Hawks look to escape mediocrity in first full season under coach Quin Snyder
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Bogdan Bogdanović stares down the Hornets' Lamelo Ball during a game in Charlotte. Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images
The Braves are done, the Falcons are in first place in their division and now the Atlanta Hawks are back.
Driving the news: Just like their football counterpart, Atlanta opens its season against Charlotte. Tip-off against the Hornets is at 7pm on Wednesday night in North Carolina.
- Their home opener at State Farm Arena is Friday at 7:30pm against the New York Knicks.
State of play: The Hawks enter Wednesday's game after a full off-season under head coach Quin Snyder. Snyder was a late season addition last year and coached the team to a 10-11 record in their final 21 games.
- Atlanta went on to win their play-in game against Miami before being bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.
Between the lines: This year will determine whether they can win — and compete for a championship — with Trae Young as their star player.
- Young has clashed with his former two coaches but said earlier this summer he hopes "Quin is the guy that we win three or four championships with."
Roster moves: Atlanta signed guard Patty Mills and forward Wesley Matthews — two veterans who could play larger roles in the locker room than on the court. Rookies Kobe Bufkin and Mouhamed Gueye likely won't see much playing time early in the season but could become key contributors.
- The team also traded forward John Collins to the Utah Jazz, effectively saying goodbye to the heart and soul of their team.
Follow the money: The Hawks agreed to extensions with backup center Onyeka Okongwu (four years, $62 million) and with starting guard Dejounte Murray (four years, $120 million).
What we're watching: Will this team finally get out of mediocrity hell? Atlanta had a nearly 40 game stretch last season where they were either at or within one game of a .500 record before finishing the season with 41 wins and losses.
💭 Our thought bubble: ESPN predicts the Hawks will finish (wait for it) 41-41. While other teams in the East leveled up big time, don't expect Atlanta to compete for a championship.
- Plus: Another .500 record and first round exit would be a disappointment and could lead to much larger roster changes.