ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks believe their offseason moves have further solidified a hard-nosed identity, highlighted by the acquisition of guard Luguentz Dort and point guard Ryan Nembhard in a deal that sent rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher elsewhere.
Dort, regarded as one of the league’s most physical perimeter stoppers, arrives with playoff experience, while Nembhard gives Atlanta another sturdy ball-handler after posting nearly a 4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio as a rookie. Team officials told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the additions boost defensive versatility and expand lineup options as the club tries to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Toronto counts on Murray-Boyles’ rapid rise
TORONTO – The Raptors are preparing to give second-year forward Collin Murray-Boyles a larger role after his breakout postseason debut. The 2023 first-round pick averaged 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks during Toronto’s seven-game first-round series against Cleveland, accelerating trust from the coaching staff.
Murray-Boyles said he has spent the offseason studying Scottie Barnes film to learn how to generate offense without relying heavily on three-point shooting. A hand injury kept him out of Summer League action, but the organization still views him as a cornerstone in its youth movement entering next season.
Brooklyn stays patient with cap room
BROOKLYN – General manager Sean Marks reaffirmed that the Brooklyn Nets will prioritize financial flexibility during their rebuild. Speaking with reporters, Marks noted that being the NBA’s only team with meaningful salary-cap space allows Brooklyn to absorb contracts or facilitate future trades when opportunities arise.
“You just never know what’s going to come your way,” Marks said, adding that the front office is comfortable waiting while monitoring the market.
The Nets’ willingness to sit on cap space positions them to act quickly should trade scenarios develop, even if they remain quiet for now.
Source: Hoops Wire
