Report: Hawks Need Perimeter Star to Reach Contender Status

A Soaring Down South analysis says Atlanta has the supporting cast around Jalen Johnson but needs a major trade for a lead perimeter creator to contend in the East.

A report from Soaring Down South argues that the Atlanta Hawks are close to becoming a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference but remain one significant trade short of that level. The analysis identifies the missing piece as a lead perimeter creator who can generate offense when defenses tighten.

The foundation centers on Jalen Johnson, described as an All-Star who drives the offense. Around him, the report points to a deep supporting cast: Dyson Daniels providing strong defense on opposing guards, Nickeil Alexander-Walker offering secondary shot creation, and Onyeka Okongwu anchoring the middle as the starting center.

The report also notes the backcourt showed its value during last season's playoffs. CJ McCollum took on the primary perimeter creation role in the postseason and performed well enough against the New York Knicks to help Atlanta win two games against the eventual NBA champions. The team re-signed him this summer to help stabilize the offense.

Even with those pieces, the analysis concludes the roster lacks a ball-dominant creator who threatens from both three-point range and the mid-range. The report states that a major trade, using the Hawks' young talent and draft capital, is the path to contention before the current window closes.