Atlanta Hawks Set to Tip Off 2024-25 Season Tonight Against Brooklyn Nets

The Atlanta Hawks are ready to kick off their 2024-25 NBA season on Wednesday, October 23, against the Brooklyn Nets at State Farm Arena.  This marks the seventh time the Hawks will begin a season against the Nets, with a 4-2 record in such matchups. The last time Atlanta opened against Brooklyn was in December 2011, when the Hawks secured a dominant 106-70 victory, the largest season-opening win in franchise history.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect as the Hawks look to make a strong start to the new season.

Pre-Game Tribute to Dikembe Mutombo

In a heartfelt pre-game ceremony, the Hawks will honor franchise legend Dikembe Mutombo, who passed away on Sept 30. The tribute will feature a moment of silence and a video presentation, recognizing Mutombo’s significant contributions both on and off the court. This emotional homage is expected to resonate deeply with fans and set a reflective tone before the excitement of the game begins.

Steve Holman’s Milestone:

The game will also mark a special milestone for Steve Holman, the “Voice of the Hawks.” Holman will call his 3,000th consecutive Hawks broadcast, starting his 40th season with the team. Holman has never missed a single regular season or playoff radio broadcast and has covered Hawks games in five different decades, broadcasting from locations all over the world.

Halftime Entertainment

Adding to the night’s festivities, Atlanta-based rapper Gucci Mane is slated to perform during the halftime show, further energizing the crowd and contributing to a memorable season opener for Hawks fans.

Team Updates and Expectations

The Hawks enter this season with a retooled roster centered around star point guard Trae Young. Over the offseason, the team traded Dejounte Murray, signaling a shift in their approach. Tonight’s game will give fans their first look at how the new lineup performs, with players like Young expected to step up and lead the team.

Several young players, including rookie Kobe Bufkin, are sidelined due to injury, meaning the team’s depth will be tested early in the season. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets also have injuries affecting their squad, which could influence the dynamic of the matchup.

Zaccharie Risacher’s Debut

The Hawks’ 2024 first overall draft pick, Zaccharie Risacher, is set to make his NBA debut. The 6-foot-9 forward from France was named the 2023-24 French League Best Young Player and represents Atlanta’s first No. 1 overall selection since 1975. The Hawks had just a 3% chance of landing the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, making Risacher’s selection a major moment for the franchise.

Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanović

Trae Young enters the season after averaging 25.7 points and a career-high 10.8 assists per game in 2023-24. He became just the third player in NBA history to average at least 25.0 points and 10.0 assists in back-to-back seasons, joining Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.

Bogdan Bogdanović set a franchise record last season with 240 made three-pointers. He also led Serbia to a bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning All-Second Team honors and becoming Serbia’s all-time leading scorer for the national team.

Rising Star Jalen Johnson

Jalen Johnson made a significant leap last season, increasing his scoring by 10.4 points per game and his rebounding by 4.7 per game, becoming just the second player in franchise history to improve by at least 10.0 PPG and 4.0 RPG in one season. His development will be crucial to Atlanta’s success this year.

Fan Excitement and Media Buzz

Excitement is running high among Atlanta fans, with the combination of on-court action and the tributes to the team’s legacy, the season opener is expected to be a memorable event. For those unable to attend in person, the game will be available via NBA League Pass, with plenty of media coverage leading up to the tip-off.

The Hawks’ opener will not only kick off what fans hope will be a successful season, but it also highlights the organization’s respect for its history and its efforts to build a promising future.