A wide-ranging conversation on the Hawks’ present and future with GM Travis Schlenk

[Sultanofatl]

https://theathletic.com/758696/2019/01/10/a-wide-ranging-conversation-on-present-and-future-with-hawks-gm-travis-schlenk/

You obviously know that the draft is a major piece to how GMs are judged ultimately. It’s obviously early, but are you looking for anything to feel validated that making the trade with Dallas was the right one?

I’m not looking for anything. We made a decision that if we could turn one lottery pick into two lottery picks, then that was going to be a good decision for us.

I mean, I’m sure you’ve heard the criticism from at least a segment of the fanbase over the decision. When people do criticize your decision and see what Luka (Doncic) is doing, what do you say to them?

It comes with the territory, right? We work in a profession where decisions are judged, and that’s what makes working in sports great. People care passionately about your decision. What I have said is we make these decisions, and our thought process is if we can turn one lottery pick into two, then that’s good. The draft is an inexact science. What makes the draft so hard is you’re trying to project, in this case, two 19-year-old kids three, four years down the line. I think it’s short-minded to judge the success of a rookie one half into a season. We want these players to be great three, four years down the road. You have to understand that there’s going to be a learning curve and a growth curve with all of these rookies. How they work every day and what they do in the summer for the next four years is what’s going to determine who they are. You can find tons of examples of this. Michael Carter-Williams was the rookie of the year several years ago for Philadelphia, and he’s out of the league now. I always go back to the Steph Curry draft because that was my first draft. Tyreke Evans was the rookie of the year and averaged 25 [points] and five [assists] that year. James Harden was in that draft. Steph Curry was in that draft. Blake Griffin was in that draft. To say 41 games into these guys’ careers that we know who they are is very shortsighted. We’ll know three, four years down the road.

Lloyd has said multiple times this season that a big reason why Trae was taken was because of his long-range shooting. We didn’t see much success during the first few months. In these past 15 games, we’ve seen him around 45 percent from 3. So, I’m curious, what kind of player do you actually think he is right now, and what kind of player are you actually projecting him to be?

I understand the Curry projections, but I’ve said many, many times that the shooting is great, and I think he’s going to be fine long-term. He really just had a really, really bad month of November, but other than that, it hasn’t been bad. As you mentioned, I think in the past month it’s around 44 to 45 percent or whatever it is. But it’s really his playmaking ability that I’m looking at. If I had to say, ‘He’s more like this guy.’ I would say he’s more of a Steve Nash with the way he runs pick-and-rolls, and obviously, Steve was a really good shooter. His main objective was to be a playmaker first, though. That’s what I would say. The difference with Trae is he grew up as a scorer. One of the things that Lloyd has been working on with him is getting other people involved first. You can always get your own at some point.
Twitter @chriskirschner.

[macd-gm]

https://theathletic.com/758696/2019/01/10/a-wide-ranging-conversation-on-present-and-future-with-hawks-gm-travis-schlenk/

You obviously know that the draft is a major piece to how GMs are judged ultimately. It’s obviously early, but are you looking for anything to feel validated that making the trade with Dallas was the right one?

I’m not looking for anything. We made a decision that if we could turn one lottery pick into two lottery picks, then that was going to be a good decision for us.

I mean, I’m sure you’ve heard the criticism from at least a segment of the fanbase over the decision. When people do criticize your decision and see what Luka (Doncic) is doing, what do you say to them?

It comes with the territory, right? We work in a profession where decisions are judged, and that’s what makes working in sports great. People care passionately about your decision. What I have said is we make these decisions, and our thought process is if we can turn one lottery pick into two, then that’s good. The draft is an inexact science. What makes the draft so hard is you’re trying to project, in this case, two 19-year-old kids three, four years down the line. I think it’s short-minded to judge the success of a rookie one half into a season. We want these players to be great three, four years down the road. You have to understand that there’s going to be a learning curve and a growth curve with all of these rookies. How they work every day and what they do in the summer for the next four years is what’s going to determine who they are. You can find tons of examples of this. Michael Carter-Williams was the rookie of the year several years ago for Philadelphia, and he’s out of the league now. I always go back to the Steph Curry draft because that was my first draft. Tyreke Evans was the rookie of the year and averaged 25 [points] and five [assists] that year. James Harden was in that draft. Steph Curry was in that draft. Blake Griffin was in that draft. To say 41 games into these guys’ careers that we know who they are is very shortsighted. We’ll know three, four years down the road.

