Atlanta Hawks 2021/2022 Season Preview – Can Lightning Strike Twice?
Bad Men, Bad Takes – Season 1, Episode 2
A young team that over-achieved after a coaching change in the middle of last season, can lightning strike twice for this team behind the leadership of Trae Young? That’s the question that looms over the Atlanta Hawks in the BMBT office.
While the team all believe they were fortunate to get all the way to the Conference Finals last season following Philadelphia’s collapse in the second-round, they all see a bright future for the Hawks and it could begin to manifest itself as early as this season.
Hunter sees the development of Trae Young continuing and the lead-guard maturing into a more consistent style of basketball when it comes to scoring.
“I think we’ll see Trae’s three point attempts go down, but the efficiency go up”, Hunter said.
an Trae Young lead the Hawks back to the East Finals, or possibly beyond? Credit: TNT/Getty Images 
When asked about new rules the NBA have implemented for the 2021/2022 season regarding fouls being called on ‘un-natural’ shooting motions, something Rob views Trae as being a recipient of many times last season, Hunter didn’t seemed phased.
“The refs have to call it. I only saw it come into play once in Summer League so we’ll see if it carries into the regular season, but I think Trae is good enough to adjust even if they do”, he responded.
The BMBT boys were also enamoured with the potential of John Collins coming into this season on the back of him signing a five-year extension to stay with the Hawks.
“He’s on similar money to Tim Hardaway Jr, and I know it’s a different position, but I feel Collins brings so much more than Hardaway does. I can see him developing into a second option on a Championship team if he plays his cards right”, Rafe declared.
afe belies John Collins has the potential to be a legitimate #2 on a Championship team in the future. Credit: Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images 
Ben also loved the deal and Collins’ talent, but still sees areas of his game that could improve to help him unlock his full potential.
“I’d like to see him bump up to 3-4 assists per game. His job is to rim run, but if he improves his ability to hit the corner on the short roll, that’ll opens things up for him and the team”.
Listen to the full show podcast to hear where the team think the Hawks finish the season, who takes the lead wing minutes if Reddish, Huerter and Hunter are all healthy, why Hunter is having issues with his rug and how we nearly overlooked strip-club wing jokes!
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