Hawks open season with Porziņģis-led roster vs Raptors

The Atlanta Hawks open the 2025-26 NBA season Wednesday at State Farm Arena against the Toronto Raptors, debuting a heavily reworked roster built to support veteran point guard Trae Young and push the team beyond last season’s play-in finish. The offseason additions of Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, combined with the development of young pieces such as Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels, give the Hawks a deeper, more versatile rotation that aims to improve spacing and defense around Young.

Porziņģis, acquired in a three-team trade, is positioned as the focal point of Atlanta’s retooling. He offers long-range shooting and rim protection that should open driving lanes for Young and reduce the team’s reliance on isolation creation. Porziņģis said he views a possible long-term deal as something to consider after seeing how the season unfolds. Coaches and analysts have flagged his presence as essential because he can both stretch defenses and anchor the paint on defense.

Trae Young remains the Hawks’ primary offensive engine. Last season he averaged 24.2 points and a league-leading 11.6 assists, and his career numbers sit at about 25.3...