Lebron James is the Reason for the Atlanta Hawk’s Rebuild
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Hawks are rebuilding for one reason, Lebron James. While that may seem to be hyperbole at first glance it couldn’t be truer in a Conference ruled by one player.
Lebron James is again laying waste to the Eastern Conference despite “not having enough help” knocking the Pacers out and making the top-seeded Raptors look powerless. Playoffs were the last thing on the Atlanta Hawks mind this season in a miserable losing year.
Rebuilding and looking towards the future is the current state of the Atlanta Hawks. A team focused on draft picks and cutting long-term salary commitments. This comes after making the playoffs regularly with nothing to show for it.
The talented nucleus of Kyle Korver, Jeff Teague, Al Horford, and Paul Millsap were at times the best team in the East. Their success ended with a 60-win season when they appeared to be the favorites to come out of the East.
A long season of playing team basketball, a long season of looking like the best team in the Eastern Conference with what to show for it? The Hawks ran into the buzzsaw that is playoff Lebron James whether with the Heat or the Cavs.
They were embarrassed and swept back to back years by Lebron’s Cavs. The Hawk’s rebuild isn’t a byproduct of a talent-free roster but because of Lebron James.
While his dominance may end when he leaves the East and heads to the Finals it is nonetheless impressive. Paul George’s Pacers, the top-seeded Raptors, the Celtics big three, and the Hawk’s team-first approach all ended by the same player.
The Hawks rebuild is in full force with at least two years and two good draft picks to go. The Hawks are waiting, waiting out Lebron James to finally age and his domination on the East to wain.
A domination that is on full display during these NBA playoffs. The Hawks learned the hard way as many other teams have, as long as Lebron James is healthy only his teams will come out of the East.
It has become a waiting game for many teams now in both the West and East waiting for Lebron James to appear human and age. Waiting for the Warriors unbeatable super team to break apart. It is the right decision for the Hawks and any other team in their situation.
Waiting is the only decision they have. A decision to wait until the Final’s matchup cannot be predicted days before the season begins. Until then the Hawk’s rebuild will continue hoping the NBA landscape changes soon.