Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: A blueprint moving forward for the 6 worst teams in the league

By Evan Dyal

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on from the bench while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on from the bench while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 10: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts to a second half basket while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 10: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts to a second half basket while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta sits at 2-12, with a one of the worst net ratings in the NBA. They are struggling on both ends as they are 25th on offense, and 26th in defense. Atlanta may play hard and be well coached, but they simply don’t have the talent to compete on a nightly basis.

On the bright side, the Hawks do have three first-round picks in the 2018 NBA Draft. The hope is that Atlanta can transform them into building blocks to stick next to Dennis Schroder and John Collins.

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Schroder, 24, is averaging 22 points and six assists per game; Collins, the team’s 2017 first-round pick, is averaging 10 points and seven boards off the bench. Both appear to be in the team’s long-term plans.

Taurean Prince is another young player that has shown some promise, and is averaging 14 points per contest on 40-plus percent from 3 this season.

The veterans don’t exactly mesh with this team’s young core, which could open the door for some trades as the NBA Trade Deadline draws near.

Dewayne Dedmon, 28, is one potential trade candidate. Moving Dedmon could open the door for more minutes for Collins. Although, he can’t be moved until Dec. 15.

Atlanta will be bad this year, but they have the ammunition to build something unique and lasting. They have a good point guard, good coach, two other young starters and three incoming first-round draft picks. This is an excellent situation to be in. Overall, the cap situation is pretty good.

The Hawks should embrace the youth movement and prepare for the future. They should still play hard for the whole season, but they should look to move some veterans at the deadline. Look for young players or expiring contracts. They already have the picks, but it should be noted they have no second-round picks.

This may be a lost year in Atlanta, but the future is bright.

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