NBA Turkeys: What Each Team Is Thankful For

Nov 21, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots a free throw against the Detroit Pistons in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pistons 99-89. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

In the spirit of giving thanks, we compiled a list of what each NBA franchise should be thankful for this holiday season

Editor’s Note: Whether or not teams are doing well at this very moment does not change the fact that there is always some silver lining or positive outcome that each they should be thankful for. Some teams have an embarrassment of riches and have a slew of things to be thankful for, and others have one singular thing they can look forward to this holiday season.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks Are Thankful For: Paul Millsap’s Contract

The Hawks have been middling in the eastern conference for nearly a decade now, so there’s a lot they should be thankful for.

But if I had to choose one specific factor, I’d probably choose Paul Millsap‘s contract. Millsap was acquired through free agency at a steep discount (2 years/$19 million), which has allowed the Hawks to give other integral pieces of their team– Al Horford, Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, Thabo Sefolosha–larger contracts while also creating financial flexibility moving forward, if Millsap chooses to pursue greener pastures.