-
October 4, 2024, 10:03 am
The preseason is upon us, and we’ll all be watching to see who comes out on top. Most teams are certain on who their best guys are; training camp is a bit of a formality for them and preseason is just about shaking off the rust. Some teams, however, have rosters in flux. Whether it’s a new incoming rookie, a trade or free agent signing, these teams below have critical rotation spots that are up for grabs. This article goes over nine teams that could see some new or returning faces in the starting lineup. These are the players we are watching closely as training camp progresses. Enjoy.
Hawks Final Starters
The Hawks’ lineup is going to look a little different this season. With the departure of Dejounte Murray, there is a giant void that needs to be filled in Atlanta. The Hawks drafted Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick this year, bringing a new wave of youth to the team. There were also some key pieces that came back in the Dejounte Murray trade, including Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels. With Trae Young, Jalen Johson and Clint Capela looking like locks for the starting lineup (though Capela will need to watch out for Onyeka Okongwu), who else will help complete the circle?
The SF position may have a new face. With the Hawks selecting Risacher over the projected first-overall pick Alex Sarr, there is a chance that he could start right out the gate. He had a solid but short showing in Summer League, averaging 14.5 PTS, 5.0 REB, 2.0 AST and 2.0 3PT while shooting 39.3% from the field. Of course, Summer League isn’t everything, and there is plenty of room for growth here. His competition is current starter De’Andre Hunter, who ironically has a very similar stat set to Risacher. Last year, Hunter averaged 15.5 PTS, 3.9 REB, 1.5 AST and 2.1 3PT while shooting 45.9% from the field. If they decide to go with Hunter, the advantage here is experience. Risacher could get some reps in the second unit still and learn at a slower pace, or they could slot Risacher in the starting lineup, betting on upside with a more youthful approach as the Hawks try to write their next chapter. From what we’ve seen from both players, there may not be that much of a difference between the options.
The SG position is also up for grabs this year. Scenario one is to start veteran Bogdan Bogdanovic. He had a great season last year, averaging 16.9 PTS, 3.4 REB, 3.1 AST, 1.2 STL and 3.0 3PT in the 6th-man role. He is a great off-ball scorer, can playmake when needed and has experience on his side. The upside play here is starting former Pelican Dyson Daniels. Daniels brings a different type of skill set to the table as a big guard that can pass, rebound and play defense like none other. In 16 starts last season, Daniels averaged 8.0 PTS, 5.2 REB, 4.1 AST and 1.8 STL. Most importantly, he brings a level of defense that helps cover for Young’s deficiencies. That was the initial plan with Murray, but the two didn’t mesh well in the long run. Daniels doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, allowing Young to do what he does best. For fit purposes, Daniels is my choice here. Keeping Bogdanovic in the second unit allows him to take every shot he wants, and his track record of success in the role is something that the team may not want to mess around with. Bogdanovic is still a great target in the later parts of drafts because he will most likely still get 30 minutes a game. If you are towards the end of your draft, Daniels is the perfect flier to take.
Want to see the rest of our Preseason Position Battles and get into everything else that comes with the Draft Guide? You’ll need to have an NBA FantasyPass membership or purchase the Draft Guide. Click here to learn more and sign up!
Premium Access Required
Click here to join us on Discord! And Follow us on Twitter by clicking here!
Join the SportsEthos team by filling out an application by clicking here!