Atlanta Hawks: Can they get back on track this offseason?

The Atlanta Hawks need to get back on track this offseason

Growing Pains. Every young team in the NBA goes through them. Whether you’re a young team fighting for a playoff spot (like the Memphis Grizzlies) or a team finding themselves at the bottom of the standings (like the Atlanta Hawks), it’s very difficult to navigate the highs and lows of an NBA season.

The Hawks experienced plenty of lows, perhaps too many, this past season. They finished the year with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference (20-47) with only Cleveland being worse by one game. The Hawks also ranked at the bottom of the league in multiple categories such as offensive rating, defensive rating, and rebounding.

While the Hawks as a team weren’t successful, they had some bright spots along the way.

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Third-year point guard Trae Young made his very first All-Star appearance as a starter. John Collins continued to look impressive despite missing 25 games due to a PED suspension. Collins averaged 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while having a PER of 23.5. Both first-round pick De’Andre Hunter and second-year guard Kevin Huerter looked very solid as well.

Heading into the offseason, the Hawks have the flexibility to upgrade their roster significantly. The Hawks ended up with the sixth pick in the NBA draft and with no clear cut top prospect, the option to add another top lottery level talent to their young roster is there.

I could see them going after either James Wiseman or Onyeka Okongwu, developmental centers that could one day replace Clint Capela and fit a system built around Trae Young. Atlanta could also move the pick in hopes of obtaining a player or two that could help them compete now. Perhaps there’s a one-year rental veteran that would fit the mold.

The Hawks will also have cap space this summer to bring in a free agent or two. Atlanta will have around $49 million in projected cap room this summer. They could use this cap space to bring in some veterans to help this young team out. Jerami Grant or Jae Crowder could be solid wing options for them. Bogdan Bogdanovic or Tim Hardaway Jr. could be a player they could go after to plug in at the shooting guard spot and give Trae Young a veteran backcourt partner.

Atlanta even has a chance at reuniting with Paul Milsap if they choose to do so. I believe they do need to bring a veteran or two in to help out the younger guys.

The Atlanta Hawks need a really great offseason to put this very young team on a winning track. They have the flexibility and the ability to get the right moves done. This team does have a lot that needs to be improved. If everything can go right for Trae Young and the rest of their young roster, look out for them trying to fight for a playoff spot come to the end of next season. The most important thing is getting this team on the right winning track.