Rebuild reality and doin it right

[tbhawksfan1]

Hawks entered last off-season with a depleted roster. Perfect situation for a tank job. Why sign Dedmon and Illya? When this awful rebuild is over and we're moving forward with the new core, a few meaningless wins this season and next could make all the difference.

Can't control ping pong balls, signing quality vets to one year deals in a tank year without moving them at the deadline is the kind of move that costs draft slots and can be controled.

[Jamaaliver]

Hawks ahead of the game when it comes to future payroll flexibility

The Hawks are one of the few teams in the NBA with some open payroll space in the near future, but just exactly how much space is that?

It is no secret that around the league many teams are hurting in their checkbooks after the summer of 2016.

The Hawks have a total cap hit in 2017-18 of $99,626,116 with only $73,144,938 of that amount being active players on the team. Kent Bazemore, Dennis Schroder and Miles Plumlee make up 44.31 percent of that latter total. The Hawks, as most other rebuilding teams do, have taken on a considerable amount of “dead” money this season in an effort to acquire assets from other teams.

...when almost all of the Hawks dead money drops off the books following the conclusion of this season, Atlanta will be responsible for $70,456,108 in 2018-19 giving them at least $30 million in salary cap space going into the offseason.

The Hawks are in good position with a nice array of draft assets moving forward and a payroll that is becoming increasingly more flexible. The Hawks could possibly be the team looking to take on another bad contract in exchange for assets or could even make a big splash in the free agent market.

Peachtree Hoops

[tbhawksfan1]

good place to be; either hit a FA home run or set up another nice draft

[Jamaaliver]

Travis Schlenk is an open book. He's clearly focused on finding diamonds in the rough and losing as many games possible in the meanwhile.

It's gotta be tough for the guys in the locker room. The reality is that losing is hardest on the players and coaches.

Read on Twitter

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Hawks left facing post-break reality

The Hawks (18-43) were buoyed by a stretch of improved results in the two months before the All-Star break. After their fourth straight loss and sixth in the past seven, the Hawks were left to look for silver linings in a resounding defeat by a middling opponent on their home floor.

It’s folly to overreact to one bad loss in the NBA. The Hawks get a chance to put it behind them on Wednesday against the Pacers (34-26), the second of four straight games at home.

But the Hawks’ preseason hopes of beating expectations have faded and the franchise is aimed toward the draft. The Hawks waived key reserve Marco Belinelli before the All-Star break and starting power forward Ersan Ilyasova after it after buyouts.

The reality is that the Hawks, who face a challenging schedule over the final 21 games, are more likely to finish at the bottom of the NBA standings than to make any significant movement up them.

How does Budenholzer manage the team under the circumstances?

“It’s tough,” he said. “You want to have team success. But I think we are growing. Different guys are getting opportunities. Just continuing to grow and get better. "

That message seemed to resonate with Hawks players, who seemed optimistic and positive after the loss to the Lakers.

The exception may have been veteran wing Kent Bazemore, who appeared weary and downtrodden as he headed out of the locker room.

“Make the right plays, man,” Bazemore said in response to a question about what he’d like to see from the team over the season’s final stretch. “I don’t know. I don’t really have much for y’all tonight.”

myAJC

[tbhawksfan1]

Took me a minute to decide in which thread to post, guess this one's as good as any without starting a thread that will be better started at season's end...

I just want to give an early shout out to the work that Bud and his young players have done in a difficult tank type season. The season isn't over yet and I'm completely focused on final record and draft positioning as most I suppose, but I'm ready to call the season a clear success as far as young player development:

Schro: many seem a bit down on him. I'm pretty happy with his work. He's considered as a solid average starting PG. Guess that puts him NBA 12-18 in PG ranking. He's 24, on a reasonable deal and a solid starter. I also think that as the Hawks reload some nice talent Shro could turn into more of a facilitator type PG. If he can't fix his stroke, this would seem a good move and would benefit the other young Hawks growth. If it's decided that the Hawks want to go in a different direction at PG, Shro has good trade value.

Prince: he's had a nice season in his first as full-time starter. He doesn't look like a super up-side player, but he's deffinately playing his way into solid starter status.

Collins: have to say I'm pleasantly surprised in his season. I was happy with the pick, but I thought his shooting and D would limit him a lot. His energy and efficientcy have been off the charts. His shot and D are developping. He might really improve his shot enough to become very productive.

Dorsey: looks like a second round pick that has a good chance of quickly working into the rotation. Good back-court versatility and very nice 3.

Bembry: not so good, but he has shown flashes of being able to get rotation minutes and improve when healthy.

