3 Storylines Heading Into Atlanta Hawks Media Day

Over the last few seasons, Atlanta avoided playing the 6-foot-9-inch center next to Clint Capela due to perimeter spacing issues. However, Okongwu improved this 3-point shot, converting 35.1% from deep over the final four months last season. With Porziņģis’ elite 3-point marksmanship, Snyder could experiment with playing Okongwu at the four and Porziņģis at the five.

Generally, Snyder does not give many specific details in his interviews. He artfully deflects questions that he feels are too specific. For example, there is no chance he says who will start at center on opening night against the Toronto Raptors. If reporters ask him about playing Okongwu and Porziņģis together, it might give them and the fans some insight into his rotation plans.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s Development

Trae Young played a big role in bringing Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Atlanta. In fact, General Manager Onsi Saleh said he communicated with the Hawks’ star multiple times about the organization’s summer moves. Saleh also mentioned another critical component to why Alexander-Walker came to the Hawks via sign-and-trade.

“A big reason Nickeil (Alexander-Walker) came here was the development component. He wanted to get better.”

It will be interesting to see which areas he thinks NAW can make the biggest strides.

Alexander-Walker put himself on the map as a great perimeter defender and shooter with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played a pivotal bench role in their back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances. He fills an important role on the Hawks’ defense, especially when Dyson Daniels heads to the bench. Atlanta’s perimeter defense crumbled last season with the All-Defensive First Team guard off the floor, but Alexander-Walker fixes this issue. In contrast to Daniels, he brings strong outside shooting—38.1% on 4.5 3-point attempts per game.

EuroBasket’s Impact on the NBA Offseason

Atlanta had three players compete in EuroBasket this summer: Porziņģis, Zaccharie Risacher, and Vít Krejčí.  Two years ago at Hawks media day, Bogdan Bogdanović said, “I love to play for my national team, and that also helps me get ready for a season.” It will be interesting to hear whether the current Hawks players feel the same way.

International competitions add a fiery edge to NBA summers, but they also present a chance for injury. Fortunately for the Hawks, all three players came back healthy. Porzingis’ health has been a question mark for most of his career, but Saleh shut down any concerns Hawks fans might have entering the season.