As we head into 2024, the Hawks sit at the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 14-19 record. This team was expected to show improvement from last year’s team after gaining better personnel and having more time under Snyder’s tutelage. However, that is not the case, and the Hawks struggled greatly, having a worse start than last year; in December alone, they had an abysmal 4-10 record, with many factors affecting the Hawks’ subpar play.

Defensive Issues

The Hawks’ defense is a significant issue. The Hawks are 26th in the league in Defensive Rating (120.0) and 28th in Opponent Field Goal Percentage (50.2%). Those numbers mean that about half the shots the opponents take will go in when facing the Hawks. Furthermore, the Hawks are 25th in Defensive Rebounding Percentage (69.8%) and Opponent 3PT Percentage (38.3%). Teams are firing on all cylinders, as the Hawks are not guarding the 3PT line and are prone to offensive rebounds, in which both cases do not help the Hawks’ defense. The Hawks need to make a change regarding the defensive side of the ball. They always let the lead slip in the clutch, allowing teams down by 5, 10, or even 20 points at the half to catch up and win. Whether it is a trade, tweaking rotations, or giving opponents different looks, it is clear that the Hawks need to address their defense.

On the Otherside (Offense)

On the other side of the ball, the Hawks look excellent. The Hawks are 3rd in Points Per Game (122.8), 5th in Pace (102.39), and 5th in Offensive Rebounding Percentage (32.7). The Hawks are doing an excellent job in creating an offense surrounding the Trae and Dejounte backcourt. There is enough spacing to allow the backcourt to create their shots or for others. The shot diet of the Hawks diet has gone to taking more 3PTers and restricted area baskets compared to the mass amounts of midrange they used to take last season. Snyder has been excellent in helping mold this Hawks offense into one of the top offenses in the league.

Jalen Johnson’s Misses Time

 Johnson missed most of December due to a wrist injury against the Wizards in late November. Johnson has arguably been the Hawk’s second-best player and best defender. Johnson has a unique skill set that none of the Hawks have. His ability to defend, handle the ball, cut, and athleticism have allowed him to thrive alongside the Trae-Dejounte backcourt. The Hawks suffered from the lack of his unique skillsets, with the offense and defense taking hits. Since returning from his injury, Johnson is averaging 16.7 PPG on 59% FG, 12.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, and 4.0 STLS. Johnson continues to improve and expects to have more touches as the season progresses. 

The Hawks look to turn it around this year, hopefully starting a win streak that will leave the terrible December to dust.