ESPN believes the Atlanta Hawks' defense could determine their ceiling in 2026-27 after a strong finish on that end of the floor last season.
ESPN believes the Atlanta Hawks' defense could be the area that swings the team's fortune this season.
Last season, Atlanta allowed 108.6 points per 100 possessions after the All-Star break, which ranked second in the NBA during that period of time. The Hawks trailed the Oklahoma City Thunder in that category.
ESPN's Zach Kram provided one key stat for every NBA team that could help swing their 2026-27 season. Kram believes that if Atlanta can replicate the 108.6 points per 100 possessions from last season, it could help its chances of becoming a dominant defensive team.
Atlanta's Defense Could Define Its Season
The projected starting lineup for the Hawks is forward Jalen Johnson, guard CJ McCollum, guard Dyson Daniels, guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and center Onyeka Okongwu. Last season, the team advanced to the first round of the playoffs.
Despite an early exit, Atlanta has a chance to make a second consecutive playoff appearance with the goal of advancing to the second round. ESPN's Kram believes that the Hawks' defense has to be the priority.
Kram highlights that over the course of last season, the Hawks ranked 10th on defense. The addition of guard/forward Luguentz Dort will provide the team with a perimeter defender to possibly pair with Daniels.
While Dort and Daniels are strong defenders, the offensive potential is what some basketball analysts question. Alexander-Walker is another defender who will help develop the team's defensive identity, coupled with his ability to create his own offense.
Hawks Look to Build on 46-Win Season
Atlanta finished last season 46-36 and won the Southeast Division. The team secured the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference after losing a tiebreaker to the Toronto Raptors.
The New York Knicks eliminated the Hawks in six games in the first round. Atlanta led the series 2-1 and was the only team to beat the Knicks twice in the 2026 postseason.
Johnson averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists in 72 games and made his first All-Star team. This season, he will be expected to take another step to help this team that needs contributions from a point guard after the team moved on from guard Trae Young.
Atlanta had a productive offseason, adding depth to both the frontcourt and backcourt. The team does not have any players who are earning $30 million a year. However, they could be one team to watch around the trade deadline in February. Center Jock Landale, Dort, and McCollum all have expiring contracts that could be used to land another superstar to pair with Johnson.
