Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela are expected to secure two of the three starting frontcourt positions for the Hawks, but the final forward spot is still undecided, as reported by Lauren Williams of *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*, who outlines six potential candidates.
De’Andre Hunter appears to be the leading contender for the position, though Williams highlights that Hunter performed better off the bench last season. In 20 games as a reserve, he shot 49.1% from the field and 42.0% from three-point range.
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No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and newly acquired guard Dyson Daniels are two additional options Lauren Williams highlights. While Daniels is expected to primarily play in the backcourt, he could slot in at small forward if the Hawks opt to start Bogdan Bogdanovic alongside Trae Young and need a strong wing defender.
Here are more updates from the Eastern Conference:
Joe Cowley of *The Chicago Sun-Times* breaks down key storylines for the Bulls’ upcoming training camp, including the roles of Patrick Williams and Matas Buzelis, Lonzo Ball’s recovery from multiple knee surgeries, and who will secure the ninth spot in Billy Donovan’s rotation. Cowley anticipates a starting lineup of Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Williams, with Ayo Dosunmu, Jalen Smith, and Buzelis filling out the top eight. This leaves players like Torrey Craig, Dalen Terry, Chris Duarte, and Julian Phillips competing for minutes.
In a subscriber-only article for *The New York Post*, Stefan Bondy lists six centers the Knicks might target for a trade before February’s deadline. Some potential options, like Nick Richards, seem realistic, while others, such as Deandre Ayton, may be less likely.
Eric Nehm of *The Athletic* discusses five intriguing lineups the Bucks could use this season, including a small-ball unit with Giannis Antetokounmpo at center and a floor-spacing lineup featuring Damian Lillard, Gary Trent Jr., and A.J. Green.