Progress within the NFL is measured by wins and losses above all else. Though, there are exceptions to that rule, and expectations usually go down when a crew makes a serious change at quarterback.
The Atlanta Falcons traded away Matt Ryan final offseason, finally signing free agent Marcus Mariota to a two-year deal. This transformation prompted a handful of analysts to foretell the Falcons to complete among the many NFL’s worst groups in 2022.
Atlanta would finally end the season with a 7-10 file, matching their 2021 win complete and making appreciable enchancment within the working recreation. There’s nonetheless some uncertainty round the way forward for the QB place, as rookie Desmond Ridder performed in simply 4 video games.
So, the place ought to the Falcons rank going into 2023? Landing Wire’s Mark Lane listed the Falcons at No. 23 in his post-Tremendous Bowl energy rankings:
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“Theoretically the Falcons have one thing with Desmond Ridder at quarterback, writes Lane. “If nothing else, rookie working again Tyler Allgeier and rookie receiver Drake London needs to be efficient weapons alongside Kyle Pitts — no matter who coach Arthur Smith settles on at quarterback.”
With one other top-10 decide and almost $60 million in cap area, Atlanta has an opportunity to make a giant splash this offseason. There are nonetheless a number of positions the Falcons should deal with, together with defensive sort out, extensive receiver and defensive finish.
Make sure that to take a look at our Falcons free-agent goal lists — which embody the QB, WR, IOL, DL, and security positions — together with our offensive and defensive beginning lineup predictions for 2023.
The Atlanta Hawks are kicking off their Summer League schedule this Friday with a matchup against the Washington Wizards. It is going to be a matchup of the top two picks in this year’s NBA Draft, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr and there are going to be plenty of eyes on these two players. After the matchup with the Wizards, the Hawks have games against the Spurs, Lakers, and Bulls and maybe more after that.
Earlier this week, Atlanta released their Summer League Roster and Risacher was of course on it.
The other players on the Hawks roster include Miles Norris, 2023 first-round pick Kobe Bufkin, 2024 second-round pick Nikola Durisic, Jordan Bowden, Jarkel Joiner, Emmitt Matthews, 2024 second-round pick Mouhamed Gueye, Dylan Windler, Keaton Wallace, Moses Wood, Nick Ongenda, and Rob Baker.
So who are the guys to watch this Summer on Atlanta?
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Zaccharie Risacher
This one is obvious. Anytime the No. 1 pick plays in Summer League, he is going to have eyes on him. This is going to be the first chance to see what Risacher can bring to the Hawks this season and I am most interested to see what he does with the ball in his hands. One of the criticisms of Risacher throughout the draft process was that he was not very good on the ball and not much of a playmaker. He is praised for his defense and shooting, but I think he is going to have a chance to do things with the ball in his hands this summer. While this is a big opportunity for Risacher, I would caution against overreacting to anything good or bad in Summer League.
Kobe Bufkin
Bufkin spent the majority of his rookie season either in the G-League or injured, but he flashed some serious two-way upside when he was on the court. Unless the Hawks make any more big moves, Bufkin might be relied upon to be the backup point guard of the team with Murray gone. Summer League is going to be a chance for him to show he is capable of doing that and I will be watching Bufkin on the offensive end the most. Bufkin’s defensive capabilities showed up when he got playing time, but he still needed to work on his shooting. Bufkin could be a really good two-way player if his offense comes around.
Mouhamed Gueye
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Gueye was a member of last year’s draft class and like Bufkin, he spent most of last season in the G-League or injured. Gueye got some playing time towards the end of last season and flashed his potential on both ends. It is still to early to say if Gueye could be part of the rotation this season, but this is going to be his opportunity to show that he is ready for a bigger role.
Nikola Durisic
The Hawks traded into the second round of this year’s NBA Draft to get Durisic and while it is not known whether he will be on the team this year, this is going to be his chance to show it. Durisic is a really good passer and creator on offense, but what he does without the ball in his hands is the big question. I will be interested to see his role this Summer for the Hawks.
