Hawks prioritize chemistry in deadline overhaul, scout says
hawks-prioritize-chemistry-in-deadline-overhaul
The Atlanta Hawks have taken a definitive direction at the trade deadline, and a rival NBA scout believes the clarity could pay dividends.
According to comments given to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the scout said Atlanta “earned points for clarity” after shipping All-Star guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The deal marked the first step in a sweeping roster reset.
Multiple additions follow marquee trade
Front-office executives continued reshaping the roster by bringing in Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Gabe Vincent and Jock Landale, along with three future second-round selections. The scout described the overhaul as a decision to “go all in on chemistry over absolute talent,” noting that Young is the superior individual player but questioning his impact on winning.
“You either build everything around him or commit to the young guys. They picked,” the scout told the newspaper.
Focus on shooting, connectivity and flexibility
Nearly every newcomer fits as a shooter or connective piece, the scout said, with Kuminga standing as the lone exception. The moves also opened additional salary-cap flexibility while gambling on the upside of a former lottery pick in Kuminga. Atlanta additionally secured what the scout called a “valuable” 2026 first-round choice — the more favorable of the Milwaukee Bucks’ or New Orleans Pelicans’ picks.
Potential next steps
Looking ahead, the scout identified two possible priority areas: upgrading at center over Onyeka Okongwu or finding a long, defense-minded wing to pair with rookie Zaccharie Risacher. Regardless of the exact path, the evaluator believes Atlanta has stopped “straddling the fence,” a move he considers progress in itself.
Source: Hoops Wire
