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By Anne Erickson
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Things look different for a lot of teams in the NBA for the upcoming season.
The Atlanta Hawks are taking a different approach this season. Instead of making one massive splash, they spent the offseason reshaping the roster with players who fit a more physical, defensive-minded style.
That might end up being the biggest story in Atlanta. The additions of Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder stand out as two of the more interesting moves of the summer. Dort brings a level of perimeter defense the Hawks have been missing, and putting him next to Dyson Daniels gives Atlanta a pair of defenders capable of making life tough for opposing wings and guards.
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Wiggins is the less flashy part of the deal, but he could become one of the more useful pieces on the roster. He showed promise in Oklahoma City, especially as a reliable two-way wing, and Atlanta gives him a chance to step into a larger role. Sometimes those are the moves that end up paying off the most.
The Hawks also continued adding young talent. Devin Carter and Ryan Nembhard arrived through trades, while Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor joined the organization through the draft. None of these players are being asked to carry the franchise right away, but they give Atlanta more depth and more options as the season moves along.
Of course, there were some difficult decisions. Jonathan Kuminga is no longer with the team after Atlanta declined his $24.3 million team option, while Zaccharie Risacher was traded. Gabe Vincent and Keaton Wallace also moved on in free agency. The Hawks clearly decided they needed a roster that fit together better rather than simply collecting talent.
One player to watch will be CJ McCollum. After arriving in February, he quickly became a steady veteran presence and helped Atlanta push the eventual champion Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. A full season in Atlanta could allow him to settle into an even bigger leadership role.
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The Hawks still have questions. Chemistry will take time, and the Eastern Conference remains a crowded race. But this roster feels more balanced than it did a year ago.
Atlanta isn't trying to win with offense alone anymore. They're betting that defense, versatility, and a deeper rotation can change the way they compete. That could make them one of the more interesting teams to watch this season.
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