Dejounte Murray Talks Potential of The Hawks: "Top 3 in The East"

During the off-season, one of the biggest acquisitions via trade was made by the Hawks. Atlanta traded for then-Spurs All-Star Guard Dejounte Murray. Coming into the season there were high expectations and it is still something Murray believes can be realized. In fact, the Hawks guard believes the team can be top three in the East.

In a sit down with Taylor Rooks, Murray was asked about the direction the Hawks were going. Rooks proceeded to ask about "the peak" and what that looks like for Murray and the expectation for the team. Without hesitation, Murray responded with "I think we're a top-three team in the East." He legitimized it by saying we have the "talent" and if we could "put it together" they can get there.

"The talent we have… if we can put it together, I think we’re a top-three team in the East."@DejounteMurray sits down with @TaylorRooks to discuss building chemistry with Trae Young and the potential of the Atlanta Hawks pic.twitter.com/4nQmJFQE0v
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 1, 2023

At the beginning of the season, teammate and All-Star Trae Young was excited about the pairing. With Murray, the Hawks were getting a tough defender and legitimate scoring threat. It was perceived to be a backcourt that can compete with other teams like the Cavaliers. However, it hasn't turned out to be what they expected.

This 💩 just got real

Let’s get busy my Brotha😤@DejounteMurray pic.twitter.com/D9DBBvtGml
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 29, 2022

The Hawks are currently in the eighth seed. They are 6-4 in their last ten games and are seven games behind the third seed that Murray believes Atlanta can get to. Although the team is not performing to what was thought to be, Murray has delivered. The 26-year-old is averaging 21 points 5 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting 46% from the field. He is also averaging 1.7 steals per game.

The Hawks do have the talent that can easily get them to a top-six seed. Murray's trajectory for the team might not come to fruition, but who's to say it is impossible. With the trade deadline looming and fellow teammate John Collins mentioned in the mix, it could make the team better or worse. As for now, the Hawks need to focus on winning games, and their next matchup is against a Suns team that has won two in a row.