As the midway point of the NBA season approaches, it’s time to take stock of where the Atlanta Hawks stand in various award races. With nearly 40 games under their belt, several Hawks players are making noise in league-wide award discussions.
De’Andre Hunter is emerging as a frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year. Coming off the bench, Hunter is leading all NBA reserves in scoring with an impressive 19.8 points per game. He’s shooting efficiently too, hitting 48% from the field, 44% from three, and 84% from the free-throw line. This combination of volume scoring and efficiency makes Hunter a strong candidate for the award.
Hunter’s main competition appears to be Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics. Pritchard leads the league in bench minutes and benefits from playing on a top team. However, Hunter’s scoring prowess and defensive versatility give him a compelling case. Currently, Pritchard is the betting favorite, but Hunter remains firmly in the race.
Rookie of the Year Race
Turning to the Rookie of the Year race, Zaccharie Risacher is making a case for himself. While he may be a long shot at 30-to-1 odds, this year’s rookie class has been underwhelming overall. Risacher’s defensive impact and increased playing time on a competitive Hawks team could boost his chances if he can improve his shooting efficiency in the second half of the season.
Most Improved Player Candidates
The Hawks also have two players in the mix for Most Improved Player: Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels. Johnson, who showed flashes last season, has taken another step forward this year. Daniels has seen increased minutes and has been a defensive force. Both players will need strong second halves and team success to solidify their candidacies.
Defensive Player of the Year Longshot
While Dyson Daniels has impressed defensively, he remains a long shot for Defensive Player of the Year at 75-to-1 odds. The award seems likely to go to a more established defensive anchor like Victor Wembanyama or Evan Mobley.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ award races, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
• Jalen Johnson injury update
• Preview of upcoming Hawks vs Suns matchup
• Bogdan Bogdanovic’s recent struggles and outlook
