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Kendrick Perkins predicts where the Atlanta Hawks will finish in the Eastern Conference next season after recent moves

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By James Shearman | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 9:05 PM ET

The Atlanta Hawks have already made several moves this offseason to become Eastern Conference contenders next year.

The Hawks finished the 2024-25 season with an underwhelming 40-42 record and lost in the Play-In Tournament against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.

They needed to make some drastic changes to the roster over the summer, and the front office has duly delivered.

The Hawks recently traded for Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics and have signed Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard in free agency.

NBA champion Kendrick Perkins gave his verdict on Atlanta’s offseason and predicted where they will finish in the East.

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Kendrick Perkins predicts Atlanta Hawks improvement after offseason moves

The Hawks are one of several Eastern Conference teams that will fancy their chances after the injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, and Detroit Pistons will all feel the same way, but at least the Hawks are now in the mix.

Perkins was asked how seriously the Hawks should be considered among the best teams in the conference.

“Very serious,” he said. “I believe they’re going to finish top three. They have a young superstar who’s disrespected, in Trae Young.

“Now, all of a sudden, you bring in Alexander-Walker. We saw what he did for the Minnesota Timberwolves last year.

“You add the shooting of Luke Kennard, but you also add a big in Kristaps Porzingis, who creates problems when he’s healthy. He’s a guy who can stretch the floor and take advantage of post-ups.

“Remember what they already have there in Atlanta. You have Jalen Johnson, who was knocking at the door of being an All-Star last season before he got injured. He’s one of the most athletic guys in the league.

“You have Dyson Daniels, who’s a professional pest defensively. You see them somewhat mimicking what Oklahoma City is doing as far as loading up at the wing position.

“The Hawks have no excuse not to be a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference. I like what they did this offseason, surrounding Trae Young with the right pieces to go out and contend.”

The Atlanta Hawks pulled off an amazing trade with New Orleans Pelicans

The Hawks arguably pulled off the trade of the year during the NBA Draft. They sent the 13th pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 23rd pick and a future first-round pick.

What makes this move so incredible is that the pick is an unprotected first in 2026 from either the Pelicans or the Milwaukee Bucks.

Despite signing Myles Turner, the Bucks are not expected to be particularly good next season after losing Damian Lillard to injury.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans will probably miss the playoffs because the Western Conference is so loaded and Zion Williamson is such an injury risk.

The Hawks will receive the better pick of the two, which could turn out to be a future superstar in the lottery.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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