After missing out on the playoffs for the first time in 10 years last season, Atlanta entered this off-season with an aggressive goal in mind: establish a foundation that’ll soon propel the franchise back to championship contention. The Hawks’ decision to trade back in the draft to nab Trae Young, college basketball’s undisputed star in 2018, and pick up a juicy future first round pick from Dallas in the process, was a strong indication the team wanted to modernize its roster for the ever-evolving NBA.
While the Hawks undeniably have a lot riding on Young’s shooting, it’s fair to say they have just as much riding on his ability to make teammates better.