With just under two months until the start of the new NBA season, several teams have already begun their preparations. The Houston Rockets, for example, have organized multiple training camps, including one that featured young players like Kenyon Martin Jr. and Alperen Şengün. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly planning to hold their training camp in Hawaii, with James Harden taking the initiative to organize it.

After a busy offseason, the Boston Celtics appear to be in a class of their own in the Eastern Conference. While potential challengers like the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers have bolstered their rosters, they face significant obstacles. For instance, the Knicks might struggle to maintain a healthy roster come playoff time.

The 76ers have assembled a formidable trio with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, alongside key acquisitions like Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, and Jaden McDaniels. However, the team's chemistry could become a major issue, as all three stars require the ball in their hands. Moreover, Embiid's tendency to perform below expectations in the postseason raises concerns about the team's overall success.

Fans often debate the strength disparity between the Western and Eastern Conferences, wondering why certain teams like the Dallas Mavericks seem outmatched against Eastern powerhouses such as the Celtics. It's important to note that while the West may be stronger overall, individual teams like the Celtics stand out, and last season, a 50% win-rate team like the Rockets would not have made the play-in tournament in the West but would have ranked ninth in the East.

Perkins Criticizes the Atlanta Hawks' Rebuilding Efforts

Recently, commentator Kendrick Perkins appeared on a television show where he criticized the Atlanta Hawks, stating, "I don't know what the Hawks are doing. They drafted Luka Samanic, which seems like a complete rebuild. They should trade Trae Young, but he isn't popular among other teams."

Perkins's comments reflect the awkward situation the Hawks find themselves in. Following the free agency period, the Hawks put both Trae Young and Dejounte Murray on the trading block. Reports indicated that the team was looking to build around first-round pick Luka Samanic, with only him and Jalen Johnson (the 20th pick in the 2021 draft) being untouchable.

While Dejounte Murray quickly found a new home with the New Orleans Pelicans, Trae Young remains with the Hawks due to his perceived status as a "bad asset." Teams view his five-year, $207 million contract, which still has three years remaining, as a financial burden. His performance on the court also contributes to this perception.

Trae Young's Contract and Playing Style Pose Challenges

Despite averaging 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game during the 2023-24 season, Trae Young's efficiency is questionable, with a field goal percentage of just 43%. This suggests that much of his scoring comes from high-volume shooting rather than efficiency. Additionally, his defensive shortcomings mean that while he can score, he often fails to prevent opponents from scoring as well.

For example, if the Lakers were to replace D'Angelo Russell with Trae Young, it's unclear whether the team would improve, given how easily opposing teams can exploit Young's defensive liabilities. Despite his ability to draw fouls, his reputation for initiating contact to draw calls is not favorable.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

In six seasons with the Hawks, Trae Young's leadership has been called into question. The team's record has declined year after year, failing to reach the playoffs in the most recent season. This suggests that his playing style might be better suited for weaker teams where he can compile impressive statistics but less effective in a playoff environment.

Trae Young's outspoken nature has also caused controversy. He recently commented on the 2024 NBA Draft, saying, "No disrespect to the players selected, but many of them will likely end up as role players." This statement drew criticism from fans who felt he was being too dismissive of the draft class.

The Future of the Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks' inability to trade Trae Young leaves them in a difficult position. If they cannot move him, they will need to continue building around him, potentially limiting the development opportunities for Luka Samanic. Given the circumstances, the Hawks' situation appears bleak compared to what could have been had they not traded away Luka Dončić in a previous draft.

If the Hawks are unable to trade Trae Young, they will need to reassess their strategy and determine the best path forward. Regardless, the Hawks are facing a challenging rebuilding phase, and the future looks uncertain for the franchise.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of several NBA teams, focusing particularly on the Atlanta Hawks and their struggles with rebuilding around Trae Young. As the new season approaches, these challenges will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding the team and its prospects for the upcoming campaign.