The Atlanta Hawks fell to the New York Knicks in six games, bowing out in historic fashion in a Game 6 that nobody in Atlanta will want to talk about. But taking a step back from the disappointment, the bigger picture is actually encouraging. The Trae Young trade didn’t just reset the roster — it unlocked it. This team got longer, more athletic and more fun to watch.
Let’s recap the Hawks’ year and look ahead to next season.
The Jalen Johnson effect
This was the season Jalen Johnson arrived as a legitimate star. He averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. That kind of all-around production made him a first-time All-Star and the reason Atlanta turned the page on the Trae era. Johnson’s the engine of everything Atlanta did offensively, becoming a first-round fantasy value in High Score and finishing 21st in 9-cat leagues.
Availability played a key role in his success, as he played at least 70 games for the second time in his five-year career. It may sound rich, but lock him in as a late-first, early second-round pick next season.
NAW: The best pick in fantasy drafts
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s emergence was the most pleasant surprise of Atlanta’s season. He won Most Improved Player after averaging 20.8 points per game while posting career-best numbers across the board. NAW entered the season with an ADP of 121. However, he closed the year 26th in High Score and 62nd in 9-cat leagues. He was undoubtedly one of the top values of the season.
With CJ McCollum set to become an unrestricted free agent, more usage could flow NAW’s way. There’s still a chance Atlanta brings McCollum back, but if the Hawks don’t, expect further growth in Alexander-Walker’s playmaking next season. Target him inside the top-60 picks next year.
Reliable role players
Onyeka Okongwu continues to be one of the most slept-on bigs in fantasy. In 74 games, he posted 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3s, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. He played more than 30 minutes per game for the first time in six seasons. Add in his efficiency and he checks every box. His production far outpaced his ninth-round ADP, ranking 37th in 9-cat and 75th in High Score. I’ll bet the Hawks will fortify their frontcourt in the draft or free agency, but even still, I’m prioritizing him in the middle rounds by next season.
Dyson Daniels’ season felt like a letdown — but it wasn’t. Relative to his position, he was elite in rebounding, assists and steals. He ranked 43rd in 9-cat and 58th in High Score. A damn good year. Despite the merit, his inability to shoot lowers his ceiling. He shot 18.8% from 3. Per Databallr, he’s in the 1st percentile for long- to mid-range FG attempts, 5th percentile in FT percentage. That’s a massive liability, especially come playoff time. All that said, if he works on his shot and gains some confidence, it could put him in the first couple of rounds in terms of fantasy value.
Final Thoughts
To lose like that in the final game of the season — yikes. Beyond getting over that embarrassment, there are plenty of off-court moves that need to be sorted out. Do you bring back McCollum? What about picking up Jonathan Kuminga’s $24 million team option (they probably will)? Most importantly, Atlanta could be holding a high lottery pick thanks to the Bucks and Pelicans. If that pick lands where it could, this rebuild accelerates quicker than many expected. Johnson, NAW, Daniels and Okongwu should all be off the board in the first 75 picks next fantasy season; that much is holding true.
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