Atlanta Hawks - Power Ranking

Week Rank Rating Team Record Comment

15 18 33 Atl 5-8 "Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Richie "Say You, Say Me" is a reflective ballad about unity and understanding. The song encourages open communication and mutual support, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging each other's feelings and perspectives to foster deeper connections and harmony in relationships. A team that knows where it’s at and is building accordingly. There’s unity within the whole organisation of the path Atlanta has chosen to take.

14 21 36 Atl 5-7 21. Atlanta Hawks (Nigeria) The Hawks' 'youthful demographic' is akin to Nigeria's burgeoning 'young population,' with potential for 'rapid growth' if 'investments' are channeled effectively into 'development projects.' Sarr and Clingan are proving to be the youthful exhuberance they have always wanted. Bane continues to improve - will this rapid growth bring on a new era in ATL.

13 18 46 Atl 6-6 Crossbow- Good medium sized weapon that can kill from range, the Crossbow was the French weapon of choice in medieval times. Many battles were won by peppering the opponent from distance with this portable, monoeverable and relative quick weapon. The Hawks are able to claim victory but might need some more advanced technology to compete with the big boys this season. The draft might bring an upgrade.

12 19 45 Atl 6-6 Atlanta Hawks - "The Safety Dance" – Men Without Hats (1982) Quirky and fun with an unforgettable beat, the Hawks have all three traits. Their youthful exuberance and ability to play with ‘many’ hats has been impressive. They can dance if they want to, and for good reason as they have seen an uptick in their production - especially from their young core.

11 23 25 Atl 4-8 Atlanta Hawks: The Bat Swarm 🦇🌪️ D&D Monster Classification: Bat Swarm Why? The Hawks flutter like a chaotic Bat Swarm – a low-level menace that overwhelms foes with speed, agility, and sheer numbers. While lacking a singular star, they harass opponents through relentless movement, quick strikes, and youthful energy. Swooping Strikes (Guard Speed): Coby White and Immanuel Quickley dart like bats in the night, slashing lanes and firing off quick threes. Their handles and pace keep defenses flustered. Echolocation (Shooting Radar): Desmond Bane acts as the swarm’s sonar, raining threes (40%+ from deep) with surgical precision. His off-ball movement is a silent, deadly flutter. Swarm Tactics (Youthful Chaos): Rookies Alex Sarr and Gradey Dick buzz with untamed potential, their length and hustle adding unpredictability. Even Brandin Podziemski nips at ankles like a pesky bat. Dark Cave (Paint Presence): Isaiah Stewart and Donovan Clingan anchor the roost, swatting shots and gobbling rebounds like bats clinging to a cavern ceiling.

10 29 -5 Atl 1-11 An injured Hawk in an Aerial Battle with an Eagle - https://youtu.be/1-xGzen0GbI?si=j7uuvzTVnfyYizzH Without watching the video, the conclusion is simple. An eagle of abundant size (NSL season) can decimate a Hawk. And that has been the case for this young hawk. It has been hard going with glimmers of hope and optimism, however the season is proving to be a brutal one. Rookie talent has been a highlight for the organisation, however it has not been enough to swing the pendulum. Veteran leadership has been lacking and this injured hawk has been flying solo, wing-affected, and in a potential tailspin toward terra-firma.

9 30 -6 Atl 1-11 Joffrey Lannister - Maybe the most hated TV character of all time. Credit to the actor who portrayed him, he did an incredible job, because Joffrey was almost unbearable to watch at times. He was a weak, cruel, slimy little weasel, who deserved his ending. The scene were his father, the hand of the king tells him to go to bed at a council meeting is gold, and he responds but I am not tired, like the little brat he was.

8 28 5 Atl 2-10

7 27 14 Atl 3-9 Sleeping Beauty (Aurora) - Atlanta Not the most proactive, but her curse and eventual awakening inspire kingdoms. Atlanta is a sleeper, and if given the chance, could be a beautiful princess. They have pushed many teams, and found success in times of perceived trouble. The sweet kiss of fortune hasn’t been forthcoming, however they have the future in their hands. Wait on them to emerge from their slumber and present as an NSL darling.

