Hawks have struggled to take off this season

The 3-3 Hawks have yet to find the rhythm that propelled them to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, writes Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. With an intimidating schedule coming up in which Atlanta is set to play several 2021 playoff teams, Kirschner offers his thoughts on how the club can adjust.

While forwards Cam Reddish and John Collins have exhibited plenty of growth, others among the team’s number have struggled a bit. Point guard Trae Young is struggling to adjust to the league’s new free throw rules. Meanwhile, shooting guard Kevin Huerter is struggling to connect from deep.

There’s more out of the Southeast Division:

• The Hornets have already enjoyed a promising start to 2021-22, writes Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer. New additions Ish Smith and Kelly Oubre have fit in well thus far, with Oubre connecting on a solid 35.7% of his three-point looks. 2022 restricted free-agent forward Miles Bridges has taken his scoring to borderline All-Star heights, and Boone is pegging his future contract in the $100 million vicinity. When it comes to perimeter depth, Boone observes that Cody Martin, Jalen McDaniels and Nick Richards are also improving.
• The hot start of the Heat has Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel wondering if team president Pat Riley has finally nailed the club’s supporting lineup around All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Miami has wholly recalibrated its frontcourt depth around Adebayo, and the early results have paid dividends thus far. The addition of former Raptors All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry has made a huge defensive impact on Miami, although his offense has been limited so far. Sixth man Tyler Herro appears to have taken a leap in his third season.
• Heat All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler has thrived alongside new addition Kyle Lowry. Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald wonders if Butler has been newly maximized as a player alongside the former six-time All-Star point guard.