It's official: Travis Schlenk Named as GM (and PBO)

[Jamaaliver]

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[macd-gm]

Did anyone here the Colonel Schlenk discussion? Are we contending next year or year after?

[Jamaaliver]

^I'm pretty sure he declared the Rebuild Over.

[Jamaaliver]

Hawks GM says the Warriors tanked the season before drafting Harrison Barnes

Travis Schlenk, a former Warriors exec, told CBS Sports' Bill Reiter that Golden State tanked to land a lottery pick

It turns out that even the Warriors tanked a little bit on their way to the title. During their discussion, Schlenk admitted that Golden State had tanked the season before drafting Harrison Barnes when they shut down an injured Stephen Curry for the remainder of the season and traded Monta Ellis.


"Early in my days in Golden State we were not good. The year we drafted Harrison at seven, our first-round pick was protected 1-7. We made a decision halfway through that year to trade Monta Ellis, who was our best player at the time, for an injured Andrew Bogut who we knew wouldn't play. We made that deal knowing two things.

One, we never had a center in Golden State, when I was there anyway. With eyes on the future if we can get him healthy, get him back, we shut Steph down at the time. We knew we had to fall into those bottom seven spots to get our pick and that was really important to us." -Travis Schlenk

CBS Sports



I'm feeling real good about the rebuild and its architect right now.

[jayu70]

We really need Dedmon, Illyasova, Belinelli, Moose and Delaney to play well through the trade deadline - up that value so we can get some picks.
Baze too - the contract is the problem though (maybe we get a pick from any player above to include to move Baze)

[Jamaaliver]

Trav reiterates that tanking from Day One of a season is against his sensibilities. But he's willing to change his approach mid stream if need be.

Last 5 minutes.

Cbs Sports Podcasts


Also, this:

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[macd-gm]

We really need Dedmon, Illyasova, Belinelli, Moose and Delaney to play well through the trade deadline - up that value so we can get some picks.
Baze too - the contract is the problem though (maybe we get a pick from any player above to include to move Baze)

Agree. Although Delaney will only get traded as filler. I just don't see him playing in the NBA much longer to be honest. I think Marco will be the easiest to trade to someone like the Spurs or Griz or even the Wiz. Ersan needs to get healthy. I don't see Moose going anywhere. If TS can trade Baze I'd be for it. Even if it's a Dwight type deal. So far he's showing no signs of knowing what his game is. He's a great guy and I like having him in the community but it's not working on the court. He needs to come off the bench.

[jayu70]

We really need Dedmon, Illyasova, Belinelli, Moose and Delaney to play well through the trade deadline - up that value so we can get some picks.
Baze too - the contract is the problem though (maybe we get a pick from any player above to include to move Baze)

Agree. Although Delaney will only get traded as filler. I just don't see him playing in the NBA much longer to be honest. I think Marco will be the easiest to trade to someone like the Spurs or Griz or even the Wiz. Ersan needs to get healthy. I don't see Moose going anywhere. If TS can trade Baze I'd be for it. Even if it's a Dwight type deal. So far he's showing no signs of knowing what his game is. He's a great guy and I like having him in the community but it's not working on the court. He needs to come off the bench.

[kg01]

Baze gets the 'bless his heart' award. You could see him trying so hard last night to be the Hawks' guy and lead the team. He's just miscast in that role and it's painfully obvious.

Printz was aggressive as well so you could see him limitations. At least he has the eggscuse of being young in the league so he could possibly grow from here. Baze just is what he is right now.

On Malcolm, *sigh* it's always been the same ... #DelaneySucks

[jayu70]

Baze gets the 'bless his heart' award. You could see him trying so hard last night to be the Hawks' guy and lead the team. He's just miscast in that role and it's painfully obvious.

Printz was aggressive as well so you could see him limitations. At least he has the eggscuse of being young in the league so he could possibly grow from here. Baze just is what he is right now.

On Malcolm, *sigh* it's always been the same ... #DelaneySucks

Agree on Prince - that Euro step and finger roll was nice - you can see potential there, but in other instance you saw his limitations - that ball handling needs work.

And yeah....#DelaneyStillSucks

[Jamaaliver]

Schlenk experiencing Hawks’ culture shock, making changes

...about six weeks ago, Travis Schlenk walked into Philips Arena and got a glimpse into how far the Hawks’ organization needs to go. It was not the organization’s finest moment – and this was even before the Hawks lost the game.

The losing was expected. It shouldn’t distract from some of the positives surrounding the Hawks over the past several months. They’ve opened a jewel of practice facility near Brookhaven, which was long overdue. Philips Arena is well into a major renovation. There are plans for a major development in the eyesore of “The Gulch.” A “G-League” team is coming.

