Hawks Nation

The Hawks franchise lost one of its greatest legends.

Bob Pettit, the NBA’s first-ever MVP and one of the most important players in basketball history, has passed away at the age of 93.

Pettit was more than just a star. He was one of the foundational figures of the game and a true icon of the Hawks organization. A champion, a two-time MVP, an 11-time All-Star, and the first player in NBA history to score over 20,000 career points, his impact on the sport will never be forgotten.

Long before the modern era, Bob Pettit helped define greatness and helped build the legacy of this franchise.

A true Hawk.
A true pioneer.
A true legend.

Rest in peace, Bob Pettit. 🙏❤️

The Atlanta Hawks were busy this offseason.

Atlanta added Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Dorian Finney-Smith, while sending out Zaccharie Risacher, Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard, and five second-round picks.

That’s a major reshaping of the roster.

Dort immediately gives the Hawks one of the toughest perimeter defenders in the league, while Finney-Smith adds even more versatility, toughness, and experience on the wing.

Aaron Wiggins gives Atlanta another reliable two-way piece who can fit into different lineups and contribute without needing the ball constantly.

The cost wasn’t small, especially with Risacher and multiple second-round picks going out.

But the direction is pretty clear.

Atlanta wanted more defense, more toughness, and more players who can impact winning on both ends.

Now the Hawks head into the new season with a very different identity.

The question is whether all these moves can push Atlanta to another level. 👀🔥

ESPN dropped its Top 100 rankings for the 2026-27 season, and Lu Dort came in at No. 100.

That’s a steep drop from his No. 64 spot last year. But a ranking doesn’t change what Dort brings to the floor.

Atlanta’s wing rotation will be more crowded than what he had in OKC, but Dort arrives with something invaluable: championship experience and a proven understanding of what winning basketball looks like.

And defensively, he should have a clear role. Dort will immediately slot in as one of the Atlanta Hawks’ best perimeter defenders, which could be the key to keeping his minutes high.

No. 100 on the list. Plenty left to prove.

Dort has never needed much more than a challenge to get going 🗣️

The Atlanta Hawks could have one of the nastiest defensive units in the NBA. 👀🔥

Atlanta allowed the second-fewest points per 100 possessions after the All-Star break last season, and they finished 10th in the NBA in defensive rating for the full season.

Now add Lu Dort and Dyson Daniels to the mix, along with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and the rest of Atlanta’s defensive infrastructure.

That combination of perimeter defense, length, athleticism, and versatility could make the Hawks a nightmare to score against. 🧱

Jalen Johnson aims to build on his breakthrough as the Hawks' focal point last season, with an expanded offensive arsenal and improved perimeter shooting being key to his success. 🌟🔥

Asa Newell has a golden window to step into a steady role for Atlanta after spending his initial year working his way into the rotation.

With clear minutes opening up in the frontcourt, his outside touch and floor spacing could make him the franchise's next big breakout story.

Thank you, Buddy Hield. ❤️

Buddy’s time in Atlanta is coming to an end as the Hawks send him to Charlotte in the deal for Dorian Finney-Smith.

During his stint with the Hawks, Hield gave Atlanta exactly what he has built his career on: shooting, spacing, confidence, and the ability to heat up in a hurry.

He brought another scoring threat to the perimeter and gave the offense a veteran presence whenever his number was called.

Now he starts a new chapter in Charlotte, but his time in Atlanta still deserves appreciation.

Thank you for everything, Buddy.

Nothing but respect and best wishes in the next chapter. 🦅❤️

The Hawks are adding another proven veteran to the roster.

Atlanta is acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Charlotte Hornets in the deal sending Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash to Charlotte.

For the Hawks, Finney-Smith brings exactly the kind of versatility that can help around a talented core.

He can defend multiple positions, take on tough perimeter assignments, switch across lineups and still provide spacing on the offensive end.

That kind of player can be extremely valuable for a team trying to become more consistent on both sides of the floor.

Atlanta is giving up shooting in Hield and a young guard in Nembhard, but gets back a veteran wing who can impact games without needing the ball in his hands.

A strong two-way addition for the Hawks.

Welcome to Atlanta, Dorian. 🔥🦅

(Via Shams)

Dorian Finney-Smith is heading to Atlanta, where he aims to bounce back after a challenging year in Houston where he had difficulty getting into a consistent rhythm. 🚨🔁

(via Shams Charania)

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