Hawks GM Landry Fields has faced as much criticism as any sports executive in Atlanta. That narrative, however, is starting to change as he appears to have struck gold on multiple fronts this offseason. From drafting Zaccharie Risacher No. 1 overall and trading for defensive phenom Dyson Daniels, the team is trending in the direction of the playoffs once again.
Fields has been under fire the last several seasons after the team has been bounced in the early rounds of the playoffs the last three years. The team's massive failed investment into the since traded Dejounte Murray only compounded the issue.
The Hawks will welcome in a struggling Lakers squad to State Farm Arena on Friday night and try to extend their current winning streak to six games.