Will Hawks Following 2000s Era Pistons Script Define Success?

On Friday, the Atlanta Hawks played without franchise point guard Trae Young for the first time this season, handily defeating the Indiana Pacers after sputtering out of the gates. All five starters and two reserves scored in double-figures. Two starters and one reserve recorded more than five assists. Despite going 10-30 (33.3%) from 3, they were able to shoot 54.3% from the field. Yes, the Pacers were missing multiple key players, but the Hawks offense was humming because of trust and ball-movement.

With the questions surrounding Young’s health status after teammate Mo Gueye was pushed into his knee early in their matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, it underscored a trend that’s been incredibly important.

Will Hawks Following 2000s Era Pistons Script Define Success?

Entering their matchup against the Pacers, the Hawks ranked eighth in assists per game (28.2). This would’ve been eye-catching all alone but it’s even more noteworthy considering that they ranked 19th in field goal percentage (.459), 19th in 3-point percentage (.345) and 23rd in 2-point percentage (.527). That being said, as Young’s averaging a team-high 7.8 assists per game, he was clearly doing a lot of the wheeling and dealing.

Friday’s game illuminated the possibility, if not reality, that they can consistently generate enough ball-movement without him though.

With Young ruled out due to a knee sprain, Nickeil Alexander-Walker got the start in his place. However, he was more of a connector than an initiator, making the extra pass to get his teammates clean looks. Dyson Daniels had six dimes, but they came in a variety of ways. Jalen Johnson was actually the team’s primary facilitator in the first unit and led the team with eight assists. In the second unit, Keaton Wallace stepped up as a floor general, finishing his near-perfect night with seven helpers.

Throughout, the Hawks were playing for each other and playing through each other. In many ways, they were reminiscent of the 2000s era Detroit Pistons.

Five Heads Are Better Than One

In the 2000s, the Pistons didn’t just have one captain during their quest for a championship.

Chauncey Billups, who went on to become an NBA head coach, was “Mr. Big Shot,” a moniker he earned for his clutch play. Ben Wallace, a player who went from being undrafted to a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, was their defensive anchor. Tayshaun Prince, who went on to join the Memphis Grizzlies front office, had a reputation as a locker room leader. Richard Hamilton led by example, his consistency and conditioning pivotal to him being highly effective for over a decade. Rasheed Wallace wasn’t thought of as a mature player but he was a true competitor nonetheless.

Each of these players relied on each other, on and off the court. Their chemistry was so important that when they reached the 2004 NBA Finals, they were able to defeat a Los Angeles Lakers team featuring Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in five games. A gentleman’s sweep.

13 years after winning that title, Hamilton revealed that the starting lineup still spoke multiple times per week (h/t NBA.com’s Keith Langlois). He also noted how the quintet used to chant “best five alive” before games and in the middle of huddles. Their belief in themselves and each other was just that great.

That’s the mindset the Hawks starters need, too.

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