NBA Notes: Hawks, Lu Dort, Raptors, Collin Murray-Boyles, Nets

Hawks

The Hawks have spent the past couple of offseasons building an identity. It’s becoming increasingly clear what that identity is.

According to Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Hawks believe they’ve added even more toughness by swapping Zaccharie Risacher for Luguentz Dort and Ryan Nembhard.

Dort brings playoff experience and a reputation as one of the league’s more physical perimeter defenders, while Nembhard gives the Hawks another hard-nosed guard capable of running an offense. As a rookie, he posted nearly a 4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

The result is a roster loaded with defensive versatility and plenty of lineup options as Atlanta continues trying to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

Raptors

The Raptors believe Collin Murray-Boyles proved he belongs during last season’s playoffs.

Now they’ll find out just how big of a role he can handle.

Murray-Boyles averaged 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks while helping Toronto push the Cavaliers to seven games in the first round. His offensive development came faster than expected, earning the coaching staff’s trust in meaningful postseason minutes.

“One of the biggest compliments you can have as a rookie is to get recognition for contributing in a playoff series,” Murray-Boyles said, via Eric Koreen of The Athletic. “A lot of rookies don’t get a chance to feel what it’s like to play in playoff games early on. Me being able to do that and also create an impact is just proof of the work I put in.”

The second-year forward said he’s studied teammate Scottie Barnes‘ film extensively, particularly how Barnes creates offense despite not relying heavily on outside shooting. That’s a role Murray-Boyles hopes to grow into as well.

A hand injury sidelined him during Summer League, but Toronto still views him as one of the franchise’s foundational young pieces entering next season.

Nets

The Nets still have flexibility. The question is whether they intend to use it.

General manager Sean Marks said maintaining financial flexibility remains a priority as Brooklyn continues its rebuilding process, even if that means staying patient while the rest of the league continues making moves.

“When you’re rebuilding a team like we have been the last couple of years, that’s important,” Marks said, via Erik Slater of Clutch Points. “You just never know what’s going to come your way. So for us to have that optionality will be really important. But at the same time, I like the roster we have.”

Brooklyn remains the NBA’s lone team with significant cap room, giving the front office the ability to absorb contracts or jump into future trades if the right opportunity presents itself.

In other words, even if the Nets aren’t making headlines today, don’t assume they’re done.

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