Entering Saturday, the Atlanta Hawks have the fifth worst record in the NBA at 21-42, which isn’t surprising. It isn’t surprising because the Hawks have young talent that isn’t ready to win yet.
They have their star rookie point guard Trae Young, who’s making a push to edge Dallas Mavericks star rookie, Luka Doncic, in the Rookie of the Year race. They also have John Collins and Taurean Prince, who are both showing growth. Hawks’ fans definitely have something to look forward to. Despite the very promising youth movement in Atlanta, the Hawks don’t plan on resting on their laurels.
Atlanta Hawks Looking To Think Big
According to Sam Amick of The Atlantic, the Hawks plan on pursuing superstar free agents this summer. Obviously, the odds of that happening aren’t high, but for the Hawks, it’s not entirely about acquiring a superstar. It’s simply about going all in, especially since they have nothing to lose in doing so. Currently, the Hawks will have $41 million in cap space to work with this summer. They’re position to get a superstar free agent.
Some are saying this regarding the Hawks plan to chase superstar free agents this summer. Why would superstars consider going to the Hawks? For the Hawks, it’s all about getting a seat at the table. If they’re able to secure a free agent meeting with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, or Kawhi Leonard, that would be a huge victory for the Hawks franchise.
The Hawks Look To Follow The Warriors Blueprint From 2013
It would also be their way of telling their fan base that they’re going to do their best to build a winner in Atlanta. To touch on getting a seat at the table, some have forgotten that a similar thing happened for the Golden State Warriors in 2013. When Dwight Howard, who was still one of the NBA’s elite players was a free agent, the Warriors were able to secure a meeting with him.
Although Howard chose to go to the Houston Rockets, it sent a message that they’re going to do whatever it takes to win. The Hawks seem to be striving to follow the blueprint the Warriors put in place.
They’re also optimistic that they’ll be able to secure meetings with superstars free agents this summer. Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk was with the Warriors in 2016 when Durant came to the Bay Area. From a relationship and familiarity standpoint, the Hawks have that going for them.
The Future Is Very Bright In Atlanta
Regardless what happens in free agency, the Hawks have the potential to become one of the NBA’s best teams 2-3 years from now. Young has been everything the Hawks envisioned, especially since December 12th.
Collins has also come into his own this season, averaging 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in 46 games played. Kevin Huerter, who was picked 19th overall in the NBA draft last June, has also come into his own. Huerter is shooting 39% from 3-point range this season. He’s also a big part of the Hawks core with Young, Collins, and Prince which is another reason why the Hawks are optimistic about the future.
To go along with the young core that’s in place, they’ll also have another lottery pick coming their way. The Hawks also have the Mavericks first round pick from the Young and Doncic draft day trade. So they’re sitting pretty and that’s a position most franchises don’t have going for them.
