I Still Know What They Should Do This Summer Atlanta Hawks

[Ball4life32]

Because most fans here have unrealistic expectations and try to go for the moon.
When even Chicago and New York are struggling to get tier 1 FAs, Atlanta is not going to cut it and its not like they made BKN type leap to bring in 2 superstars. So the plan is you acquire Porter/Millsap types and somehow turn them into superstars once you start winning.

Even a Beal type while ideal due to prime he is not the best fit and would require major assets than this yrs or Huerter.
But I think Huerter needs to go although I wanted Bulls to draft him since he kinda overlaps what Hunter and Reddish is doing and projects to get marginalized if all 3 are starting. Atlanta just simply have too many good players and need to trim down to get to the next level.

A lot has to do with the team imo just as much as the city. People act like Atlanta had superstars in the past & still couldn’t attract FA’s. Not saying they will start attracting them in the future (way too early to tell) but playing with Trae & Collins could be attractive in the future if the Hawks start winning. Wouldn’t panic & overpay anyone right now.

Hawks need Huerter’s shooting badly. Hawks were the worst shooting team in the league this year somehow...& he was/is the 2nd best passer on the team by a good margin. A guy like Hunter is way closer to a 4 then a 2 (he’ll never play any mins at the 2) so they don’t overlap.

Exactly, the worse three point shooting team in the league cannot afford to trade away its best high volume three point shooter. I think Hunter is a 3 all day and was badly misplayed at the 2 and 4 this season. Hunter played 18% at SG, 20% at PF, and 62% at SF according to basketball reference.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/huntede01.html

Ha well I may be in the minority here but I really like Hunter at the 4 offensively. (Defensively fine at either) I think Hawks offense was smoother when they went small & Hunter rebounded better down the stretch. But yeah agree he shouldn’t be seeing any time at the 2.

[Buzzard]

A lot has to do with the team imo just as much as the city. People act like Atlanta had superstars in the past & still couldn’t attract FA’s. Not saying they will start attracting them in the future (way too early to tell) but playing with Trae & Collins could be attractive in the future if the Hawks start winning. Wouldn’t panic & overpay anyone right now.

Hawks need Huerter’s shooting badly. Hawks were the worst shooting team in the league this year somehow...& he was/is the 2nd best passer on the team by a good margin. A guy like Hunter is way closer to a 4 then a 2 (he’ll never play any mins at the 2) so they don’t overlap.

Exactly, the worse three point shooting team in the league cannot afford to trade away its best high volume three point shooter. I think Hunter is a 3 all day and was badly misplayed at the 2 and 4 this season. Hunter played 18% at SG, 20% at PF, and 62% at SF according to basketball reference.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/huntede01.html

Ha well I may be in the minority here but I really like Hunter at the 4 offensively. (Defensively fine at either) I think Hawks offense was smoother when they went small & Hunter rebounded better down the stretch. But yeah agree he shouldn’t be seeing any time at the 2.

I think you are in the minority about small ball. I did not like it. Hunter had his best rebounding numbers in February and March. Most of those 15 games was with Dedmon playing. I think Hunter could one day be a beast at SF playing with Capela and Collins. That is my hope anyway.

Hunters rebounding in February and March:

Feb. 10 games 6.8TRB
Mar. 5 games 7.6TRB

Dedmon was traded to the Hawks Feb. 6th

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/huntede01/splits/2020

[Ball4life32]

Exactly, the worse three point shooting team in the league cannot afford to trade away its best high volume three point shooter. I think Hunter is a 3 all day and was badly misplayed at the 2 and 4 this season. Hunter played 18% at SG, 20% at PF, and 62% at SF according to basketball reference.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/huntede01.html

Ha well I may be in the minority here but I really like Hunter at the 4 offensively. (Defensively fine at either) I think Hawks offense was smoother when they went small & Hunter rebounded better down the stretch. But yeah agree he shouldn’t be seeing any time at the 2.

