Atlanta Hawks soaring under Quin Snyder’s vision

Sitting at 12-11 and sixth in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks' overall record may not scream dominance, but their current five-game win streak tells a different story. Quin Snyder is coaching a roster that GM Landry Fields strategically overhauled. His coaching style emphasizes ball movement, offensive efficiency, and defensive hustle, all of which have unlocked career-best performances from players like Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and De’Andre Hunter. Atlanta is becoming more than just a playoff hopeful – they’re starting to look like a team that could make some noise in the postseason.

Offense clicking off of Trae Young’s passing

Atlanta’s offense is humming, ranking third in assists per game (30.1). At the center of it all? Snyder’s doing an excellent job with the Hawks, but Trae Young’s season is off to a uniquely bizarre start. Historically, Young tends to start slow – his career splits show that his TS% is consistently low in October and November before climbing later in the season. By the All-Star break, he’s typically back to averaging over 25 ppg, so this trend isn’t unusual.

This year, Young’s numbers stand out for a mix of reasons:

• Lowest ppg (20.7) since his rookie season

• Lowest TS% (54.0%) since his rookie year

• NBA’s highest apg (12.0) since John Stockton in 1994

Young’s an elite scorer and shooter, but his passing is arguably even better. He might be the best playmaker since Steve Nash. It’s puzzling why some fans dislike him – he’s incredibly skilled. Recently, he’s been less aggressive early in games, likely due to defenses doubling him and relying more on teammates like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Hunter and Johnson. His Achilles injury is another factor. Once he’s fully healthy and Risacher starts consistently hitting open looks, the team should be in great shape.

That said, they still need a reliable finisher – Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu have been frustratingly inconsistent finishing inside. Hawks should be looking to flip Capela’s expiring $22.2 million contract (likely via three-team trade) for a center on a multi-year contract that their team has plenty of frontcourt depth.

This year, Snyder has shifted away from a ‘Trae-centric’ offense, using him as a decoy more often.

“Trae’s gravity forces 1.5 defenders to track him at all times. We’re exploring how to use that to open opportunities for others,” Larry Nance Jr. said via New York Times. “Decoy Trae Young is something new, and we’re excited about it.”

Defensively, Young’s making real strides. Known for his physical limitations on that end, he’s having his best defensive season yet – taking charges, getting clutch steals, and getting blown by less often (thanks in part to Daniels).

His Achilles injury is likely impacting his shooting, especially for deep threes. Guards like Young rely on lift, and an injured Achilles affects the entire leg, from stability to landings. At 26, age isn’t the issue – it’s about playing through injury. Achilles problems affect confidence too, and basketball is as much mental as physical. Shooters rely heavily on their legs, so discomfort can throw off rhythm. This also lines up with Young’s history of starting slow in the first 20 games and heating up by mid-December.

If Young follows his usual trajectory, we’ll likely see him bounce back soon. It’s encouraging that the Hawks are winning games even while he’s not at 100 percent. With Young improving and Snyder’s system evolving, the team is in a strong position to keep building momentum.

Hawks have a few birds learning how to fly

Jalen Johnson, the talented 22-year-old forward, is making significant strides in his development, following up on a breakout season with impressive averages of 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from beyond the arc. Defensively, he contributes 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, showcasing his prowess as a true two-way player. Johnson's growth is evident in his improved decision-making and playmaking abilities, as he currently ranks third in the league for passes made, trailing only Nikola Jokic and Tyrese Haliburton.

Dyson Daniels has also emerged as an impactful player, averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 steals per game, making him one of the league's premier point-of-attack defenders. His four-game streak of scoring 15-plus points and tallying 5-plus steals was the longest since Michael Jordan in the 1989-90 season.It's clear the Pelicans could have used Daniels more effectively, much like Quin Snyder has unleashed his potential in the NBA. This past week, Daniels was named the inaugural Defensive Player of the Month in the Eastern Conference – a well-deserved honor.

Over 20 games, Daniels is averaging 3.1 steals and 1 block per game. Four stocks (steals + blocks) from a guard is extraordinary. Additionally, he averages 6.7 deflections per contest, far outpacing the next-highest player at 3.9.

Daniels has rightfully earned his recognition. He's an outstanding defender with quick lateral movement, excellent anticipation, and relentless hustle. Beyond defense, he’s a skilled passer, runs the floor well, and consistently brings energy to every game. Daniels is known as a "big footy guy," and it seems evident that his time playing as a ruckman in the Junior Australian Football Rules League helped shape his instincts, physicality and athleticism.