6 23 23 Atl 4-8 Marlin (Finding Nemo) - I am quick to analyse incoming GMs and draw conclusions about their personalities, operational traits and aspirations in the NSL. Bulldog appeared to be few of words and quite serious in his personality and extremely cautious of his moves and impacts he had and could have as GM. The NSL is no coral reef - it is the drop off; a murky, bottomless body of water full of unknown events and predators. Much like Marlin, bulldog was extra cautious of this and had to build up the impetus to hit the open water. Through initial discomfort and hesitation, he is comfortably immersed in the NSL community, adding plenty of value and personality through his analysis and starting to live!

5 25 14 Atl 3-9 Asami (Audition) -The Atlanta Hawks have recently become explosive and unpredictable, much like Asami, who hides a terrifying personality beneath a seemingly calm and sweet exterior. One moment they are suffering and meek, the next they are causing headaches for even the best in the league. With potential to be truly psychotic, the Hawks can become something special. Asami’s calm, collected demeanor is deceptive, much like the Hawk’s ability to surprise opponents with aggressive, high-speed play that overwhelms their defense; with youth and depth they can be a team to remember. “You’re the one who’s hurt me.”

4 25 25 Atl 4-8 Eleven - Stranger Things. This TV show, led by Eleven took the world by storm. I am sure the nostalgic 80's references helped with the popularity, but the storyline and performances were definitely the main part. Its a really cool storyline, where Eleven has powers but is mistreated and escapes to a close nit group of Nerds (and I say Nerds with love, cause I am one) who take her in. However, it turns out she protects them more than they ever could of imagined.

3 25 25 Atl 4-8 Desmond Bane has to be in the discussion for MIP. Upping his scoring average by 7ppg, and keeping his team in games while core players like Grady Dick miss time.

2 24 20 Atl 3-5 "Forever Young" - Alphaville- This team is very young and has some ways to go still, but it's a good start for them based on last year only winning 15 games. They're just waiting to see guys develop and unfortunately have a season ending injury to a young guy already.

1 26 4 Atl 1-3 Without their best player in Desmond Bane, the Hawks do enough to get a pass for the first week of competition. Hawks trotted out their twin tower rookies in Sarr and Clingan, both looking at home enough in the NSL. This will no doubt be a development year for the Hawks, with their compassionate GM looking to help the young players along to another year of growth.

