The Atlanta Hawks are clearly in the middle of a rebuild. It’s an exciting rebuild, to say the least.
In the last three NBA drafts, the Hawks have assembled quite a squad that possesses intriguing, untapped and raw potential. It’s all about building positive momentum in Atlanta these days.
Atlanta Hawks 2019-20 Season Preview
Recapping the 2018-19 Season
As one of the youngest teams in the NBA, there were hardly any expectations heading into the 2018-19 season.
It was more about letting young players—namely Trae Young and John Collins—either get their feet wet or expand their games. As you can imagine, this was not a recipe for a successful season and the predictable result was another losing season (29-53).
Coach Lloyd Pierce knew what he was in for when he took this job last season. The second-year coach learned some valuable lessons last year. It was all about learning from past mistakes and taking the next steps.
Offseason Moves
Atlanta sure did load up on youngsters on draft night, as the Hawks landed two prized lottery picks in De’Andre Hunter (number four pick in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans—via the Los Angeles Lakers) and Cam Reddish (number 10 pick). They also acquired the rights to second-round pick Bruno Fernando from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Hawks did not just hit it big on draft night, but they also acquired Jabari Parker, Evan Turner, and Allen Crabbe. Atlanta signed Parker to a value deal in free agency while trading for both Turner and Crabbe—with the main players in those moves being Kent Bazemore and Taurean Prince, respectively.
The Hawks also took a chance on trading for Chandler Parsons from the Memphis Grizzlies, while trading away Solomon Hill and Miles Plumlee.
The off-season moves made by the Hawks’ brass feature an upgrade that includes a nice blend of young, budding rookies to go along with some veterans who still have some gas left in their tank.
Season Expectations
Again, this is an extremely young Hawks’ squad. The expectations this year should remain in check.
Let’s say it upfront. The Hawks are not going to be contending for an NBA playoff bid. And that’s alright. They don’t have to.
For Piece and the wet-behind-the-ears Hawks, it’s more about incremental improvement. With Young, Collins— and we haven’t even gotten to sharpshooter Kevin Huerter—as well as Hunter and Reddish it’s about investing in the future while building chemistry.
Going through growing pains is all part of the process. Just ask the Philadelphia 76ers.
There will be glimpses of greatness. There will also be wild bouts of inconsistency as this team learns to win.
Last season was about crawling towards success. This year should be set up towards walking towards success and then next year and beyond is about possibly running toward success.
Atlanta Hawks 2019-20 Season Prediction
As the Atlanta Hawks season preview shows, this season will be fun, if nothing else.
It’s one word and yet a simple way to predict what the overall expectation is in Atlanta. Just have fun and be patient.
Bolstered by one of the most promising and exciting playmakers in Young as well as one the leagues burgeoning big men in Collins, the Hawks will give their fans there fair share of fun moments.
Add in whatever Hunter and Reddish (and there is a lot of buzz about him lately), and this will be at least a fun bunch to watch.
Which rookie will have the best career?
Cam Reddish (19%)
Ja Morant (16%)
De'Andre Hunter (11%)
R.J. Barrett (5%)
Jaxson Hayes (5%)
Coby White (5%)
Zion Williamson (5%) pic.twitter.com/GtyHYTRtt9— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 19, 2019
Now as far as wins and losses go, expect a slight improvement but nothing that will move the needle towards respectability. Expect a few more wins. Say, five or six more.
That would put them at 34-48 or 35-47. It would be the incremental improvement the franchise would need to move forward. So, expect some good times mixed in with some trying times, but this franchise can at least hang their hat on legitimate hopes for brighter days moving forward.
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