For so long, the Atlanta Hawks have been the billboard for mediocrity among NBA franchises. Even as they employ one of the Association’s most polarizing names, in Trae Young, they have seldom stood out as more than a paper tiger. Though they have an Eastern Conference Finals appearance under their belt, they have yet to win more than 43 games since Young entered the Association.

What’s more, the Hawks have one of the NBA’s longest 50-win-season droughts. They have not cleared the benchmark since the vaunted 60-win campaign in 2014-15.

Well, there’s a chance this is all about to change.

Don’t take our word for it, either. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index system projects the Hawks to win 48 games—which is very close to 50. Win totals at various sports betting Georgia sites that residents of

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