Brad Rowland here, the host of the daily Locked On Hawks podcast, with your daily Locked On Hawks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hawks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Award Contenders and a trip to Phoenix
Dec 29, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (12) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton/Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis De’Andre Hunter is on a promising path to becoming the Hawks’ sixth man. The discussion explores his development and potential role in the team’s rotation. (Soaring Down South)
Preview The Hawks head to Phoenix to take on the Suns tonight at 9:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks escape Salt Lake City with a walk-off win Topics for Episode 1882 include Trae Young’s 50-foot game-winning shot, another 20-20 game for Atlanta’s lead guard, the absence of Jalen Johnson, the Hawks’ defense on Lauri Markkanen, and much more.
One month to the NBA Trade Deadline Episode 1881 takes stock of Atlanta’s biggest needs, players on the roster who could be dealt, Jimmy Butler’s trade request in Miami, the salary cap situation for the Hawks, Tuesday’s game in Utah, and much more.
Undermanned Hawks blasted by Clippers for third straight loss Episode 1880 focuses on Saturday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Clippers. Topics include the absences of Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic, the crazy on-off splits for Trae Young, a total offensive collapse, transition issues, and much more.