Schlenk, lured from the Golden State Warriors, also seems to know what he’s doing.

But that day in late October was not good. It wasn’t the fault of players or coaches or anybody on his staff. But Schlenk needed to vent. So the day after the Milwaukee game, he called everybody (except players) in the building together for a meeting and Mt. Schlenk erupted.

The Hawks have the NBA’s worst record. That’s not acceptable, a drive for high draft picks notwithstanding.

“I’m not excited about having the worst record in the world, even though some people think that’s the best thing,” he said.

The Hawks aren’t getting much attention in Atlanta against the backdrop of college and pro football and the Braves’ bizarre offseason. But that’s not a bad thing when a team is losing.

myAJC


Long story short, the crews at Phillips hadn't finished placing the basketball court back down when the Bucks showed up for shoot around. Four hours before tipoff...and there was no place to play. Embarrassing.

[macd-gm]

Schlenk experiencing Hawks’ culture shock, making changes

...about six weeks ago, Travis Schlenk walked into Philips Arena and got a glimpse into how far the Hawks’ organization needs to go. It was not the organization’s finest moment – and this was even before the Hawks lost the game.

The losing was expected. It shouldn’t distract from some of the positives surrounding the Hawks over the past several months. They’ve opened a jewel of practice facility near Brookhaven, which was long overdue. Philips Arena is well into a major renovation. There are plans for a major development in the eyesore of “The Gulch.” A “G-League” team is coming.

Schlenk, lured from the Golden State Warriors, also seems to know what he’s doing.

But that day in late October was not good. It wasn’t the fault of players or coaches or anybody on his staff. But Schlenk needed to vent. So the day after the Milwaukee game, he called everybody (except players) in the building together for a meeting and Mt. Schlenk erupted.

The Hawks have the NBA’s worst record. That’s not acceptable, a drive for high draft picks notwithstanding.

“I’m not excited about having the worst record in the world, even though some people think that’s the best thing,” he said.

The Hawks aren’t getting much attention in Atlanta against the backdrop of college and pro football and the Braves’ bizarre offseason. But that’s not a bad thing when a team is losing.

myAJC


Long story short, the crews at Phillips hadn't finished placing the basketball court back down when the Bucks showed up for shoot around. Four hours before tipoff...and there was no place to play. Embarrassing.

I hope he does something about the arena. The constant electrical issues with the clocks and scoreboards is ridiculous. And I will never get over showing up for that Nets playoff game expecting to get 4 of the the coolest tshirts they've ever come up with only to have them gone because Austin Daye's name wasn't included. What the fork? Give me my damn shirt. What are you going to do throw them out? I think we got froggin thunder sticks or some thing. Ban the damn thunder sticks already. If i have to watch a game with some kid boinging those things in my ear constantly I'm going to go crazy.


And another thing. Saying it's unacceptable to have the worst record in the league is equal parts absurd, insulting, and deranged. Come on man.

[Jamaaliver]

And another thing. Saying it's unacceptable to have the worst record in the league is equal parts absurd, insulting, and deranged. Come on man.

IS IT, though?

At the start of the season, ON THIS BOARD -- predictions ranged from 26-33 wins by Hawks fans. And 30+ wins by Vegas bettors.

We are currently on pace to top out at 18 victories.

I don't think anyone looked at us as the absolute worst team this season.

Not with Dennis and Taurean as anchors.

[macd-gm]

And another thing. Saying it's unacceptable to have the worst record in the league is equal parts absurd, insulting, and deranged. Come on man.

IS IT, though?

At the start of the season, ON THIS BOARD -- predictions ranged from 26-33 wins by Hawks fans. And 30+ wins by Vegas bettors.

We are currently on pace to top out at 18 victories.

I don't think anyone looked at us as the absolute worst team this season.

Not with Dennis and Taurean as anchors.

I don't think we'd be the worst except for a lot of injuries. But when you're stated goal is rebuilding through the draft then freaking out about having the worst record is just silly.

[Jamaaliver]

^Yeah, I suppose you're right.

[jayu70]

Schlenk experiencing Hawks’ culture shock, making changes

...about six weeks ago, Travis Schlenk walked into Philips Arena and got a glimpse into how far the Hawks’ organization needs to go. It was not the organization’s finest moment – and this was even before the Hawks lost the game.

The losing was expected. It shouldn’t distract from some of the positives surrounding the Hawks over the past several months. They’ve opened a jewel of practice facility near Brookhaven, which was long overdue. Philips Arena is well into a major renovation. There are plans for a major development in the eyesore of “The Gulch.” A “G-League” team is coming.

Schlenk, lured from the Golden State Warriors, also seems to know what he’s doing.

