With the Atlanta Hawks shifting into one other lengthy low season, the entrance workplace is confronted with troublesome selections that might change the course of the crew.
Following the disappointing loss towards the Miami Heat within the play-in event, the franchise can now shift its consideration to rebuilding its roster and placing an finish to a two-year playoff droop. The Hawks would possibly attempt to recruit two gamers with sturdy playoff expertise.
Atlanta Hawks Season Recap: Signs of Growth Amidst Disappointment
Although not making the postseason is all the time a bitter capsule to swallow, this 12 months held a lot promise for Atlanta. Even with accidents to mainstays reminiscent of Jalen Johnson, Clint Capela, and Larry Nance Jr., the crew was resilient and rising, in line with Sports Illustrated.
Dyson Daniels turned a defensive presence and the proper backcourt mate for Trae Young. Meanwhile, rookie Zaccharie Risacher caught everybody’s eye, and he turned one of many league’s finest rookies.
Onyeka Okongwu assumed the middle spot with authority, and Johnson, pre-injury, was a breakout All-Star ready to occur.
If the default roster had remained wholesome, Atlanta might need simply cemented a top-six seed within the Eastern Conference. The basis is established; nevertheless, what lies forward might make or break the crew’s rebuild.
Trae Young’s Future: Trade or Trust the Process
Most of the offseason hype revolves round star guard Trae Young. While some anticipate the Hawks to buy him round, there stays a legit chance they double down on establishing round him. Young paced the league in assists (11.6 per recreation) whereas scoring 24.2 factors per recreation, making him a extremely beneficial asset regardless of his defensive shortcomings.
If Atlanta does look to commerce him, the package deal should return draft capital or a younger cornerstone asset. The Orlando Magic or Miami Heat could be attention-grabbing commerce companions, each in dire want of a high-level scoring catalyst.
Trade Targets: Bennedict Mathurin and Jalen Green
If the Hawks are sticking with their core, bringing firepower in by means of trades could be the way in which to go. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley proposed two high names:
Benedict Mathurin (Indiana Pacers)
A high-upside swingman, Mathurin enhances Atlanta’s up-tempo tempo and provides scoring, athleticism, and defensive toughness. He’s nonetheless maturing into his position, however with elevated offense, he would possibly flourish with and even past Trae Young.
Jalen Green (Houston Rockets)
If the Rockets make some adjustments after a playoff loss, Green could be in the marketplace. A straight-up scorer with electrifying athleticism, he’d be an excellent slot in Atlanta’s up-tempo system, significantly in a post-Young scenario. While inconsistent, his ceiling is sky-high.
Rebuilding Through Draft Picks
If Atlanta goes all-in on a rebuild, accumulating draft capital shall be key. With their very own picks already exhausted on prior win-now offers (such because the Dejounte Murray commerce), property regained should be at or close to the highest of the to-do checklist for any Young deal.
A bidding warfare over a 26-year-old All-Star playmaker just isn’t past chance. Offensively needy groups will certainly be calling, and the Hawks must money in.
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