An updated look at the Hawks roster following the trade for Lu Dort

The Hawks roster is coming together following their most recent trade, sending former #1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Mavericks in a three-team deal that netted Atlanta Lu Dort and Ryan Nembhard.

It’s a move that really solidifies the Hawks’ defensive outlook, which should carry the team through the regular season, but Onsi Saleh isn’t done quite yet. At the very least, there have to be a couple of subtractions to get the club down to 15 players before the end of the offseason.

Updated Atlanta Hawks Roster

PG: CJ McCollum, Kingston Flemings, Ryan Nembhard, Devin Carter
SG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Aaron Wiggins, Buddy Hield
SF: Dyson Daniels, Lu Dort, Corey Kispert
PF: Jalen Johnson, Asa Newell, Zuby Ejiofor, Mo Gueye
C: Onyeka Okongwu, Jock Landale, Henri Veesaar

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There’s still a lot to work out in terms of who starts where, but it’s evident the Hawks have severely improved their depth to the point where they now have too many guys. My guess is Buddy Hield isn’t on the roster by the time the season starts, and one of Ryan Nembhard or Devin Carter could be out the door as well.

CJ McCollum and Dyson Daniels will probably handle a lot of the early work at point guard. Even if it’s not their natural position, they both offer enough playmaking to make it work, and having Jalen Johnson as a point forward gives the starting five another primary ball-handler.

However, the ultimate goal is for Kingston Flemings to start sooner rather than later. He was the 8th overall pick in a loaded draft class, and the expectations for him are much higher than they ever were for Zaccharie Risacher coming into the league, despite the fact that Risacher was drafted first overall. It’ll be intriguing to see how the Hawks bring him along. He’s mature beyond his years and should have an instant impact on the defensive end and as a floor general.

The one area that still looks concerning, however, is the center position. The Hawks are essentially running it back there, and while Onyeka Okongwu is a very valuable piece, there are certain centers he just can’t hold up against defensively because of his size. A healthy Jock Landale will help, and Zuby Ejiofor could surprise some people, but the Hawks will likely have to add more size if they want to compete with the bigger teams across the Association.

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(Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)