This is probably our last season with a losing record for along time

[King Ken]

And unlike the playoff streak we had with the Horford era, we finally got a core ya'll! What do you think we need to add moving forward?

For me:

1. More assets. Get Memphis top 5 protected pick for trading Plumlee, Dedmon for Parsons. Bazemore in the offseason trade. Just more assets.

2. Sign Horford to play with Len in our center rotation. Edit: I removed Boogie. He isn't a fit.

3. Sign a cheaper PG to backup Trae who will play more mins. Maybe bring in Jaylen Adams from Erie. Edit: We already did it.

4. Continue to draft extremely well. This is probably #1 but Travis and Paterson are two beasts.

5. Get more shooters and continue the tremendous work ethic as an unit in Hawks University.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Might be getting that cart before the horse, imo.

Let's see what the record for the rest of the year looks like after Schlenk purges Lin, Baze and Dedmon for draft picks and bad contracts... ie, our youth gets more seriously exposed.

I feel like I could rationally start a thread under the chosen title in a year. But not until. Next year, with the right draft, and the addition of a healthy relatively inexpensive UFA, Justin Patton, I think we could be poised for 30-35 wins. And THEN, for 2020-21, I look for Schlenk to make a free agent splash of some kind, and ride the wave back into the playoffs.

[peoriabird]

And unlike the playoff streak we had with the Horford era, we finally got a core ya'll! What do you think we need to add moving forward?

For me:

1. More assets. Get Memphis top 5 protected pick for trading Plumlee, Dedmon for Parsons. Bazemore in the offseason trade. Just more assets.

2. Sign Boogie Cousins or an All Star vet center to play with Len in our center rotation.

3. Sign a cheaper PG to backup Trae who will play more mins. Maybe bring in Jaylen Adams from Erie.

4. Continue to draft extremely well. This is probably #1 but Travis and Paterson are two beasts.

5. Get more shooters and continue the tremendous work ethic as an unit in Hawks University.

Nahh...They don't have to do all of that! They are a .500 team already.

[Buzzard]

Might be getting that cart before the horse, imo.

Let's see what the record for the rest of the year looks like after Schlenk purges Lin, Baze and Dedmon for draft picks and bad contracts... ie, our youth gets more seriously exposed.

I feel like I could rationally start a thread under the chosen title in a year. But not until. Next year, with the right draft, and the addition of a healthy relatively inexpensive UFA, Justin Patton, I think we could be poised for 30-35 wins. And THEN, for 2020-21, I look for Schlenk to make a free agent splash of some kind, and ride the wave back into the playoffs.

I agree that we are two years away from staying above .500 for a long long time. These wins against top teams are very promising and just goes to show this team is learning how to win. Trae and Collins are not wall flowers and they have no fear of the moment; even on the opposing teams home court.

Now if Travis does something off the wall in FA next season ( Boogie, Vucevec, etc ) and it pans out, above .500 could start in 2019/20. That is not what I am expecting though. I expect one more season of draft picks and patience, then fill in the gaps.

[Hazer]

Agree, sticking to my guns that 3rd year of rebuild ('19-'20) is the return to playoffs. Schlenk said he doesn't want to dip into the lottery more than 2 years (there's a quote out there). Backed that up with a more recent quote saying if the young'ns progress quicker than expected, pulling the trigger on spending that cap money would be sooner than later. Trae/Huerter/Collins already ahead of schedule (thank yoooooouuu CLP), "hitting" on 2 more top 10 picks this draft will ice that. Add a Boogie and they're 40+ wins and back in. Hell, if they just play .500 ball the rest of the way they win over 30 THIS year.

[observer1995]

I doubt they trade all of the veterans. Wouldn’t be surprised if Carter stays to be honest, he’s Trae Young’s mentor and I think he’s the main leader for the team as well.

[Sultanofatl]

I see one more year of losing as LP builds his coaching chops. He has still yet to have coached a meaningful game in this league. Figure on a few missteps

[Atlanta Hawk Fan]

I see one more year of losing as LP builds his coaching chops. He has still yet to have coached a meaningful game in this league. Figure on a few missteps

I think this offseason will say a lot about whether we can have a winning record next year or the following year. If we trade a couple vets for assets and don't make a big trade or FA acquisition (not necessarily in terms of splash but in terms of substance), then a winning record for next year looks like a stretch goal. If we do swing a trade or make a FA signing for a young or prime stud and bolster the presence of vets on the roster to surround our youngsters, then next year could be very realistic. On top of that, what we do with our draft picks could have huge implications (if we hit or whiff).

[peoriabird]

I see one more year of losing as LP builds his coaching chops. He has still yet to have coached a meaningful game in this league. Figure on a few missteps

I think this offseason will say a lot about whether we can have a winning record next year or the following year. If we trade a couple vets for assets and don't make a big trade or FA acquisition (not necessarily in terms of splash but in terms of substance), then a winning record for next year looks like a stretch goal. If we do swing a trade or make a FA signing for a young or prime stud and bolster the presence of vets on the roster to surround our youngsters, then next year could be very realistic. On top of that, what we do with our draft picks could have huge implications (if we hit or whiff).

We just need 1 solid consistent wing player...If Huerter/Prince Turn into that player then we will easily be a winning team next season. Oh yeah we need a back up 4 also

[jayu70]

All I know is I like the direction. The trade deadline, the draft and free agent signing will give a more directional path.

