NBA Notes: Hawks, Jalen Johnson, Rockets, Amen Thompson, Cavs

Hawks

The Hawks haven’t forgotten how last season ended. It’d be difficult even if they tried.

Atlanta led the Knicks 2-1 in the first round before losing three straight games, including a 51-point beating at home in Game 6. New York then lost only once more on its way to the championship.

Jalen Johnson called it a “sick feeling” at the time and promised the Hawks would use it as fuel. Nearly five months later, president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh said the loss continued to drive the team throughout the summer.

“There was a motivation for a lot of our guys, like Jalen, Dyson, Nickeil, Onyeka,” Saleh said. “Those guys got a lot better this summer in a lot of ways.”

The Hawks went 20-6 after last season’s All-Star break and established Johnson as the new face of the franchise following the Trae Young trade.

Still, the East became considerably stronger over the summer. Atlanta mostly relied on internal growth while several rivals added established stars.

In short, the Hawks believe the humiliation made them better. They’ll have 82 games to prove it.

Rockets

The Rockets have already paid Amen Thompson like a future franchise player. The next step is looking like one when the games matter most.

Thompson signed a five-year, $208 million extension earlier this month after averaging 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals last season.

He has yet to make an All-Star team, but Blake Silverman of Sports Illustrated believes a deep playoff run could change how Thompson is viewed.

“If the Rockets get out of the first round and make the Thunder or the Spurs sweat, there will be no doubt that Thompson is Houston’s franchise player post-Durant and a true NBA star,” Silverman wrote.

That sounds about right, although Thompson still has obvious work to do as a shooter. He owns a career 21.9 percent mark from beyond the arc, and Kevin Durant remains Houston’s top offensive option.

Thompson doesn’t need to become Stephen Curry. He does need to make defenders think twice before leaving him alone. Add a respectable jumper to his size, athleticism, playmaking and defense, and the superstar conversation will take care of itself.

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers solved their wing problem by acquiring Peyton Watson. Their backup point guard situation may not be quite as settled.

Donovan Mitchell and James Harden will handle most of the important possessions, of course. But after trading Dennis Schröder, the Cavs could use another experienced ballhandler behind them.

Craig Porter Jr. may get the first opportunity. Meleek Thomas and Tyrese Proctor also provide young options, although neither should be expected to immediately replace everything Schröder offered.

Davion Moore of Cavs On SI suggested several available veterans, including Gabe Vincent, Killian Hayes and Victor Oladipo.

Those are good suggestions — but for the record, there’s no indication the Cavs are actively pursuing any of them. But it’s fun to think about.

Hayes is familiar with the organization after spending time with the Cleveland Charge, where he averaged 23.1 points and 8.3 assists. Oladipo is attempting another NBA comeback, while Vincent would offer playoff experience.

The Cavs can enter camp with what they have and see whether Porter, Thomas or Proctor seizes the job. If nobody does, veteran guards tend to remain available.

So, yes, that may be one roster question worth revisiting after the preseason.