Based on all three teams performances in their last seasons, neither theAtlanta Braves,Atlanta HawksorAtlanta Falconsappear to be any closer to winning a championship. Who will be the next championship contender in Atlanta sports?
The least likely Atlanta sports team would be theAtlanta Braves. They are in a total rebuild mode, which optimistically could mean seeing theBravesas a serious contender in a minimum of three to five years.
The other two teams are debatable, based on acquisitions, draft picks and leadership.
Now let’s talk about theHawks. TheAtlanta Hawksare at a crossroads as to what to do with free agents. Do they keep them? Do they sign them? Then the question becomes, who is tradable?
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Free agents will includeKent Bazemore,Kirk Hinrich,Al Horford,Kris HumphriesandMike Muscala. The two that will command the most interest will beKent BazemoreandAl Horford, who coachMike Budenholzerhas already expressed interest in re-signing.
There are plenty of options out there as far as trading goes. The two players that would generate the most interest would beJeff TeagueandAl Horford.
Then there is the issue of free agent acquisitions. If the team is willing to invest in Dwight Howard or a similar player, then dynamics are changed going forward.
TheAtlanta Hawkshave a couple of options. They could tradeTeagueorHorfordstraight up for another player, or package them for a higher draft pick.
How they handle these players will greatly impact the ultimate success or failure of theAtlanta Hawks.
As for theAtlanta Falcons, after the 2016 NFL Draft, it appears that theFalconshave a distinct plan to approach fixing defensive issues.
While no pass rushers were added to the roster, it looks like coachDan Quinnplans to fix the defense from the back forward.
Everything that has been said aboutKeanu Neal, theFalcons‘ first round draft pick, seems to say thatQuinnhas found the right player for his overall plan.
With the addition ofMohamed Sanuin combination with the big three –Matt Ryan,Devonta Freeman, andJulio Jones– theAtlanta Falconsmay be able to contend in the 2016 season.
Next: Atlanta Braves: Another minor league prospect?
All in all, what theAtlanta Bravesare attempting is noble and it may bring them long-term success. Both theAtlanta Falconsand theAtlanta Hawks, under the right conditions, have the ability to compete for a championship soon. How soon? Brighter days may not be that far off.
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