Lloyd has said multiple times this season that a big reason why Trae was taken was because of his long-range shooting. We didn’t see much success during the first few months. In these past 15 games, we’ve seen him around 45 percent from 3. So, I’m curious, what kind of player do you actually think he is right now, and what kind of player are you actually projecting him to be?

I understand the Curry projections, but I’ve said many, many times that the shooting is great, and I think he’s going to be fine long-term. He really just had a really, really bad month of November, but other than that, it hasn’t been bad. As you mentioned, I think in the past month it’s around 44 to 45 percent or whatever it is. But it’s really his playmaking ability that I’m looking at. If I had to say, ‘He’s more like this guy.’ I would say he’s more of a Steve Nash with the way he runs pick-and-rolls, and obviously, Steve was a really good shooter. His main objective was to be a playmaker first, though. That’s what I would say. The difference with Trae is he grew up as a scorer. One of the things that Lloyd has been working on with him is getting other people involved first. You can always get your own at some point.
Twitter @chriskirschner.

He had that MCW and Tyreke answer locked and loaded for that question didn't he?

The Lin acquisition is making more sense to me now. You can definitely tell that Trae is in danger of not keeping his head on straight. I think we saw that last night. He got a little cocky in the first half and came out in the 2nd thinking he controlled the game and quickly got his ass handed to him.

[Yungsta404]

I don't like Travis's mind set of its better two lottery picks than one because you have to look at the context. There is usually a significant difference in the quality of prospects outside of the top 3 in most drafts and we may never another chance to get a top 3 pick in the draft during this rebuild.

I rather consolidate picks and get the the highest quality prospect available than risk moving down and getting two solid prospects over a high level prospect.

Remember in basketball you can only play 5 players at a time.

[Atlanta Hawk Fan]

I don't like Travis's mind set of its better two lottery picks than one because you have to look at the context. There is usually a significant difference in the quality of prospects outside of the top 3 in most drafts and we may never another chance to get a top 3 pick in the draft during this rebuild.

I rather consolidate picks and get the the highest quality prospect available than risk moving down and getting two solid prospects over a high level prospect.

Remember in basketball you can only play 5 players at a time.

I think that might be oversimplifying his position there. Looking at context, there is a lot to suggest that Schlenk believed Young to be a top 3 talent and may have outright preferred him to the other options at 3 to the point where he might have taken him at 3 over Doncic. So in that context, trading down for another potential lottery pick is a no brainer.

I've said I think it was the wrong call all along, but Trae has exceeded my expectations so far so I'm optimistic enough to recognize that it could still work out for us in the long run when that other pick comes to bear fruit.

I suspect in a different context - like one where Travis and his scouts believed the last great player was on the board - that he wouldn't make the same move. I guess time will tell.

[macd-gm]

There's also the potential to package 2 lottery picks to move up in the draft or for a good player.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

[Buzzard]

He is a smart GM. Other than Ayton, there was no consensus #1in this draft. He knows full well players like Giannis, Curry, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard etc get drafted on a regular basis outside of number 1. Then you have all the top five bust. It does take 2 - 4 years for a all-star to reach all star potential. Hell in three years, Huerter could be a better and more efficient scorer than Doncic. That would not surprise me one bit.

[CP War Hawks]

Man this team needs length in the worse way. Good thing for us is there are numerous 7 foot plus wing-spanned wings out there in this draft. We can all agree the best wing for us will be groomed over Prince with either 1st rounder.

Don't know how you tackle the long term guy at 5. I just need him to have the prerequisite 9-0 reach and 7-5 wingspan.

[Buzzard]

Man this team needs length in the worse way. Good thing for us is there are numerous 7 foot plus wing-spanned wings out there in this draft. We can all agree the best wing for us will be groomed over Prince with either 1st rounder.

Don't know how you tackle the long term guy at 5. I just need him to have the prerequisite 9-0 reach and 7-5 wingspan.

Maybe but neither Giannis, AD, Embiid or KAT have won a thing yet. In other words, the ultimate goal is not to beat them; but to beat the teams that are beating them.

