David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Just two seasons ago, the Atlanta Hawks shocked nearly everyone as they stormed deep into the NBA playoffs.

The Hawks were a great surprise to many, aside from their fans who long believed their team had what it took to make it far.

Then, last season, they had a much harder time and struggled to make the playoffs.

But some huge changes were made in the summer and now the team’s lead player, Trae Young, believes that big things are ahead.

“We believe we can win a championship,” Young said at a press conference for his team.

“I know I do,” he added.

Young has always had great confidence in his team but now many more NBA fans also believe in the Hawks too.

Hawks Flying High

Atlanta was part of one of the biggest acquisitions in the summer when they got Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs.

While he won’t completely change the fate of the team by himself, Murray is a huge deal for the Hawks.

Playing alongside Young and John Collins, Murray could greatly raise the team’s offense and defense to the next level.

He fills many of the voids that the Hawks have – he just needs to stay healthy and follow through on his potential.

As for Young, he needs to keep playing at MVP-caliber levels and become even more of a team leader in the months ahead.

Young is a terrific player but he has his own weak points that need addressing and there is no better time to do that than now, with a new-look roster ready to take on the East.

In just a few months, we will know if Young’s belief in his team is founded or not.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Deleted Instagram video sparks FAA investigation of Rockies amid turbulent season
Longtime NFL executive Bill Tobin dies
Avalanche goaltender confirms retirement after short, injury-marred career
Analyst insists that the Raiders like this divisive quarterback prospect
NHL approves sale, relocation of Arizona Coyotes
Eastern and Western Conference play-in teams' odds to advance take hit with brutal injuries
NFL decides fate of five players suspended for gambling
Injured Rangers ace ahead of schedule in rehab efforts
Penguins' Sidney Crosby addresses retirement, contract chatter
Warriors 'want' Klay Thompson back with team next season
Bill Belichick says he’s only coached one rookie who was NFL-ready from Day 1
Giants GM addresses Daniel Jones 'buyer’s remorse' report
76ers big man gives Knicks bulletin-board material ahead of first-round matchup
Yankees star joins elite company after latest feat
Watch: Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon puts exclamation point on historic season
Aroldis Chapman suspended by MLB over brief exchange with umpire
Packers make important roster move just days before 2024 NFL Draft
Steelers' Russell Wilson blasted by Super Bowl champion: 'You were along for the ride' for championship
Former GM eviscerates Falcons brass for passing on Bill Belichick
Yankees' Juan Soto reportedly eyeing 'bidding war' between two teams

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.