SANDY, Utah (Sat., July 6, 2024) – Real Salt Lake (12-3-7 / 43 points / T-1st West) came out red-hot in front of a fifth consecutive sold-out crowd at America First Field (20,396, and its seventh in 11 home matches this season. RSL needed only 43 seconds to claim the advantage over Atlanta, as MF Matt Crooks’ early score with assists from Diego Luna and Braian Ojeda claimed the title of fifth-fastest goal in Club history. Following a lackluster first half, the final 45 minutes would be dominant for RSL, matching its season high with another five-goal performance, improving to 8-2-1 / 25 points at home this season.
The clear “Man of the Match” for RSL tonight was 20-year-old playmaker Diego Luna, finishing with a goal and three assists. The “hat trick” of assists marks just the fourth time in the Club’s 636-game MLS history that an RSL player has set up three goals (Espindola, 2012; Ruiz, 2023; Luna, 3/3/24 & tonight). The four total goal contributions for Luna are the most in any match in his professional career, matching the most of any RSL player in a game this season (Arango). Alongside Luna on the scoresheet was MLS MVP and Golden Boot frontrunner, RSL Captain Chicho Arango, the Colombian frontman bagging his 17th goal of the campaign. Arango’s 17 goals are the most in MLS, while Luna’s 12 assists rank third-most in the league entering Sunday’s action.
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Also contributing was midfielder Braian Ojeda, his 59th minute goal his second in as many games, previously playing 66 consecutive RSL appearances without a goal, scoring in the last two. In addition to Ojeda, DF Alex Katranis also came forward from his natural position to get on the scoresheet, the former Greek youth international scoring for the third time in his inaugural stateside season.
The win was a comprehensive example in ball control for Manager Pablo Mastroeni’s side, his team dominating 62% of possession and outpassing Atlanta 650-383. RSL’s three points keeps it even with LAFC at 43 points atop the Western Conference table, now staring down a three-match road trip to Portland Timbers, LAFC and Colorado Rapids July 13, 17 and 20, heading into the MLS All-Star break and then the Leagues Cup kickoff.
RSL – 1’ – Matt Crooks (Diego Luna, Braian Ojeda): As RSL took possession to open the match, calmly passing throughout the midfield for players’ first touches of the evening, Braian Ojeda took control in the midfield. Seeing green grass ahead, Ojeda launched himself forward, pulling off a devastating dribble to cut between the only two oncoming defenders. Now drawing the attention of the entire ATL defense, he laid it off to Diego Luna charging into the right side of the box. Without taking a touch, Luna whipped it back across the face of goal with pace for the incoming run of Matt Crooks, his English teammate able to tap in the point-blank scoring chance.
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ATL – 31’ – Saba Lobjanidze (DanielRíos, Bartosz Slisz): Despite Real dominating possession and more than doubling Atlanta in completed passes, the Five Stripes equalized in the 31st minute of play. Controlling possession deep in Claret-and-Cobalt territory, the ball found its way to the feet of Bartosz Slisz on the edge of the box. With his teammate flashing to the ball, Slisz fired a quick pass to the center of the box for Saba Lobjanidze with a defender at his back. Lobjanidze played a flashy back-heel give-and-go with Daniel Ríos, popping out on the other side with just enough space to get off the shot – his right-footed attempt bending around the outstretched glove of Gavin Beavers and inside the near post.
RSL – 59’ – Braian Ojeda (Unassisted): Coming out for the second 45 with refreshed legs, it wouldn’t take long for Real Salt Lake to re-establish control of the game. As Alex Katranis stood alongside the flag, preparing to take a 59th minute corner kick, his teammates flooded the box. Katranis floated a high, arcing ball to the center of the box when Captain Chicho Arango rose up and headed it at goal. As Arango’s attempt deflected by an ATL defender up into the air, Braian Ojeda, with his back to the goal, flipped his hips and sent it into the side netting with a spinning shot. After having not scored in his first 66 RSL appearances, Ojeda has now gotten on the scoresheet in consecutive matches.
