As the 2020 calendar year quickly approaches, we explore New Year’s resolutions for all 30 teams in the NBA
In a few short days, the 2019 NBA calendar year will officially be in the history books and we’ll be on to 2020. The Toronto Raptors will still be the defending NBA Champions, but there are certainly many other storylines that are set to dominate the first few months of the year.
With the new year upon us, we go team-by-team to identify a New Year’s resolution heading into 2020.
Atlanta Hawks: Reassert themselves as a young team with a bright future
Entering the 2019-20 NBA season, the Atlanta Hawks were a team that many expected to take a jump this season. While no one really expected the Hawks to be a real player at the top of the Eastern Conference, there was a top contingent that did expect this team to, at the very least, be a factor towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Trae Young has picked up where he left off after a sensational rookie season, but the Hawks have struggled mightily to win games. In fact, they currently have the worst record in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks must reassert themselves as a young team with a bright future. Right now, that seems a bit bleak.
The return of John Collins will certainly help (as he returns from suspension), but there’s no question that the Hawks have left much to be desired this season.
Boston Celtics: Remain healthy for the rest of the year
For the Boston Celtics, it’s simple. Their New Year’s resolution should be to remain healthy. As is, the Celtics have marched to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference with Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart missing multiple games this season.
If the Celtics can remain healthy for the remainder of the year, there’s no question that this team will be a factor – or, at the very least, a tough out – in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Brad Stevens has done a wonderful job this season and should find his way into the NBA Coach of the Year award race. If the Celtics are healthy, there’s a good chance this team could make a deep playoff run.