	GS	113
	CHI	97

	NO	106
	LAL	111

	CHA	111
	DEN	116

	BOS	116
	SAC	110

	MIN	106
	POR	96

Week	Rank	Rating	Team	Record	Comment
15	18	33	Atl	5-8	"Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Richie "Say You, Say Me" is a reflective ballad about unity and understanding. The song encourages open communication and mutual support, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging each other's feelings and perspectives to foster deeper connections and harmony in relationships. A team that knows where it’s at and is building accordingly. There’s unity within the whole organisation of the path Atlanta has chosen to take.
14	21	36	Atl	5-7	21. Atlanta Hawks (Nigeria) The Hawks' 'youthful demographic' is akin to Nigeria's burgeoning 'young population,' with potential for 'rapid growth' if 'investments' are channeled effectively into 'development projects.' Sarr and Clingan are proving to be the youthful exhuberance they have always wanted. Bane continues to improve - will this rapid growth bring on a new era in ATL.
13	18	46	Atl	6-6	Crossbow- Good medium sized weapon that can kill from range, the Crossbow was the French weapon of choice in medieval times. Many battles were won by peppering the opponent from distance with this portable, monoeverable and relative quick weapon. The Hawks are able to claim victory but might need some more advanced technology to compete with the big boys this season. The draft might bring an upgrade.
12	19	45	Atl	6-6	Atlanta Hawks - "The Safety Dance" – Men Without Hats (1982) Quirky and fun with an unforgettable beat, the Hawks have all three traits. Their youthful exuberance and ability to play with ‘many’ hats has been impressive. They can dance if they want to, and for good reason as they have seen an uptick in their production - especially from their young core.
11	23	25	Atl	4-8	Atlanta Hawks: The Bat Swarm 🦇🌪️ D&D Monster Classification: Bat Swarm Why? The Hawks flutter like a chaotic Bat Swarm – a low-level menace that overwhelms foes with speed, agility, and sheer numbers. While lacking a singular star, they harass opponents through relentless movement, quick strikes, and youthful energy. Swooping Strikes (Guard Speed): Coby White and Immanuel Quickley dart like bats in the night, slashing lanes and firing off quick threes. Their handles and pace keep defenses flustered. Echolocation (Shooting Radar): Desmond Bane acts as the swarm’s sonar, raining threes (40%+ from deep) with surgical precision. His off-ball movement is a silent, deadly flutter. Swarm Tactics (Youthful Chaos): Rookies Alex Sarr and Gradey Dick buzz with untamed potential, their length and hustle adding unpredictability. Even Brandin Podziemski nips at ankles like a pesky bat. Dark Cave (Paint Presence): Isaiah Stewart and Donovan Clingan anchor the roost, swatting shots and gobbling rebounds like bats clinging to a cavern ceiling.
10	29	-5	Atl	1-11	An injured Hawk in an Aerial Battle with an Eagle - https://youtu.be/1-xGzen0GbI?si=j7uuvzTVnfyYizzH Without watching the video, the conclusion is simple. An eagle of abundant size (NSL season) can decimate a Hawk. And that has been the case for this young hawk. It has been hard going with glimmers of hope and optimism, however the season is proving to be a brutal one. Rookie talent has been a highlight for the organisation, however it has not been enough to swing the pendulum. Veteran leadership has been lacking and this injured hawk has been flying solo, wing-affected, and in a potential tailspin toward terra-firma.
9	30	-6	Atl	1-11	Joffrey Lannister - Maybe the most hated TV character of all time. Credit to the actor who portrayed him, he did an incredible job, because Joffrey was almost unbearable to watch at times. He was a weak, cruel, slimy little weasel, who deserved his ending. The scene were his father, the hand of the king tells him to go to bed at a council meeting is gold, and he responds but I am not tired, like the little brat he was.
8	28	5	Atl	2-10
7	27	14	Atl	3-9	Sleeping Beauty (Aurora) - Atlanta Not the most proactive, but her curse and eventual awakening inspire kingdoms. Atlanta is a sleeper, and if given the chance, could be a beautiful princess. They have pushed many teams, and found success in times of perceived trouble. The sweet kiss of fortune hasn’t been forthcoming, however they have the future in their hands. Wait on them to emerge from their slumber and present as an NSL darling.
6	23	23	Atl	4-8	Marlin (Finding Nemo) - I am quick to analyse incoming GMs and draw conclusions about their personalities, operational traits and aspirations in the NSL. Bulldog appeared to be few of words and quite serious in his personality and extremely cautious of his moves and impacts he had and could have as GM. The NSL is no coral reef - it is the drop off; a murky, bottomless body of water full of unknown events and predators. Much like Marlin, bulldog was extra cautious of this and had to build up the impetus to hit the open water. Through initial discomfort and hesitation, he is comfortably immersed in the NSL community, adding plenty of value and personality through his analysis and starting to live!
5	25	14	Atl	3-9	Asami (Audition) -The Atlanta Hawks have recently become explosive and unpredictable, much like Asami, who hides a terrifying personality beneath a seemingly calm and sweet exterior. One moment they are suffering and meek, the next they are causing headaches for even the best in the league. With potential to be truly psychotic, the Hawks can become something special. Asami’s calm, collected demeanor is deceptive, much like the Hawk’s ability to surprise opponents with aggressive, high-speed play that overwhelms their defense; with youth and depth they can be a team to remember. “You’re the one who’s hurt me.”
4	25	25	Atl	4-8	Eleven - Stranger Things. This TV show, led by Eleven took the world by storm. I am sure the nostalgic 80's references helped with the popularity, but the storyline and performances were definitely the main part. Its a really cool storyline, where Eleven has powers but is mistreated and escapes to a close nit group of Nerds (and I say Nerds with love, cause I am one) who take her in. However, it turns out she protects them more than they ever could of imagined.
3	25	25	Atl	4-8	Desmond Bane has to be in the discussion for MIP. Upping his scoring average by 7ppg, and keeping his team in games while core players like Grady Dick miss time.
2	24	20	Atl	3-5	"Forever Young" - Alphaville- This team is very young and has some ways to go still, but it's a good start for them based on last year only winning 15 games. They're just waiting to see guys develop and unfortunately have a season ending injury to a young guy already.
1	26	4	Atl	1-3	Without their best player in Desmond Bane, the Hawks do enough to get a pass for the first week of competition. Hawks trotted out their twin tower rookies in Sarr and Clingan, both looking at home enough in the NSL. This will no doubt be a development year for the Hawks, with their compassionate GM looking to help the young players along to another year of growth.