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RSL – 68’ – Chicho Arango (Diego Luna): Keeping the feet on the gas, Pablo Mastroeni’s side took a commanding two-goal lead in the 68th minute. With Diego Luna standing over a free kick opportunity on the edge of the attacking third, his teammates flooded the box in a coordinated rush. As Luna’s cross zipped over the main crowd and towards the back post, Arango outpaced his only marker on the outside to get on the end of it, sending a thundering downward header back against the ‘keeper’s momentum and into the far post side netting.
RSL – 78’ – Alex Katranis (Diego Luna): Pouring it on in front of the home fans, Real pushed the lead to three goals in the 78th minute. Another corner kick, this time from the left side, began as Luna stood over the ball with menacing intentions. Faking as if he was sending in a traditional cross, Luna unleashed a worm burner to Alex Katranis on the near side. Shuffling his feet as the ball approached, Katranis caught it pure on his left boot with a first-time shot, his attempt curling up and over the glove of Brad Guzan as it sailed into the back of the net.
ATL – 80’ – DanielRíos(Brooks Lennon): Against the run of play, Atlanta immediately stole one back in the 80th minute. With Atlanta pressing far up the pitch in desperation, a long cross made its way from the left side through the box untouched, resettling at the feet of Brooks Lennon on the other side. Holding play for the run of his teammate, Lennon whipped in an accurate ball to the head of Daniel Ríos in the box, Ríos able to connect and send it into the back of the net.
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RSL – 84’ – Diego Luna (Maikel Chang): Capping off an unreal flurry of offensive action, RSL scored yet again in the 84th. As Atlanta attempted to break out from its own end, an errant pass was intercepted by Maikel Chang and immediately converted into a counter attack. Running directly at the defenders, Chang reached the edge of the box when he sent a line drive pass to the chest of Luna in the box. Controlling it with a masterful first touch to set up the shot, Luna pounded a half-volley back into the ground that bounced perfectly into the corner.
NOTES FROM RSL 5 : 2 ATLANTA UNITED
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Chicho’s goal tonight represents his 17th this year, tying the franchise single-season record of 17 goals, set by Alvaro Saborio over a decade ago in 2012. RSL’s captain now needs just one more to break and claim sole possession of the all-time single-season RSL scoring mark.
Matt Crooks’ goal 43 seconds into the match now stands as the fourth-fastest goal scored in RSL Club history.
19-year-old Gavin Beavers gets the win in goal, bringing his season record to 4-1-1 (+9 Goal Differential) when between the posts.
Captain Chicho Arango extends his MLS Golden Boot lead to three goals with his 17th of the campaign, ahead of both Christian Benteke (DCU) and Denis Bouanga (LAFC), with 14 goals each.
Diego Luna’s three assists now represent his second triple-assist game of the year, and only the fourth time a player has recorded up to three assists in a game in RSL’s 636-game MLS history (Fabian Espindola and Pablo Ruiz in 2012 and 2023); Luna’s 12 assists this season now ranks him third in all of Major League Soccer.
RSL improves to 8-2-1 / 25 points at home in 2024. With one more win, RSL would equal its home point total from 2023 (6-7-4 / 22 points), with six home League games remaining, all coming in the final nine MLS matches after Leagues Cup, resuming Aug. 24
MF Braian Ojeda earns a goal for the second time in as many matches, and the second MLS/RSL goal in his 68th game across all competitions since first joining the Claret-and-Cobalt in Sept. 2022.
Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan always was going to be a strange fit on a team that looks poised for a rebuilding season in 2024-25. It should not be a surprise that he is changing teams. However, his departure from the Bulls may end up helping the Hawks.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Sacramento Kings have continued to pursue DeRozan in a sign-and-trade. The Kings are looking to get back into the playoffs after losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in. They seem to view DeRozan as a piece that can help them do that.