Over-all, Bud's doing / done a great job of helping these young players develop. I can't wait to bring in the next wave of young talent and watch this young Hawks team grow

[Jamaaliver]

Thoughts on this assessment?

I think efficient, individual scorer should be at the top of the list. Especially since our offense has been bottom half of the league for most of the last few years.

Every Tanking Team's Biggest Need in the 2018 NBA Draft

Atlanta Hawks: Rim Protection

How many building blocks do the Atlanta Hawks already have? The Hawks have enough holes that they could easily justify going with the best-player-available strategy at any position, but they do have a biggest weakness which they could address...a glaring hole in the middle.

The Hawks currently lack a rim protector whose career trajectory syncs with their rebuilding schedule, and they're already a middling team in terms of interior defense.

John Collins should be considered the only lock, given his impressive two-way play as a rookie. For all the good Collins provides, he isn't a rim-protecting presence, as he's limited by his 6'10" frame, 6'11.25" wingspan and lack of shot-blocking instincts. Perhaps his ceiling doesn't rise beyond the level of an All-Star reserve in the Eastern Conference—this could be selling him short, though we won't know for a while longer—but the Peach State front office should at least be confident he'll serve as a vital piece when the Hawks are again ready to compete for playoff victories.

Dennis Schroder and Taurean Prince could both work their way into that group, but neither has demonstrated the consistency necessary to earn unmitigated admission.

Bleacher Report

[jayu70]

Naturally gifted scorer/shooter, a bucket getter with game on the line down the stretch.

[Spud2nique]

Naturally gifted scorer/shooter, a bucket getter with game on the line down the stretch.

That sounds like Michael Porter jr.


Aye yo kg, I can’t get your boy outta my mind!

[Jamaaliver]

^Selecting MPJ and Jontay both is starting to feel like a worthy gamble and marketing bonanza.

...and Porter + J Collins as the faces of this franchise feels like a solid direction moving forward.

[Spud2nique]

^Selecting MPJ and Jontay both is starting to feel like a worthy gamble and marketing bonanza.

...and Porter + J Collins as the faces of this franchise feels like a solid direction moving forward.

We honestly haven’t had a professional scorer since JJ..before that..Nique..

Is this draft going to be better than 2003? As far as the top 5 picks? Actually that’s not fair. 2007?

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

The Hawks face a long road ahead. How many current Atlanta players will remain on the roster when the team next makes the playoffs? The answer might be zero. But Collins is the safest bet.

Collins – who turned 20 on Sept. 23 – is on track to lead the Hawks in win shares. Atlanta is on pace to win just 24 games. So, obviously Collins leading the team in win shares means only so much.

But his early success has gotten so much of the Hawks’ hopes to be pinned on him.

Taurean Prince has stalled as he assumes a bigger role this season. DeAndre Bembry has provided little value. And Dennis Schroder must progress to provide value on his four-year, $62 million contract extension.

By contrast, Collins is the only one of Atlanta’s potential building blocks selected by current general manager Travis Schlenk, who took over last spring.

“The way I’ve been playing, obviously people are going to expect a certain way for me to play going forward...” Collins said. “So, obviously, it’s a little bit of pressure.”

If he’s feeling it, he’s not showing it in the midst of a trying season for his team.

Collins [remains] an ideal early piece in Atlanta’s rebuild. His powerful dunks enthrall fans, and his teammates seem to like him, repeatedly kidding him about his endorsements. Collins, somewhat by default, has become the centerpiece of the Hawks’ youth movement.

Reinforcements should arrive soon.

[Jamaaliver]

I disagree with his analysis. But this is worth a read all the same.

Read on Twitter

The Atlanta Hawks are already a step ahead of other teams trying to rebuild. Spencer Davies dives into how the organization can stay on the right path.

The Atlanta Hawks are in the basement of the Eastern Conference...and appear to be set for a top-five selection in this summer’s upcoming draft.


What Is Working

Taurean Prince has seen his minutes nearly double and his production has improved as a result. With the usage increase, the sophomore forward has thrived as an offensive threat and will likely get better as the seasons pass.

Rookie big man John Collins already looks like he not only belongs but also could be one of the most dominant forces in the league someday. He’s extremely aggressive on the glass, has incredible athleticism, and makes his presence felt on both ends of the floor

The most reassuring statistic that proves Mike Budenholzer’s philosophy remains the same regardless of personnel? Atlanta is eighth in the NBA with nearly 24 assists per game.


What Needs To Change

In his first year as the true focal point and leader of this Atlanta bunch, it’s obvious Dennis Schroder has had to adjust. With the majority of the scoring load on his shoulders, the 24-year-old has taken a step back as an individual defender.

