The Atlanta Hawks have had a solid start to their 2024-25 regular season. As we cross the halfway point of the season, this squad is sitting in the sixth seed despite a few injury setbacks that have plagued through 42 games. At their best, this young roster has shown the capability to be a giant-killer with a 7-3 record over the top four teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Steakhouse discussed how the Hawks have continued building a strong core centered around Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher -- but how good could that core end up being?
"You have core who could be here for years," Steak said about the Hawks building out its young group of players. "Dyson Daniels will be here for years, Zaccharie Risacher will be here for years, Trae Young isn't going anywhere and has said he wants to win a title here, Onyeka Okongwu is balling, [and Jalen Johnson is too]."
This is a core that is just beginning to find its way in the NBA and has shown flashes of elite-level play. On top of the pure talent on the roster, it's the presence of an elite head coach that gives Steak supreme confidence in the future of this team.
"[Quin Snyder] is an elite coach, he's a ridiculously good coach," he said. "He's doing things with Trae Young, in terms of getting him to play and buy in, that nobody's been able to do."
The team is not a finished product, evidenced by their 22-20 record, but this could be the groundwork for a future contender.
"There is a core here that can play. You don't beat those teams if you don't have the talent. That's not a fluke, those are signature wins," he finished. "Here's all I care about, is there a future here?"
The answer for Steak is a resounding 'yes'.