Ben Grunert

Atlanta

NBA Writer @FanSided Senior Contributor covering the Hawks @SoaringDwnSouth NFL, College Football, and College Basketball @SportingNews [email protected]

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Articles

Zaccharie Risacher receives major vote of confidence from Hawks icon

5 days ago | soaringdownsouth.com | Ben Grunert

Zaccharie Risacher had more 30-point games than any other rookie this season, and he's just getting started. Hawks youngster Zaccharie Risacher finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after a productive start to his NBA career. In his debut season, Risacher averaged a solid 12.6 points on 45.8% shooting from the field. He led all rookies in 30-point games with four of them.
Veteran sharpshooter could give Hawks critical shooting boost in free agency

5 days ago | soaringdownsouth.com | Ben Grunert

One of the best shooters of all time is a free agent, and the Hawks need to take advantage of it. The Atlanta Hawks scored the fifth-most points per game in the NBA this season, fueled by a top-three pace in basketball and Trae Young’s 11.6 assists a night. However, they struggled in one key area on offense, 3-point shooting, and veteran sniper Seth Curry could be a solution.
Hawks legend addresses surprising Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors

5 days ago | soaringdownsouth.com | Ben Grunert

The Hawks are in the running for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and it could change the entire landscape of the NBA. The Atlanta Hawks could make their biggest offseason splash in franchise history if their rumored connection to Giannis Antetokounmpo comes to fruition. The Greek Freak has popped up in countless trade talks, and the offseason hasn’t even begun. In an exclusive interview with Esports Insider’s Kyle Odegard, Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins recently spoke about the Giannis-to-Atlanta rumors.
March Madness hero could solve major Hawks weakness this offseason

1 week ago | soaringdownsouth.com | Ben Grunert

Walter Clayton Jr. could be bringing his championship pedigree to the Hawks in June. The Atlanta Hawks have been linked to several intriguing prospects ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. One of those prospects led Florida to a national championship less than two months ago. Walter Clayton Jr. had an incredible senior season with the Gators, earning Most Outstanding Player honors at March Madness and becoming an All-American while leading his team in points, assists, and 3-pointers.
Homegrown youngster could help Hawks overcome Clint Capela’s expected exit in free agency

1 week ago | soaringdownsouth.com | Ben Grunert

If the Hawks want a big man for the future, they should look no further than Asa Newell. The Atlanta Hawks will have plenty of options to choose from with the No. 13 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. With veteran centers Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. entering free agency this offseason, Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh should consider drafting a big man for the future. Atlanta will likely have the chance to draft a homegrown talent who could serve as a long-term replacement for Capela.
Hawks journeyman looks ahead to future after breakout G League season

1 week ago | soaringdownsouth.com | Ben Grunert

Kevon Harris made a name for himself this season, and his journey is just beginning. The Atlanta Hawks battled through major injuries to end the 2024-25 season with 40 wins. As absences for key players like Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela piled up, the Hawks had to call upon some of their G League talent to weather the injury storm. This season, Kevon Harris emerged as one of the most underrated gems from the College Park Skyhawks.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski praises Colorado Buffaloes football legend Shedeur Sanders for elite work ethic

1 week ago | sportingnews.com | Ben Grunert

Shedeur Sanders has a shot to start for the Browns next season, but he is currently fighting for Cleveland’s QB1 spot with three other quarterbacks. Recent reports revealed that one of Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett will likely be cut or traded depending on which veteran performs better at training camp, paving the way for Sanders to face less competition.
Hawks’ Zaccharie Risacher could mirror Jayson Tatum with key improvement

1 week ago | soaringdownsouth.com | Ben Grunert

Zaccharie Risacher could become Atlanta's version of Jayson Tatum with this key improvement. Zaccharie Risacher put together an impressive rookie year for the Atlanta Hawks. The No. 1 pick may not have produced the scoring numbers many other top picks have boasted, but he played a pivotal role as Atlanta’s starting small forward during a 40-win season that saw the Hawks one overtime period away from a playoff berth.
Hawks’ interest in Auburn superstar could lead to first-round draft steal

1 week ago | soaringdownsouth.com | Ben Grunert

This Auburn talent could give Atlanta the backup point guard it needs. The Atlanta Hawks are officially gearing up for the 2025 NBA Draft. With the No. 13 pick and No. 22 pick, the Hawks will have a chance to add an impactful rookie to their roster. New reports have revealed that Atlanta will host Auburn superstar Tahaad Pettiford in a pre-draft workout before the May 28 deadline to withdraw from the draft.
Hawks could transform defense with trade for game-changing paint beast

1 week ago | soaringdownsouth.com | Ben Grunert

The Hawks could become an elite defense with this blockbuster mock trade. The Atlanta Hawks have boasted an elite offense for years, but their defense never seems to keep up with their ability to score. Since Trae Young was drafted, the Hawks have never boasted a top-15 defensive rating in the NBA. Atlanta has owned a bottom-five defense in four of Young’s seven seasons. In the 2024-25 campaign, the Hawks improved to No. 18 in leaguewide defensive efficiency with a 114.8 mark.