ESPN Panel Highlights the Hawks as Potential Eastern Conference Contenders for 2025-2026
Could the Atlanta Hawks be poised for a major leap this season and emerge as a contender in the Eastern Conference?
For many Atlanta Hawks fans, hearing so much buzz about their team might raise some cautious optimism.
Historically, the Hawks haven’t been the team most recognized for their offseason moves, but this year, Atlanta’s summer acquisitions have turned plenty of heads around the league.
The action kicked off with a big three-team trade that brought Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks. That was followed by one of the best signings in free agency—landing former Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a four-year, $62 million deal, and adding sharpshooter Luke Kennard with a one-year, $11 million contract.
But the most noteworthy move came on draft night. After trading away the No. 22 pick as part of the Porzingis deal, the Hawks ended up with the No. 13 pick. They traded back to No. 23 in a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans and secured an unprotected 2026 first-round pick that will be the most favorable between New Orleans or Milwaukee. There’s even a chance that pick could turn out to be a top-five selection. This surprising move left the NBA world stunned and set up the Hawks for a strong future, no matter how the 2025-2026 season unfolds.
Could This Be the Year for the Hawks? 
The Hawks are being viewed as a team ready to make a jump this year. In a recent ESPN panel, the Hawks were tied with the Spurs as the team most likely to take a significant leap:
“Don’t sleep on the Atlanta Hawks, who finished just behind the Spurs in the poll, or the Philadelphia 76ers. Just five years ago, the 76ers and Hawks battled it out in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Trae Young and Joel Embiid putting up 39 and 37 points, respectively, in Game 7. While the 76ers’ prospects depend on the health of Embiid and Paul George, the Hawks had a transformative offseason, adding scorers like Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard to complement Young, along with a strong defender in Nickeil Alexander-Walker.”
They aren’t the only ones with high expectations. In a recent column, Bleacher Report’s Mo Dakhil called the Hawks a team that could “shock the NBA.”
“The Hawks were a fun surprise in the first half of last season before injuries derailed them. This year, with a weakened Eastern Conference, they’re poised to be a surprise contender. Jalen Johnson was in the running for Most Improved until a labrum tear ended his season, and the Hawks fell down the standings after losing his 18.9 points per game and defense.
With talents like Dyson Daniels leading the league in steals, Zaccharie Risacher making the All-Rookie First Team, and Onyeka Okongwu posting career-highs, the Hawks have a lot to be excited about. And of course, there’s Trae Young, who, despite some shooting struggles, showed he can play off the ball more than ever before.”
This offseason, the Hawks bolstered their roster with key additions. Porzingis brings a pick-and-pop big man dynamic that Atlanta hasn’t had, offering a new layer to their offense that will test opposing defenses. Adding Alexander-Walker, a 3-and-D wing who shot 38.1% from three last season, strengthens their perimeter defense alongside Johnson and Daniels.
As Dakhil mentioned, the Hawks play in a weakened Eastern Conference, and with a mix of offensive firepower, defensive versatility, and youthful energy, Atlanta could be a legitimate threat to make a run to the NBA Finals if everything falls into place. If their new additions gel and their talent develops, the Hawks might just be ready to turn heads and contend in the East.
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