David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Just two seasons ago, the Atlanta Hawks shocked nearly everyone as they stormed deep into the NBA playoffs.

The Hawks were a great surprise to many, aside from their fans who long believed their team had what it took to make it far.

Then, last season, they had a much harder time and struggled to make the playoffs.

But some huge changes were made in the summer and now the team’s lead player, Trae Young, believes that big things are ahead.

“We believe we can win a championship,” Young said at a press conference for his team.

“I know I do,” he added.

Young has always had great confidence in his team but now many more NBA fans also believe in the Hawks too.

Hawks Flying High

Atlanta was part of one of the biggest acquisitions in the summer when they got Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs.

While he won’t completely change the fate of the team by himself, Murray is a huge deal for the Hawks.

Playing alongside Young and John Collins, Murray could greatly raise the team’s offense and defense to the next level.

He fills many of the voids that the Hawks have – he just needs to stay healthy and follow through on his potential.

As for Young, he needs to keep playing at MVP-caliber levels and become even more of a team leader in the months ahead.

Young is a terrific player but he has his own weak points that need addressing and there is no better time to do that than now, with a new-look roster ready to take on the East.

In just a few months, we will know if Young’s belief in his team is founded or not.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles
Scottie Scheffler arrested, still makes PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.