with Durant for the same reason.

According to Fanduel Sportsbook, the Suns are 6.5 point favorites tonight and the total is set at 238.5.

This is going to be a tough matchup for the Hawks without Jalen Johnson. The Hawks struggle to replace his versatile skillset when he is out and that is going to be a problem tonight against Durant and the Suns. Phoenix is inconsistent and can lose on any given night, but I like them to squeak by the Hawks tonight.

Final Score: Suns 120, Hawks 115 (Hawks +6.5 and Under)

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Atlanta, GA

Atlantans prepare steep driveways for winter weather

Published

24 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

Atlantans prepare steep driveways for winter weather

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Winter weather on the horizon has people living in metro Atlanta with steep driveways preparing for ice.

Steep driveways are a common sight in Sandy Springs and there are solutions to not being stuck during the storm.

Amit Gambhir is one driver with a steep driveway. “It hasn’t been too bad. That we’ve seen. I know we’re thinking that could be the case in a couple of days,” said Gambhir.

“I want to say it was eight hours. I was one of the lucky ones it wasn’t overnight but it was a long time,” said Gambhir.

Gambhir doesn’t plan on being stuck in his car again.

“I do not plan to be out and about very much Thursday night through however long this lasts,” said Gambhir.

“If you do need to get out of your house and out of the neighborhood, probably Ice Melt, so you can get your car where it needs to go. So snow shovels or Ice Melt,” said Andy Jones, a manager and owner of Intown Ace Hardware.

Ice Melt is a chemical substance that melts snow and ice by lowering the freezing point of water.

“It essentially melts the ice and then that melted ice will run off your driveway so it won’t refreeze and you’re not slipping,” said Jones.

Salting driveways is another option.

“Go ahead and pull down to the street and park your car on the street the night before,” said Jones.

“I think we’re just going to hold steady here and play it safe,” said Jones.

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