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Pike High School head coach Jeff Teague reacts to action on the court during the second half of an IHSAA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Pike High School. Officials ended the game with 4:51 left on the clock after an altercation on the court. Lawrence Central High School won, 69-55.

'The Atlanta Hawks Are Going to Make the Playoffs' – Jeff Teague Dishes Bold Prediction For His Former Team

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 12:01 AM ET

The Atlanta Hawks were one of the most active teams during the offseason. After a second-straight season where they missed the playoffs, the Hawks want to make certain changes to address their needs for next season. The organization is determined to build a competitive team around the young core of Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher. All-Star guard Trae Young is also still part of the team.

This summer, the Hawks saw a lot of players leave the team. Longtime starting center Clint Capela returned to the Houston Rockets, Caris LeVert joined the Detroit Pistons and Larry Nance Jr. rejoined the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kobe Bufkin, Terance Mann and Georges Niang were all part of separate trades.

In return, Atlanta secured a competent group of players to help the young core. Veteran star Kristaps Porzingis was part of a deal from the Boston Celtics. Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were both key acquisitions for the front office during free agency.

With the moves they made, there’s a chance for them to return to the playoffs next season. Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague is one of the believers in the new-look Atlanta Hawks team. In the latest episode of his show,” Club 520 Podcast,” Teague had a bold prediction that the Hawks will be part of the postseason for the 2025-26 campaign.

“The Hawks are going to make the playoffs, conference finals without a doubt… Have Porzingis spread, pause. He about to be lining up half-court shooting threes. Trae Young going to have all this room to operate… Porzingis? Bro, he in contract year, you know how this go. He ‘bout to play 70 games,” the one-time All-Star said.

Kristaps Porzingis is expected to perform well for the Atlanta Hawks

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 09: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

In the two seasons Porzingis was with the Boston Celtics, he’s dealt with various injuries. This resulted in him being limited to appearing in just 99 games. Last season, he only played in 42 games, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

This could affect his next contract. In his first season with the Atlanta Hawks, he’s expected to prove himself worthy of a good payday. He’s on the final year of his two-year, $60 million contract. Playing a sizeable number of games will give the Latvian star the boost he needs for his next contract.

There isn’t any issue with his performance. As seen last season, he was close to averaging 20 points. However, Porzingis has not been consistently accessible due to his health.

With a productive young core and an experienced co-star in Young, Porzingis is expected to have a great season ahead.

Oct 23, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) reacts with guard Trae Young (11) after making a three point basket for his first points in the NBA against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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