I think you are in the minority about small ball. I did not like it. Hunter had his best rebounding numbers in February and March. Most of those 15 games was with Dedmon playing. I think Hunter could one day be a beast at SF playing with Capela and Collins. That is my hope anyway.

Hunters rebounding in February and March:

Feb. 10 games 6.8TRB
Mar. 5 games 7.6TRB

Dedmon was traded to the Hawks Feb. 6th

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/huntede01/splits/2020

Hawks small ball lineup according to bball reference:
Trae, Huerter, Reddish, Hunter, Collins
(204 mins played together)
+5.3 Net rating

Small ball lineup of those 5 according to CTG:
Offensively:
121.3 Pts/Poss & eFg% of 58.4%

Defensively:
110.5 Pts/Poss & eFg% of 52.5%

Overall: +10.7 Net Rating (442 possessions on the court)

Most used lineup of last year & they actually played extremely well on both ends believe it or not.

[Buzzard]

Ha well I may be in the minority here but I really like Hunter at the 4 offensively. (Defensively fine at either) I think Hawks offense was smoother when they went small & Hunter rebounded better down the stretch. But yeah agree he shouldn’t be seeing any time at the 2.

I think you are in the minority about small ball. I did not like it. Hunter had his best rebounding numbers in February and March. Most of those 15 games was with Dedmon playing. I think Hunter could one day be a beast at SF playing with Capela and Collins. That is my hope anyway.

Hunters rebounding in February and March:

Feb. 10 games 6.8TRB
Mar. 5 games 7.6TRB

Dedmon was traded to the Hawks Feb. 6th

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/huntede01/splits/2020

Hawks small ball lineup according to bball reference:
Trae, Huerter, Reddish, Hunter, Collins
(204 mins played together)
+5.3 Net rating

Small ball lineup of those 5 according to CTG:
Offensively:
121.3 Pts/Poss & eFg% of 58.4%

Defensively:
110.5 Pts/Poss & eFg% of 52.5%

Overall: +10.7 Net Rating (442 possessions on the court)

Most used lineup of last year & they actually played extremely well on both ends believe it or not.

The thing to note here is that Hawks most used lineup you are showing ranks 33rd in minutes played among all teams. That is 33rd among 30 teams. That is not last place, they managed somehow to go beyond 30th to 33rd. It is a very small sample size when compared to the rest of the league. 23 Games, 205 Minutes. If you sort on games played, its worse and they rank 49th. You have to go to the 4th page to find another most used lineup per minutes for the Hawks.

This is due in some part to injuries, trades, and Collins suspension. But a lot of it is the way LP coached this team. I would not call him a rock of stability with his rotations. Closer to the opposite and I would give him the nickname Mr. Inconsistency. At the end of the day, I was talking about Hunter. The most used lineup for the season does not change the fact that most used recent lineup at the end of the season was:

Dedmon, Collins, Hunter, Huerter, and Trae. It was for 10 games of the so far final 15 game in which Hunter picked up his rebounding numbers by a large margin.

Example: his best rebounding month before Dedmon came to the team was November at 4.1. In February with Dedmon, he hit 6.8 and in March 7.6.

https://stats.nba.com/lineups/advanced/

https://www.lineups.com/nba/lineups/atlanta-hawks

[kg01]

I must admit I'm a bit surprised that we're already almost on page 3 and this is the only suggestion that involves Atlanta trading for a player. (One other person suggested moving up to #1, and those are the only trades in this thread.)

...

To me this is much more interesting than just hoping more picks pan out. But to each their own, that's why these threads are fun to read

Shouldn't you be proud of us for being mature enough to avoid a bunch-a 2k-level fantasy trade proposals? :)

Seriously though, I doubt Beal is available. And although I love how Jrue would fit, I can't see trading our pick for him knowing he can walk right away.

Staying the course, however boring it is, may be the best course of action.

I say that as one who desperately wants to trade out of this draft.