[observer1995]

I've said this before but this season for the Hawks has proven both camps right. Veterans don't necessarily need to be your best players to be leaders that the youth will look up to, and young players can learn by simply doing. The veteran voice is important, and young players can learn by simply playing.

[Atlanta Hawk Fan]

I've said this before but this season for the Hawks has proven both camps right. Veterans don't necessarily need to be your best players to be leaders that the youth will look up to, and young players can learn by simply doing. The veteran voice is important, and young players can learn by simply playing.

Guys like Vince Carter are a great add for this purpose. Cheap, great as examples and teachers, and don't soak up minutes the young guys need for development.

[Sultanofatl]

I see one more year of losing as LP builds his coaching chops. He has still yet to have coached a meaningful game in this league. Figure on a few missteps

I think this offseason will say a lot about whether we can have a winning record next year or the following year. If we trade a couple vets for assets and don't make a big trade or FA acquisition (not necessarily in terms of splash but in terms of substance), then a winning record for next year looks like a stretch goal. If we do swing a trade or make a FA signing for a young or prime stud and bolster the presence of vets on the roster to surround our youngsters, then next year could be very realistic. On top of that, what we do with our draft picks could have huge implications (if we hit or whiff).

So million dollar question: as an educated guess, does Schlenk take a swing this offseason? I think he stays the course gives our young coach and players another year of unhindered growth without expectation.

[jayu70]

I've said this before but this season for the Hawks has proven both camps right. Veterans don't necessarily need to be your best players to be leaders that the youth will look up to, and young players can learn by simply doing. The veteran voice is important, and young players can learn by simply playing.

Guys like Vince Carter are a great add for this purpose. Cheap, great as examples and teachers, and don't soak up minutes the young guys need for development.

Vince is exactly what the Hawks need. When Trae got the tech to end the first half, Vince stepped in and talked to the ref with Pierce.

[jayu70]

I see one more year of losing as LP builds his coaching chops. He has still yet to have coached a meaningful game in this league. Figure on a few missteps

I think this offseason will say a lot about whether we can have a winning record next year or the following year. If we trade a couple vets for assets and don't make a big trade or FA acquisition (not necessarily in terms of splash but in terms of substance), then a winning record for next year looks like a stretch goal. If we do swing a trade or make a FA signing for a young or prime stud and bolster the presence of vets on the roster to surround our youngsters, then next year could be very realistic. On top of that, what we do with our draft picks could have huge implications (if we hit or whiff).

So million dollar question: as an educated guess, does Schlenk take a swing this offseason? I think he stays the course gives our young coach and players another year of unhindered growth without expectation.

Depends on how we end the season, but I don't think we'll be adding a high priced FA.

[fuzzy1]

I think this offseason will say a lot about whether we can have a winning record next year or the following year. If we trade a couple vets for assets and don't make a big trade or FA acquisition (not necessarily in terms of splash but in terms of substance), then a winning record for next year looks like a stretch goal. If we do swing a trade or make a FA signing for a young or prime stud and bolster the presence of vets on the roster to surround our youngsters, then next year could be very realistic. On top of that, what we do with our draft picks could have huge implications (if we hit or whiff).

So million dollar question: as an educated guess, does Schlenk take a swing this offseason? I think he stays the course gives our young coach and players another year of unhindered growth without expectation.

Depends on how we end the season, but I don't think we'll be adding a high priced FA.

Agreed. I think we continue to add assets and value contracts for another year or two, then organically male the playoffs with our youngsters.

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[~Wretch~]

Eh... I wouldn't say this is the LAST losing season, but I agree that we are not very far away from playoff basketball. We have a solid foundation and this draft could very well be the last one we need. Add a cornerstone on the wing, some productive vets, and overall team maturity and we are back in the playoff picture. With this core and the upcoming draft, I'll be shocked and disappointed if we are still doing this after 2 more seasons (barring major injuries of course).

[jayu70]

So million dollar question: as an educated guess, does Schlenk take a swing this offseason? I think he stays the course gives our young coach and players another year of unhindered growth without expectation.

Depends on how we end the season, but I don't think we'll be adding a high priced FA.

Agreed. I think we continue to add assets and value contracts for another year or two, then organically male the playoffs with our youngsters.

Sent from my SM-J700T using RealGM mobile app

What you don't want is a high priced FA coming in thinking because he's the highest paid player it's his team. (Unless it's one of the real top end guys) and disrupt the chemistry of what we are trying to build.

[EvanZ]

You guys shouldn't "do anything" except try to add as many good young players as possible. The Warriors had Steph, Klay, Draymond, and Barnes before they went out and added Iguodala. You got to get to a certain level before going all in with free agency/trades.

[Atlanta Hawk Fan]

I see one more year of losing as LP builds his coaching chops. He has still yet to have coached a meaningful game in this league. Figure on a few missteps

I think this offseason will say a lot about whether we can have a winning record next year or the following year. If we trade a couple vets for assets and don't make a big trade or FA acquisition (not necessarily in terms of splash but in terms of substance), then a winning record for next year looks like a stretch goal. If we do swing a trade or make a FA signing for a young or prime stud and bolster the presence of vets on the roster to surround our youngsters, then next year could be very realistic. On top of that, what we do with our draft picks could have huge implications (if we hit or whiff).

So million dollar question: as an educated guess, does Schlenk take a swing this offseason? I think he stays the course gives our young coach and players another year of unhindered growth without expectation.

That is my guess as well.