Hawks fans finally have a pivot point for the upcoming season: Kristaps Porzingis should space the floor and protect the rim, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels add two-way versatility. If Jaylen Johnson can stay healthy, Atlanta’s defensive identity could finally lead the way, turning last year’s near-miss into a playoff surge in a wide-open East. Porzingis’s health is the wild card, but even 50-60 games unlocks a higher ceiling and more lineups Trey Young can thrive behind.

Beyond Atlanta, the pod recaps two other playoff pivots. Dallas bets on frontcourt defense and Cooper Flagg’s ascent to supplement Kyrie Irving and a healthier Anthony Davis–D’Angelo Russell pairing in L.A., with Porzingis watching from ATL as a contrasting path. Philadelphia’s path hinges on Tyrese Maxi’s growth supplementing Embiid and Paul George’s fit if healthy. San Antonio leans into Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper to push back toward the postseason, making the West’s chase even more crowded.