I mean I'm glad no one is suggesting trading Dedmon and Hunter for Giannis

There's nothing wrong with choosing to stay the course! I just thought the Capela/Dedmon trades indicated perhaps coming to the end of that, so I was surprised that despite the team having picks and capspace intact, only one poster thought to use them to add anyone in trade.

Not bad or disappointing, just surprising

I think they are indeed looking to be competitive next season, which is why I think it's probable that they use the '20 pick to trade for actual help. Problem is, who's actually available and attainable that's worth it?

But first, tell me more about this Deadman/Hunter-for-Giannis deal you're proposing.

[giberish]

I think they are indeed looking to be competitive next season, which is why I think it's probable that they use the '20 pick to trade for actual help. Problem is, who's actually available and attainable that's worth it?

But first, tell me more about this Deadman/Hunter-for-Giannis deal you're proposing.

Trading a high lotto pick for veteran help is an extreme win-now move. Just because the Hawks (presumably) will be looking to be competitive next season doesn't mean that they are an extreme win-now team. They're probably trying for the playoffs next season but looking to peak several years down the road.

The Hawks should just stop being an extreme win-later team (as they were last summer) - trading cap space for picks and avoiding having any useful mid-career players.

[jayu70]

I think they are indeed looking to be competitive next season, which is why I think it's probable that they use the '20 pick to trade for actual help. Problem is, who's actually available and attainable that's worth it?

But first, tell me more about this Deadman/Hunter-for-Giannis deal you're proposing.

Trading a high lotto pick for veteran help is an extreme win-now move. Just because the Hawks (presumably) will be looking to be competitive next season doesn't mean that they are an extreme win-now team. They're probably trying for the playoffs next season but looking to peak several years down the road.

The Hawks should just stop being an extreme win-later team (as they were last summer) - trading cap space for picks and avoiding having any useful mid-career players.

The Hawks 1st task this offseason, outside of their top pick, is to shore up the bench in FAcy. It was really putrid this season.
We can't have another season with unplayable bench players.
The expectation is that with an improved core of the young players plus Capela and a half decent bench, we'll at least challenge for a playoff spot.
I think the Hawks will look to transition from just 'the capspace for picks mold', and actually look for trades for guys that can actually help the bench - so not a Chandler Parsons type player.

[kg01]

I think they are indeed looking to be competitive next season, which is why I think it's probable that they use the '20 pick to trade for actual help. Problem is, who's actually available and attainable that's worth it?

But first, tell me more about this Deadman/Hunter-for-Giannis deal you're proposing.

Trading a high lotto pick for veteran help is an extreme win-now move. Just because the Hawks (presumably) will be looking to be competitive next season doesn't mean that they are an extreme win-now team. They're probably trying for the playoffs next season but looking to peak several years down the road.

The Hawks should just stop being an extreme win-later team (as they were last summer) - trading cap space for picks and avoiding having any useful mid-career players.

No, you're right. Allow me to elaborate. My wanting to trade the pick is based on me having a tremendously low outlook on the prospects in this draft. I wish they could just start the draft at like pick 15. Like Edwards should be a mid-1st rounder, not a possible #1 pick.

Realistically, I hope we move down and pick up a guy like Haliburton or Hayes who I think will be useful players.

[Buzzard]

I think they are indeed looking to be competitive next season, which is why I think it's probable that they use the '20 pick to trade for actual help. Problem is, who's actually available and attainable that's worth it?

But first, tell me more about this Deadman/Hunter-for-Giannis deal you're proposing.

Trading a high lotto pick for veteran help is an extreme win-now move. Just because the Hawks (presumably) will be looking to be competitive next season doesn't mean that they are an extreme win-now team. They're probably trying for the playoffs next season but looking to peak several years down the road.

The Hawks should just stop being an extreme win-later team (as they were last summer) - trading cap space for picks and avoiding having any useful mid-career players.

