Hawks go into playoffs knowing changes may be ahead

[Jamaaliver]

From a write-up over at AJC:

...the playoffs this season seem far more of a measuring stick for the future than last year was. There wasn’t a reason to change much after last season. The decisions after these playoffs will be more difficult, because there’s a greater likelihood that they’re going to impact the existing core.

Among the decisions:

• to re-sign or deal (in a sign-and-trade) impending free agent Al Horford;
• to keep or trade point guard Jeff Teague (whose contract will have a year left);
• to determine what they have in Dennis Schroeder

These newish Hawks have been a fun team to watch. But barring an NBA title run, they’ll be at the point in this franchise makeover where the front office must determine what it will take to get to the next level.

Every team has decisions to make in the summer and we’re no different, but I’m not so focused on that right now as I am Boston. I probably don’t want to say a lot about because I want our minds to be all together for the playoffs...I think we’re in a good place. My gut says we’re a good team. We have a core group of players, whether you combine the last two years or just look at this year, that has shown themselves to be very competitive. So I don’t think you can assume a playoff result would lead us to a significant change one way or the other.

Here

[Jamaaliver]

I think it's dangerous to let the playoffs be too much of a litmus test.

We've seen what these players are capable of for a number of years now. A dominant defeat over Boston or a quick sweep by the Cavs shouldn't completely overshadow what we've already seen the last few seasons.



Bud has to decide what his ultimate goal is: contending for a title. Or just being competitive.

Neither is a wrong approach. But the choice he makes will ultimately define his tenure in Atlanta.

[PandaKidd]

Agreed.

If they lose to Boston Im in favor of blowing it all up. Trade Teague, SnT Horford if you can, ship Millsap out. Theres no point in keeping those players anymore at that point.

If they get swept by CLE in the 2nd round, then , I tread lightly with AH signing. They need to upgrade the talent and reupping with the same core that cant beat CLE doesnt seem smart.