Hawks deserve credit for efforts to improve team and ‘not sitting on their hands’

Dukes and Bell react to the Atlanta Hawks trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Warriors in exchange for Jonathon Kuminga
Atlanta Hawks add Jonathon Kuminga before NBA trade deadline
Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks and Jalen Johnson #1 celebrate a point against the Boston Celtics Photo credit China Wong / Stringer

In less than 24 hours, the Atlanta Hawks were at the center of three trades in which they moved on from Kristaps Porzingis, who they sent to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jonathon Kuminga and Buddy Hield, and Luke Kennard, who they sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Gabe Vincent. The Hawks also received Jock Landale from the Jazz in exchange for two second round picks.

“I do think, this team, from an athletic standpoint, got more athletic, you got a little bit more in shooting,” 92-9 The Game’s Carl Dukes said as he and cohost, Mike Bell shared their reactions to the Hawks’ trades and the impact the new members, Kuminga in particular, may have on the franchise for the remainder of the season and in future seasons, assuming they retain all of them.

“I am going to give this front office credit. At least they’re not sitting on their hands. Onsi Saleh attempting, within the realm of not going over the luxury tax, because we know they’re not going to do that, because we know they’re not a championship team yet, but he’s attempting to make moves, attempting to try to do something to hopefully improve this team. I give him credit for that,” Dukes said.

Featured Image Photo Credit: China Wong / Stringer