No, you're right. Allow me to elaborate. My wanting to trade the pick is based on me having a tremendously low outlook on the prospects in this draft. I wish they could just start the draft at like pick 15. Like Edwards should be a mid-1st rounder, not a possible #1 pick.

Realistically, I hope we move down and pick up a guy like Haliburton or Hayes who I think will be useful players.

I am on the trading down bandwagon for sure. I like Haliburton a lot and will add in two more sophomores with Oturu and Bey. I think all three would possibly be able to contribute at some point in their first season.

[ejftw]

Just going to bump this since I wrote my Hawks take today here: https://wp.me/p2j4BF-di

Basically had them keep building organically, nothing major. Moved down from 4 to 6 and picked up two additional selections, draft Hayes, Tyler Bey and Jay Scrubb. Add Lamine Diane as an undrafted free agent (he's going to be a steal), keep Skal and add Dunn/Harkless.

Nothing special, though, I would be tempted if I were them, to deal 6 to Cha for 8 and 32 to also add Balmero or Eboua as an overseas stash

[Texas Chuck]

The Lakers made Danny Green available in deals at the deadline. That was confusing, but if they do so again, the Hawks should look to be the 3rd team taking him. Let him start next to Trae and bring defense and shooting and tons of big game experience.

Then I push hard for a return of Paul Milsap. Yes the frontcourt rotation gets a little crowded, but Dedmon is probably best as a 4th big anyway and I want another vet who plays the right way and who makes live easier on Trae and the other kids.

Sign a veteran backup PG. Dragic if you can afford him. Augustin if you can't.

[jayu70]

Just going to bump this since I wrote my Hawks take today here: https://wp.me/p2j4BF-di

Basically had them keep building organically, nothing major. Moved down from 4 to 6 and picked up two additional selections, draft Hayes, Tyler Bey and Jay Scrubb. Add Lamine Diane as an undrafted free agent (he's going to be a steal), keep Skal and add Dunn/Harkless.

Nothing special, though, I would be tempted if I were them, to deal 6 to Cha for 8 and 32 to also add Balmero or Eboua as an overseas stash

Hawks aren't adding 3 let alone 4 rookies to their already young core. This offseason is about filling the bench with real contributing NBA players with most of their available capspace.

[HartfordWhalers]

I have Atlanta as in need of taking it slow, and unlikely to fully do so.

I have Trae/Collins/Capela with Huerter off the bench as 4 of my top 7-8 in pen. Can anyone else get in there? Sure. Hopefully Reddish or Hunter, but I don't have them in there yet. So boringly let those two work there way into concrete plans, add more rookies (even 3!), and placeholder with a plan to use cap space next summer.

Fully boring.

So, lets go unboring.

Some combo of Reddish/Hunter/20 1st, 21st/+? for Oladipo with a massive extension.

Oladipo does it for the money (and playing with Trae).
Indy does it for all the assets, and because Atlanta is offering such a large extension they blanch at keeping Oladipo into free agency.
Atlanta does it so they can play

Trae/Oladipo/_? / Collins/Capela and try to be a serious East contender versus a playoff hopefully. It is the all in scenario, for your reading pleasure.

[pipfan]

I think they have to stay the course. Add a FA back up PG, draft the BPA and grow
Young/Dunn
Hueter/Reddish
Hunter/Reddish
Collins/Hunter
Capella/Dedmon

Add to that a top 5 pick and let it roll-with max cap space + in 2021

[Ell Curry]

Maybe a big 2 year deal with a team option for a 3rd year for Jerami Grant? Low risk and you get a young defense first guy.

In the draft, Haliburton seems like a great fit to me. He can backup Trae for 15 minutes a night and play alongside him guarding 2s for another 15-20. And I guess this is blasphemy, but in certain playoff matchups if Trae is getting absolutely abused on defense you could even have him eat into his minutes at the 2 or have Young sit first among the starters and get as many minutes as possible against bench guys like Lou Williams does with an extra 5-8 minutes of starting time to keep him from being embarrassed or whatever. Hayes or Ball might make sense for similar reasons, but I haven't seen them apart from clips.

