Hawks offseason recap and early season preview: The post-Trae era is underway
With the Trae Young era in the past, how do the Hawks move forward? We're looking back at the offseason and taking an early look at the 2026-27 season.
The Atlanta Hawks are entering a new era, one without Trae Young at the helm. This offseason has been all about transition and retooling for the franchise. With a new-look roster, the Hawks are aiming to reclaim their spot as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference. The question on everyone's mind: how will the team adapt to life without Trae's incredible scoring and playmaking abilities?
The Hawks' offseason moves signal a shift towards a more balanced, defensive-minded approach. By adding key role players and veterans, they're looking to build a more well-rounded team that can compete on both ends of the floor. This approach makes sense, given the ever-increasing emphasis on team defense in the modern NBA. As the league continues to trend towards more versatile, switchable defenders, the Hawks are positioning themselves to stay ahead of the curve.
As we head into the 2026-27 season, all eyes will be on the Hawks' young core, particularly Jalen Johnson and AJ Griffin, who will be expected to take on larger roles. Will they be able to step up and fill the scoring void left by Trae's departure? The team's ability to develop these young players and integrate their new additions will be crucial in determining their success this season. Keep an eye on the Hawks' preseason schedule, as it will provide valuable insight into their chemistry and cohesion heading into the regular season.
Originally reported by espn.com. CoachNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.