[EazyRoc]

I am fully confident in his decision making at this point. I’m starting to warm up Coach Pierce. Our guys still turn the ball over way too much, but this young team plays really well in spurts. Trae Young will always be a controversial pick, but from what I’ve seen I fully expect Trae to develop into one of the best PGs in the league. I didn’t like the approach coach took with him early on, but I see him tightening the reigns as of late. The most satisfying part about this is having 2 more potential lottery picks to add to the mix or package/flip for better players. We really could build a homegrown big 3 AND still sign a max FA (or 2 in 2020). I don’t think I’ve ever felt better about the future of the Hawks. This isn’t like the Woody Hawks that could never get a really good PG, C, or “lead dog”. John Collins is looking like an offensive force with room to grow with experience and increased opportunities. We’ve got a PG who we will likely be talking about as the best playermaker/passer in the league in the next few years who can feed him and is developing chemistry with him. Kevin Huerter has the skill that pays the bills in the NBA. He is a very good perimeter shooter, developing as a slasher, and a very solid playermaker. He plays with very good energy defensively and has a lot of potential here despite his lack of elite length. Travis Schlenk is looking like he’s making enough of the right moves to raise our talent level and put us in position to field a contender in the future.

[CP War Hawks]

Man this team needs length in the worse way. Good thing for us is there are numerous 7 foot plus wing-spanned wings out there in this draft. We can all agree the best wing for us will be groomed over Prince with either 1st rounder.

Don't know how you tackle the long term guy at 5. I just need him to have the prerequisite 9-0 reach and 7-5 wingspan.

Maybe but neither Giannis, AD, Embiid or KAT have won a thing yet. In other words, the ultimate goal is not to beat them; but to beat the teams that are beating them.

The best thing is to compliment our current core of Collins, Young, and Huerter, who have below avg. length and are not good defenders.

The holes at 3 and 5 are the positions you supplement with my preferred long limbed, physical defending, hit the boards, and contest shots. You see it with Collins vs. Giannis. John just doesn't have the natural tools to match up with him.

[Buzzard]

Man this team needs length in the worse way. Good thing for us is there are numerous 7 foot plus wing-spanned wings out there in this draft. We can all agree the best wing for us will be groomed over Prince with either 1st rounder.

Don't know how you tackle the long term guy at 5. I just need him to have the prerequisite 9-0 reach and 7-5 wingspan.

Maybe but neither Giannis, AD, Embiid or KAT have won a thing yet. In other words, the ultimate goal is not to beat them; but to beat the teams that are beating them.

The best thing is to compliment our current core of Collins, Young, and Huerter, who have below avg. length and are not good defenders.

The holes at 3 and 5 are the positions you supplement with my preferred long limbed, physical defending, hit the boards, and contest shots. You see it with Collins vs. Giannis. John just doesn't have the natural tools to match up with him.

Defense is a weakness of ours; we will see what happens in next years draft. With that being said, no one has the tools to stop Giannis anymore than LeBron or Durant can be stopped. You beat them by having a better team.

[CP War Hawks]

Maybe but neither Giannis, AD, Embiid or KAT have won a thing yet. In other words, the ultimate goal is not to beat them; but to beat the teams that are beating them.

The best thing is to compliment our current core of Collins, Young, and Huerter, who have below avg. length and are not good defenders.

The holes at 3 and 5 are the positions you supplement with my preferred long limbed, physical defending, hit the boards, and contest shots. You see it with Collins vs. Giannis. John just doesn't have the natural tools to match up with him.

Defense is a weakness of ours; we will see what happens in next years draft. With that being said, no one has the tools to stop Giannis anymore than LeBron or Durant can be stopped. You beat them by having a better team.

Don't know about stop, but Iggy, Draymond, etc. were instrumental against Lebron. Tayshuan Prince is also one of those guys you put on Kobe when you need a defender to step up.

[Buzzard]

The best thing is to compliment our current core of Collins, Young, and Huerter, who have below avg. length and are not good defenders.

The holes at 3 and 5 are the positions you supplement with my preferred long limbed, physical defending, hit the boards, and contest shots. You see it with Collins vs. Giannis. John just doesn't have the natural tools to match up with him.

Defense is a weakness of ours; we will see what happens in next years draft. With that being said, no one has the tools to stop Giannis anymore than LeBron or Durant can be stopped. You beat them by having a better team.

Don't know about stop, but Iggy, Draymond, etc. were instrumental against Lebron. Tayshuan Prince is also one of those guys you put on Kobe when you need a defender to step up.

Are we talking about the same LeBron James who led all players in PPG 34.0 and Assist 10.0 while also averaging 8.5 rebounds a game in the 2018 Finals? The same Lebron James who was MVP in the 2016 Finals? If anything, Draymond got frustrated by Bron and Tristian which is why he got suspended for game 6 in 2016.

Bron has never even been slowed down in the finals. Same for Durant.