“Sacramento continues its pursuit of DeMar DeRozan via sign-and-trade and San Antonio has emerged as a potential third-team facilitator, league sources say. The Kings have chased DeRozan this week and Chicago is willing to facilitate a sign-and-trade but insists on a third team in the deal to take in salary.”
TNT Sports and B/R insider Chris Haynes also revealed that DeRozan and his agents are meeting with the Kings today in Sacramento.
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Free agent guard DeMar DeRozan and his representation are meeting with the Sacramento Kings early as today in the state capital to take in recruiting pitch, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/U21SN3LMFU
The deal finally got done tonight, with multiple reports confirming DeRozan is headed to Sacramento. Harrison Barnes is going to San Antonio and 2nd round picks, Chris Duarte and cash are going to the Chicago Bulls.
ESPN Sources with @TimBontemps: The Sacramento Kings are agreed on a sign-and-trade that will land DeMar DeRozan on a three-year deal, send Harrison Barnes to the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Duarte, two second-round picks and cash to the Chicago Bulls. pic.twitter.com/eopPkSPBvc
The Kings are indirectly helping the Hawks by making this move. In 2022, Atlanta sent Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Moe Harkless, and a 2024 first-round pick. That pick was top-14 protected, but the Kings got it because they landed the 13th overall pick. As a result, the pick became a top-12 protected pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
There are two reasons why the pick moving to 2025 is a far better option for the Hawks. First, it’s more likely that the Hawks get the pick with DeRozan going to Sacramento. The 2024-25 Kings lineup probably would be De’Aaron Fox – Malik Monk – Keegan Murray – DeMar DeRozan – Domantas Sabonis. While the ceiling of that team is questionable, the floor is not. Barring injuries, I would expect that team to finish as one of the top-eight teams in the Western Conference. The Kings finished as the ninth seed last season – adding DeRozan gives them another scorer and connective playmaker. His ability to draw fouls and capitalize on his free throws would also be a welcome addition to a Kings team that finished last in the NBA in free-throw percentage.
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Not only that, but it could push the Lakers down in the standings, which also helps the Hawks. The Hawks own the Lakers 2025 unprotected 1st round pick and this move could push Sacramento above the Lakers in the Western Conference Standings.
Secondly, the 2025 draft projects to be much better than the 2024 class. Betting on the Hawks to get Cooper Flagg, the current favorite to go first overall, seems very unlikely. However, players like VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, Rocco Zikarsky, Khaman Maluach, Hugo Gonzalez and more all project as particularly strong options. The 2025 class has a clearly defined candidate for the top pick – Flagg – while also having several athletic wings and big men that fit the mold of players valued by the modern NBA. If the Hawks did not have a first round selection in this draft, it would definitely be dissapointing. However, there is now a good chance they will have an opportunity to select someone in the middle part of the first-round.
Gary Parrish of CBS Sports recently did a mock draft for the 2025 cycle that saw the Hawks selecting Texas guard Tre Johnson with the 13th overall selection. His thoughts on Johnson can be found below.
Johnson is coming off of a senior year of high school in which he shot nearly 40% from 3-point range and better than 90% from the free-throw line. If the 6-6 guard posts similar numbers during his freshman season in the SEC, he could crack the top five of next year’s draft, mostly because guards with size who are proven 3-point shooters over multiple years are difficult to pass on.
A guard with size who can shoot seems like a seamless fit next to Trae Young. Johnson found success at Link Academy in an off-ball role where he used his frame, footwork and excellent jump shot to create space against defenses. If his scoring ability translates to the SEC, he might not make it to the Hawks’ selection.
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While getting more wings with two-way potential is never a bad idea, I’m intrigued by the possiblity of Atlanta selecting a big man. Even if they are able to move Clint Capela, there is a chance that Onyeka Okongwu struggles in a full-time role. Players like Maluach, Ohio State’s Aaron Bradshaw and Croatian center Zvonimir Ivisic could be interesting options for the Hawks in next year’s draft.