Meanwhile, De’Andre Hunter has been a reliable scorer, averaging 18.7 point with shooting splits of 40.8 from three and an elite 90.7 percent from the free-throw line. At 6-foot-8 and 220 lbs, Hunter is the ideal modern wing, capable of defending multiple positions and providing consistency off the bench. His transition to a sixth-man role has allowed for a more confident starting lineup too.

If their winning momentum continues, both Johnson and Daniels could emerge as strong candidates for Most Improved Player honors. With contributions from players like Johnson, Hunter, and Daniels, the Hawks are positioning themselves as a force in the Eastern Conference in the near future.

Role players are eating

Atlanta’s bench has been a pivotal force in their recent resurgence with Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic leading the charge. Garrison Mathews is lighting up defenses with an impressive 46.8 percent shooting from three, while Bogdanovic contributes a steady 11.6 points per game, despite some inconsistency in long-range shooting (33.9 percent from beyond the arc). Rookie Zaccharie Risacher, a starter, is making his presence felt, averaging 11.7 points, although he’s battled with his three-point shooting at just 29.0 percent.

Nance Jr. has been a veteran leader that has been praised by teammates and coaches alike. Second-year guard Kobe Bufkin, who missed the start of the season due to a partially dislocated right shoulder, has started to cement himself as decent backup point guard for Atlanta.

The strength of the team's bench was made clear during Atlanta’s 117-101 victory over Cleveland, where the Hawks’ reserves outscored the Cavs’ bench 50-28.

Defense is better, but plenty of holes

On the defensive end, Atlanta presents a mixed bag – both exhilarating and exasperating. They currently rank second in the NBA with an average of 10.2 steals, spearheaded by Dyson Daniels. However, despite their ability to generate turnovers, the Hawks have struggled to contest shots effectively, allowing opponents to shoot a league-worst 38.3 percent from three-point range. Their defensive rating stands at 120.2, placing them 27th in the league, as they frequently find themselves outmatched on the boards. This dichotomy between chaos creation and conceding easy baskets speaks to Atlanta's most significant challenge: being consistent defensively.

Quin Snyder’s blueprint for success

Quin Snyder’s influence has been palpable from the start.

The Hawks rank eighth in scoring (116.6 points per game) and 11th in pace (102.8), leaning on their strengths in transition while prioritizing efficient offense and defensive hustle.

Transition offense has been central to Atlanta’s attack. By pushing the ball after rebounds and turnovers, the Hawks take advantage of their athleticism to create mismatches. This allows players like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels to thrive in open spaces, where their speed and decision-making become assets.

Another key element is player versatility. Snyder’s offense empowers players like Johnson, who has evolved into a secondary playmaker with the Hawks running actions through him. This dynamic playmaking makes Atlanta less predictable and forces defenses to guard multiple threats.

The team’s improved shot quality is evident in their 42.8 field goals made per game, though their 34.2 percent from three (23rd in the NBA) signals room for improvement. Snyder has emphasized getting to the rim and drawing fouls, as reflected in Atlanta’s sixth-ranked free-throw attempts (23.8 per game), converting at a solid 78.8 percent clip.

While Snyder’s offensive schemes have clicked, the defensive side of the ball remains a work in progress. The Hawks are second in steals per game (10.2) thanks to their aggressive, pressure-heavy approach. Snyder’s defensive philosophy revolves around disrupting passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and creating transition opportunities.

Despite some bright spots, Atlanta still has the 27th-ranked defensive rating (120.2). Snyder has implemented defensive schemes that emphasize switching and help defense, but lapses in communication and execution have left Atlanta vulnerable.

The road ahead

The Hawks are currently on a five-game winning streak, with a record of 12-11, placing them sixth in the Eastern Conference. While the Hawks have showcased glimpses of their potential, tightening their defensive schemes will be key for staying competitive in a tough Eastern Conference. Victories over teams like Cleveland reveal their high ceiling, but consistency is paramount for transitioning from playoff hopefuls to genuine contenders.

With Snyder steering the ship, Trae Young’s brilliance at the helm, and the growing impact of young talents like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta possesses all the elements necessary for success. If they can rectify their defensive deficiencies, the Hawks could not only secure a playoff spot—but also emerge as one of the most formidable teams when it matters most.

You can follow Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo) on X, formerly known as Twitter, or Blue Sky.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Atlanta Hawks soaring under Quin Snyder’s vision