[CP War Hawks]

Defense is a weakness of ours; we will see what happens in next years draft. With that being said, no one has the tools to stop Giannis anymore than LeBron or Durant can be stopped. You beat them by having a better team.

Don't know about stop, but Iggy, Draymond, etc. were instrumental against Lebron. Tayshuan Prince is also one of those guys you put on Kobe when you need a defender to step up.

Are we talking about the same LeBron James who led all players in PPG 34.0 and Assist 10.0 while also averaging 8.5 rebounds a game in the 2018 Finals? The same Lebron James who was MVP in the 2016 Finals? If anything, Draymond got frustrated by Bron and Tristian which is why he got suspended for game 6 in 2016.

Bron has never even been slowed down in the finals. Same for Durant.

I don't even know what your argument is anymore. This team needs defenders and that's that.

[Buzzard]

Don't know about stop, but Iggy, Draymond, etc. were instrumental against Lebron. Tayshuan Prince is also one of those guys you put on Kobe when you need a defender to step up.

Are we talking about the same LeBron James who led all players in PPG 34.0 and Assist 10.0 while also averaging 8.5 rebounds a game in the 2018 Finals? The same Lebron James who was MVP in the 2016 Finals? If anything, Draymond got frustrated by Bron and Tristian which is why he got suspended for game 6 in 2016.

Bron has never even been slowed down in the finals. Same for Durant.

I don't even know what your argument is anymore. This team needs defenders and that's that.

Certain type reminds me to much of BK and his 6'8" type. JJ, Childress, Marvin, Josh Smith. Long and athletic types. I think Schlenk is way smarter than that.

We need players, all star type players. We are far from being in a position to be picky and start drafting positions or a certain type. If that defensive type is BPA, then draft him. But if not, draft the player that has the best chance at stardom. No argument, I just don't think we are in any position to chase defense, offense, or player position. Just grab the guy that looks to be a star.

[CP War Hawks]

Are we talking about the same LeBron James who led all players in PPG 34.0 and Assist 10.0 while also averaging 8.5 rebounds a game in the 2018 Finals? The same Lebron James who was MVP in the 2016 Finals? If anything, Draymond got frustrated by Bron and Tristian which is why he got suspended for game 6 in 2016.

Bron has never even been slowed down in the finals. Same for Durant.

I don't even know what your argument is anymore. This team needs defenders and that's that.

Certain type reminds me to much of BK and his 6'8" type. JJ, Childress, Marvin, Josh Smith. Long and athletic types. I think Schlenk is way smarter than that.

We need players, all star type players. We are far from being in a position to be picky and start drafting positions or a certain type. If that defensive type is BPA, then draft him. But if not, draft the player that has the best chance at stardom. No argument, I just don't think we are in any position to chase defense, offense, or player position. Just grab the guy that looks to be a star.

I get you get BK flashbacks, but Giannis was and still is BK's wet dream. It just so happened he was a ready made long elite defender that fulfilled his two way potential. All I'm saying is make sure your wingman/big has the necessary physical traits to compete at a high level.

[Buzzard]

I don't even know what your argument is anymore. This team needs defenders and that's that.

Certain type reminds me to much of BK and his 6'8" type. JJ, Childress, Marvin, Josh Smith. Long and athletic types. I think Schlenk is way smarter than that.

We need players, all star type players. We are far from being in a position to be picky and start drafting positions or a certain type. If that defensive type is BPA, then draft him. But if not, draft the player that has the best chance at stardom. No argument, I just don't think we are in any position to chase defense, offense, or player position. Just grab the guy that looks to be a star.

I get you get BK flashbacks, but Giannis was and still is BK's wet dream. It just so happened he was a ready made long elite defender that fulfilled his two way potential. All I'm saying is make sure your wingman/big has the necessary physical traits to compete at a high level.

I am not worried about our draft and I cannot remember the last time I was able to say that about any GM we have ever had. I am not saying Travis won't miss. All GMs do miss here and there; but the best ones, Ainge, Presti, West etc..., don't miss a lot or by a lot. I think Schlenk is one of those GMs.

[CP War Hawks]

In Schlenk we trust brudda. I feel good in his evaluation, though Luka stings. This draft is pivotal for our future.

[Buzzard]

In Schlenk we trust brudda. I feel good in his evaluation, though Luka stings. This draft is pivotal for our future.

Does not sting for me. If not for that trade we would only have one shot at a future star in this years draft. Pure genius to me to get another lottery pick by just stepping back two spots.

I just think Travis a a smart GM. One of those guys who is playing chess while others are playing checkers.