Capela-Dedmon
Collins-Grant
Reddish-Hunter
Huerter-Hunter
Young-Haliburton

Lot of versatility with Collins able to slide over to the 5, Hunter the 4 and other combinations.

[Buzzard]

Maybe a big 2 year deal with a team option for a 3rd year for Jerami Grant? Low risk and you get a young defense first guy.

In the draft, Haliburton seems like a great fit to me. He can backup Trae for 15 minutes a night and play alongside him guarding 2s for another 15-20. And I guess this is blasphemy, but in certain playoff matchups if Trae is getting absolutely abused on defense you could even have him eat into his minutes at the 2 or have Young sit first among the starters and get as many minutes as possible against bench guys like Lou Williams does with an extra 5-8 minutes of starting time to keep him from being embarrassed or whatever. Hayes or Ball might make sense for similar reasons, but I haven't seen them apart from clips.

Capela-Dedmon
Collins-Grant
Reddish-Hunter
Huerter-Hunter
Young-Haliburton

Lot of versatility with Collins able to slide over to the 5, Hunter the 4 and other combinations.

I like the way you are thinking but Reddish is a better SG option than Hunter.

Atlanta's biggest odds point to #6. Besides Haliburton, they could also have a shot at Okoro, Avdija, Hayes, Toppin. Some have even pegged Okongwu to drop as far as 6th, 8th, and 9th, though I think 8 and 9 have like a zero chance.

I think Okoro is the sleeper in this mix for Schlenk. He has a solid HS resume which Schlenk loves. See Reddish, Huerter, Hunter, and Trae who were all highly touted as top high school players in their state. He did not miss much of beat in college starting as a freshmen and being named 1st team all defense in the SEC. The one thing he has going against him is his shooting.

I think Okoro is the best wing defender in this draft. If the Hawks can sign a shooter or two in free agency, he is also one of the best fits for the Hawks.

Capela-Dedmon
Collins-Free Agent ( Bertans or Grant )
Hunter-Okoro
Reddish-Huerter
Young-Free Agent ( Teague, Dunn, Dragic )

[dlb731]

The one thing to also keep in mind is that, even if Atlanta continues to build toward the future, they will still have to get to the salary floor, which means having a salary around 100m. That means they have to take on about 40 m in salary. That is my main concern, getting to that floor without taking on long term contracts that would hamper their abilities in the future.

[Couch Potato]

Trae Young crying about losing doesn't help the efforts of the Hawks front office in wanting to tank. Now they have to turn it around and trade for win now pieces or trade Young. He wants to rush things. Also I was shocked they traded for Dedmon. Yeesh.

[jayu70]

The one thing to also keep in mind is that, even if Atlanta continues to build toward the future, they will still have to get to the salary floor, which means having a salary around 100m. That means they have to take on about 40 m in salary. That is my main concern, getting to that floor without taking on long term contracts that would hamper their abilities in the future.

They can overpay for a 1 year FA vs taking on long term contracts, that would be the route to go.
The penalty for not reaching the salary floor is that the difference is divided amongst the players on yhe team - that's also an option as well.

[jayu70]

Trae Young crying about losing doesn't help the efforts of the Hawks front office in wanting to tank. Now they have to turn it around and trade for win now pieces or trade Young. He wants to rush things. Also I was shocked they traded for Dedmon. Yeesh.

The plan this season wasn't supposed to be an out right tank like the previous season. Collins' suspension 5 games in really mucked things up. Huerter starting the season on minutes restrictions and Crabbe injured forced Reddish into a starting role he wasn't quite ready for. So the ability to run even nba caliber lineups with Jabari Parker along with 2 rookies starting was going to be tough.
Schlenk biggest mistep was not having a playable backup PG and no Center rotation.
You may 'yeesh' on Dedmon but when you have to endure a rotation of Alex Len and Damian Jones, Dedmon was a welcomed return.