But that day in late October was not good. It wasn’t the fault of players or coaches or anybody on his staff. But Schlenk needed to vent. So the day after the Milwaukee game, he called everybody (except players) in the building together for a meeting and Mt. Schlenk erupted.

The Hawks have the NBA’s worst record. That’s not acceptable, a drive for high draft picks notwithstanding.

“I’m not excited about having the worst record in the world, even though some people think that’s the best thing,” he said.

The Hawks aren’t getting much attention in Atlanta against the backdrop of college and pro football and the Braves’ bizarre offseason. But that’s not a bad thing when a team is losing.

myAJC


Long story short, the crews at Phillips hadn't finished placing the basketball court back down when the Bucks showed up for shoot around. Four hours before tipoff...and there was no place to play. Embarrassing.

I hope he does something about the arena. The constant electrical issues with the clocks and scoreboards is ridiculous. And I will never get over showing up for that Nets playoff game expecting to get 4 of the the coolest tshirts they've ever come up with only to have them gone because Austin Daye's name wasn't included. What the fork? Give me my damn shirt. What are you going to do throw them out? I think we got froggin thunder sticks or some thing. Ban the damn thunder sticks already. If i have to watch a game with some kid boinging those things in my ear constantly I'm going to go crazy.


And another thing. Saying it's unacceptable to have the worst record in the league is equal parts absurd, insulting, and deranged. Come on man.

There is always a guaranteed clock fuster cluck at Philips.
They are already upgrading the arena - until it is fully complete next season there will be ongoing issues. That's wis what happens when you have ongoing construction while using a facility.
Who's responsible for getting the Arena game day ready - Philips Arena workers hired by the city of Atlanta??

[Jamaaliver]

Travis getting featured in Oakland/SF newspapers as the Warriors come to town:

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Travis Schlenk spent 13 years in the Warriors’ front office, including the last six as an assistant manager. So with the Warriors (48-14) in town to play the Hawks (19-43) on Friday, a reunion so that he can toast his former employer seems natural.

That meeting will not take place, though. Schlenk is in New York to scout the Big Ten tournament.

“We got three first-round draft picks,” Schlenk said with a chuckle. “We got work to do.”

It shows that Schlenk remains determined to rebuild the Hawks with the same methodical approach that helped turn the Warriors into a championship contender.

“The draft obviously gives you the best chance to get a franchise-changing talent,” Schlenk said. “But there’s luck involved in it as well. There has to be that talent in the draft when you’re down there. Golden State, we obviously built a foundation of that team through the draft.”

Though the Hawks had appeared in the NBA playoffs for 10 consecutive years, Schlenk became wary of Atlanta’s aging roster. So, Schlenk traded disgruntled center Dwight Howard, allowed former All-Star Paul Millsap to sign with the Denver Nuggets and did not put up a fight in retaining Tim Hardaway Jr.

“It felt like the group of Hawks that were here, their best days were behind them,” Schlenk said. “There was kind of a slow and gradual decline each year. The question that had to be asked is, ‘Do we go out and try to add a piece to the group of guys to get us back on the upswing? Or do we hit the reset button?’”

[Jamaaliver]

GM Travis Schlenk follows Warriors’ blueprint to rebuild Hawks

After helping oversee a team that has won two of the past three NBA titles, Schlenk is in the early stages of a long-term reclamation project. Atlanta enters Friday night’s game against the Warriors tied for the league’s fifth-worst record at 19-43. Though they have a capable head coach in Mike Budenholzer, the Hawks lack proven NBA talent.

“Travis is doing what he has to do,” Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said. “That team had a really good run over the last decade. … There comes a time where you just have to reshuffle the deck. He knows that, and that’s what he set out to do.”

After the Hawks lost in six games to Washington in the first round of the playoffs last April, they removed Budenholzer’s front-office responsibilities and moved general manager Wes Wilcox to a role as special adviser to ownership. Schlenk, who had been in the mix for several other GM jobs in recent years, interviewed with Atlanta between Games 2 and 3 of the Western Conference finals.

He saw firsthand with Golden State that the best way to rebuild is through the draft. Ten months after leaving the Warriors days before the NBA Finals, he and Atlanta have five first-round picks over the next two years. It also helps that Hawks majority owner Tony Ressler is willing to spend the money necessary to attract high-profile free agents.

“There are a lot, a lot of positives,” Schlenk said. “One of the great things is having a good ownership group, just like we had with Golden State.”

SF Gate

[tbhawksfan1]

Yeah, Bud has already established himself as a coach. Still room for growth, though Schlenk's first brilliant move is to show Bud how the Hawks can build a really good team

That' a cold like Jamaal

[Jamaaliver]

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