ATL All Day
Fansided

How can the Atlanta Hawks break from the middle of the pack?

By Matthew Brothers

May 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks mascot Harry the Hawk performs during a time out of the fourth quarter of their game against the Washington Wizards in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 82-81. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks mascot Harry the Hawk performs during a time out of the fourth quarter of their game against the Washington Wizards in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 82-81. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

As this season seems destined for a fourth or fifth seed playoff berth, are the Atlanta Hawks in a position of mediocrity?

Let’s face reality. An Atlanta Hawks title anytime soon is unrealistic at best. Teams like Cleveland in the east and a stacked western conference are too good. Boston is on the rise with Toronto and Washington playing great basketball. The Hawks roster at this point cannot truly compete with the type of roster talent across the NBA. However, some key factors can help the Hawks compete for a title in the future.

One key that is really important for future success is to resign Tim Hardaway Jr. At 24 years old, Tim has had a breakthrough second half of the season with no end in sight. He will be a restricted free agent next year and his upside is tremendous. A young core of Dennis Schroder and Hardaway would have the potential to be formidable.

Feb 10, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) moves to the basket during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Atlanta Hawks 108-107. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10)  Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Another important topic for discussion is Paul Millsap. Paul is about to be a four time all star and is  the glue of the Atlanta Hawks. Coach Bud has stated the Hawks will not trade Millsap even though  many rumors have surfaced. The consensus is that Millsap will decline his player option and become a free agent. Atlanta has to resist the urge to resign him to a max deal. I’m not saying let him walk but with huge amounts of salary committed to Dwight Howard, Kent Bazemore, and Dennis the Hawks need to be careful. Paul is a great player but with the age factor and the current inability to truly compete a discount is necessary.

Trade value and rookie development will be important keys to success.

Atlanta has done a solid job drafting wise the past couple seasons. Getting Dennis and acquiring Hardaway on draft night have been very important moves. Rookies Taurean Prince and Deandre Bembry haven’t played all that much but I believe they can develop into key young pieces. Building around young talents always wise and continuing this model would be wise.

Even unloading a veteran or two for a pick or a player with upside is a good idea in my eyes. With Kyle Korver dealt someone like Mike Dunleavy or Kris Humphries could be next. All in all, reloading (not rebuilding) is something the Hawks can use to their benefit.

Next: Falcon's Top Five Players

To conclude, young talent is something not every team possesses, but the Atlanta Hawks have it. With a young core to build around and talented veterans the Hawks can soon compete for an NBA championship given these key factors.

Home/Atlanta Hawks