For the first time in quite a while, there’s palpable excitement surrounding the Atlanta Hawks after their magnificent offseason.
Onsi Saleh took over for Landry Fields and immediately justified why ownership moved on from the former GM. Saleh moved off a bad contract in Terance Mann and only had to attach the 22nd overall pick in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, who, when healthy, will be the best player Trae Young has played with.
Saleh wasn’t done, acquiring possibly the most valuable asset the Hawks have at their disposal in a trade with the Pelicans. The Hawks moved back 10 spots in the draft in exchange for the more desirable first-round pick of the Pelicans and Bucks in 2026, which could end up being an extremely high draft pick.
Then in free agency, Saleh completed a sign-and-trade with the Timberwolves for Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who will fill a similar role as Dyson Daniels in Atlanta’s backcourt. His defense, shooting, and secondary playmaking make him a seamless fit next to Trae Young.
Saleh followed it up by inking Luke Kennard to a one-year deal. Surrounding the best playmaker in the Association with one of the league’s best three-point shooters is a great idea.
There are questions, though. Two of the Hawks’ three best players are injury-prone — Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porzingis. There’s also the concern of depth, especially in the frontcourt and behind Trae Young.
Kobe Bufkin is in line to garner those minutes if no more moves are made, but the former first-rounder has struggled to stay healthy. His potential role on what’s in line to be a very good Hawks team has him among those to watch at Las Vegas Summer League, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic.
The rare third-year player showing up at summer league, Bufkin had a rough summer in his 2023 rookie season and has been plagued by injuries ever since, only appearing in 27 games over his first two seasons. He also didn’t exactly set the league afire in those 27 contests (13-of-59 from 3, 9.7 career PER). The Hawks haven’t quite moved on from him yet, but they’re not exactly gift-wrapping minutes for him either. He’ll need to earn it.
Part of that is coming to Vegas and showing he can run an offense, get to the rim and beat shot blockers and hit enough jumpers to keep defenses honest. Bufkin has defensive potential if he can get his offense to an acceptable level, although his slight build already puts him at a disadvantage on this roster (it’s tough to play him and Trae Young at the same time). Right now, however, Bufkin needs to settle the question of whether he should play at all, and whether Atlanta should pick up his fourth-year option for $6.9 million.
This is a make-or-break season for Bufkin in Atlanta. The Hawks need him to stay healthy and showcase his ability to lead the second unit with Trae Young off the floor. Bufkin was neither healthy nor efficient even when he was on the court, so there’s a lot to learn about the former first-round pick.
Of course, Asa Newell will be worth watching as well. The Hawks 23rd overall pick is reminiscent of John Collins when he was coming out of Wake Forrest. But like Collins, Newell will have to refine his game if he wants to make it at the next level. If he can become a piece of the Hawks regular rotation as a rookie, it would give Atlanta an incredibly deep bench for Quin Snyder to work with.
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Photographer: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
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