Kent Bazemore’s been everything the Hawks have wanted and more as a veteran leader. That said, he can’t keep coughing up the ball with the frequency he has.

...the rebounding has been abysmal. It’s hard enough to win games with a young roster, and losing the boards battle doesn’t help your chances.


Focus Area: The Draft

Mohamed Bamba should be the call here. There’s a lot of debate as to whether he or DeAndre Ayton would make a better big man at the professional level. While Ayton far and away has the size factor and star power, Bamba makes his mark as one of the best defenders in the NCAA.

He’s multi-skilled, an excellent floor runner and boasts ridiculous leaping and dunking ability. Needless to say, the issue on the glass we discussed earlier would disappear if Atlanta landed the 6-foot-11, 225-pounder.

Bamba’s ability to finish and step out to hit shots displays the gravity he brings by simply being on the court. Defenders can’t fall asleep or else he’ll make them pay, in one way or another. If Collins and Bamba were to join forces, it could very well be the most exciting athletic and energetic four-five duo in the league.


Focus Area: Free Agency

Atlanta is in a good position to continue adding talent. They’ll have three potential contracts expiring with two player options.
Depending on what avenue the franchise wants to take, the Hawks have flexibility with a projected $33.5 million in cap space.

[tbhawksfan1]

what do you not agree with? Baze is over-loved and if the Hawks fall to picks after 4, Bamba might be a good pick. I also agree that a scorer is our top need, but with Prince turning into the next thing, maybe improving interiour D is the way to go.

Bamba is dynamic and has a shot. I like Carter's offensive skills more, but Bamba's ceiling seems a good bit higher. JJJ could turn into a 2 way monster. Porter could be a star... what a draft

[Jamaaliver]

...but with Prince turning into the next thing, maybe improving interiour D is the way to go.

[tbhawksfan1]

Have to give our second year SF some love.

[Jamaaliver]

Anyone have ESPN Insider and want to share a synopsis of this article?

What moves can and should the Hawks make in the offseason?



Ten consecutive seasons of playing in the postseason without reaching the NBA Finals has now turned the Atlanta Hawks into a team on the verge of finishing with the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

That's no coincidence, as the Hawks are in full rebuild mode.

Let's look ahead to the free agency, draft and trade decisions facing Atlanta this offseason.

ESPN Insider

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

This is where 'faith in the process' becomes necessary:

The Atlanta Hawks lead the NBA in dead cap space with $32 million (32 percent of total salary), which means salaries for players not on the roster.

Jamal Crawford represents $10.9 million of that amount following his release in July. Marco Belinelli, Ersan Ilyasova and Richard Jefferson are also included on the dead money.

The Chicago Bulls rank second at $26.3 million, followed by the Phoenix Suns at $18.6 million, Sacramento Kings at $18 million and Milwaukee Bucks at $16.1 million.Via Bobby Marks/ESPN

Wiretap

[kg01]

This is where 'faith in the process' becomes necessary:

The Atlanta Hawks lead the NBA in dead cap space with $32 million (32 percent of total salary), which means salaries for players not on the roster.

Jamal Crawford represents $10.9 million of that amount following his release in July. Marco Belinelli, Ersan Ilyasova and Richard Jefferson are also included on the dead money.

The Chicago Bulls rank second at $26.3 million, followed by the Phoenix Suns at $18.6 million, Sacramento Kings at $18 million and Milwaukee Bucks at $16.1 million.Via Bobby Marks/ESPN

Wiretap

What's the point of this "report" other than to simply state a fact? It's prejudicial IMO. Folks read that, fail to understand it, and inaccurately paint the Hawks as poorly-run. To me, the only relevant team on that list is MIL considering they presumably have the roster they want going forward.

[Jamaaliver]

^Are we only interested in facts that paint us in a good light, now?

It's noteworthy that 4 of 5 teams with the most dead money on their rosters are 4 of the worst teams in the league.

Whether by design or not.

[kg01]

^Are we only interested in facts that paint us in a good light, now?

It's noteworthy that 4 of 5 teams with the most dead money on their rosters are 4 of the worst teams in the league.

Whether by design or not.

It's not noteworthy if it's by design.

Having dead money is a major indictment of a front office in a cap-driven environment. That list paints the picture that the teams with significant dead money are poorly run. Well, if it's being done as a strategy then that's not the case.

For the record, because I don't think I was clear, I had issue with the report itself. I had no issue with you for posting it. I actually came here to post it if it hadn't already been done.

Just wanted to make sure we're fighting about the right thing.

*ding, ding* Round 2 .....