Season 1 Preview: Atlanta Enters With Real Expectations

Jalen Johnson heads into this season off a genuine breakout year, All-NBA Third Team, first All-Star selection, and a full-time move into a lead-playmaking role that saw his assists nearly double. Atlanta didn't stand pat around him. The front office brought in Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins, two title-tested two-way wings, giving Johnson real perimeter depth behind an already-established core. CJ McCollum returns for a full season after arriving via trade last year, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker comes off a Most Improved campaign of his own, with Onyeka Okongwu anchoring the frontcourt.

GM Meech kept the vision close to the chest heading into the opener: "We know what we're building. The league's going to find out the hard way."

Atlanta didn't touch its core, Daniels, Alexander-Walker, and Johnson all stay put, but the front office made one calculated bet: staying flexible on money now, with an eye on a historically loaded free agency class not far down the road. Whether that patience pays off, or whether this roster's already good enough to win now, is the actual question of the season.