OKC Thunder: TI editor power ranking week 9: The shuffle is on

Although John Collins has the potential to become an All-Star in the future Trae Yong will be the measuring stick for how fast the Hawks are improving.

Young’s production by month:

October:

19.1 points
6.6 assists
2.9 rebounds
16 of 47 from deep or 34 percent efficiency

November:

14.0 points
8.1 assists
3.1 rebounds
17 of 86 from deep or 19.7 percent efficiency

December:

15.4 points
5.6 assists
1.7 rebounds
8 of 31 from deep or 25.8 percent efficiency

Clearly, the best of Trae Young came in October with his highest point production and best 3-point efficiency in those seven games.  Since then it’s been a mixed bag with his best rebounding efforts in the 16 games of November but his worst 3-point efficiency. One would assume December would’ve witnessed a rise given the return of another score in John Collins but his assists haven’t come close to the opening month, nor is he recognizing success behind the arc despite Collins being on the floor.

This could simply be growing pains, and while there are standout games where Young’s potential is obvious he’ll need to start putting together successive solid performances before this team can begin their progress upward.

At present, the Hawks look more like a G-League than varsity squad, but much of that is also due to injuries and a lack of reserve talent.

Atlanta Hawks

Offensive Rating: 28th
Defensive Rating: 25th
Net Differential: 28th

Offensive field goal efficiency: 44.5 percent (tied 25th)
Points per game: 108.5 (tied 22nd)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 47.3 percent (25th)
Opponent points per game: 119.3 (30th

3-Point percent: 32.5% (28)
Opponent 3-point percent: 38% (30)

Home: 4-9
Road: 2-14
Back to back sets: 3

Versus the West: 2-9
Versus the East: 4-14, 15th in EC

Week nine 0-3:  Lost @Mavericks, @Celtics, @Nets
On tap for week 10: Wizards, @Knicks, @Pistons