What's next for Atlanta?

[schnakenpopanz]

It seems like they are a really good team, one or two pieces away from leading the east.
What could/should they do with Young/Porzingis?
The team looks so much better atm than in stretches last year.
They are at a real tough cross road.

[Jamaaliver]

It seems like they are a really good team, one or two pieces away from leading the east.
What could/should they do with Young/Porzingis?
The team looks so much better atm than in stretches last year.
They are at a real tough cross road.

Play out the season.
Root against the Pelicans.
Attempt to sign Trae to a modest extension next year -- otherwise facilitate a sign and trade.

Add a top rookie from this loaded draft class to a solid core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu and Zacch Risacher.

[JimmyPlopper]

I really like Vit Krecji. Watching a couple games this year I got the sense that NAW was still finding his groove with the team. He's a talented player and getting better, but he didn't seem to fit well when I have watched.

[Frank Dux]

Wait for the franchise player via the Pelicans pick

[threethehardway]

1. Get rid of OO, Porzingis and Trae in the summer. OO is too small to be a starter, he's a back up center. Pump his value and trade him in the summer.

2. Don't take on any good players on long contracts in the getting rid of OO/Trae/Porzingis. Accept bad contracts for draft picks. 2027 should be a lost year. I am not trying to win but build confidence Jalen Johnson, Dyson and Zacch by handing over the team to them. Should have the prospect from the 2026 draft running the second unit.

3. Tank for a lottery pick in 2028 if the opportunity presents itself. Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zacc will be in their 20s still. Rushing to become good is how the Hawks ended up in this mess. They should tank after the lost year.That's why they should keep Trae this year if they can't get a King's Ransom. He has 2026 to babysit the young guys and then the Hawks can do right by him and trade him. In 2026 the young guys can see what the playoffs are like, in 2027 they can see if they can get there without Trae, in 2028, the team is stripped bare to see JJ and Zacc are stars.

In 2028, let Jalen Johnson be the guy to prove he can be a top 10 player. I would deploy him like a young LeBron. Let him take all the crazy shots and passes he wants. And I would run him into the ground, then sit him for 15 games and like Zacc pretend he is Tracy McGrady.

5. 2029 is when they should make the push for contender status. They should have the best player out of the 2026 draft and the 2028 draft and Jalen Johnson and Zacc, with Jalen in his prime and Zacc approaching his and a war chest from trading OO, Trae and Porzingis.