9. Atlanta Hawks
After going through some big organizational changes over the last few months, including the trade of John Collins, the hope is that a breath of fresh air will be able to help the Atlanta Hawks get back on the right track. After making a somewhat surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals a few years ago, it seems that all the team has been able to do is take steps back. This is a big season for the Hawks. If they don’t show any improvement and either remain in NBA purgatory or even take a step back, you can’t help but imagine what changes could be on the horizon for Atlanta.
The good news is that the Hawks have the talent to take a step forward. This is a team that should be improved heading into the new season, even if it is somewhat addition by subtraction. With a strong core in place, led by Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, I’d be surprised if Atlanta wasn’t slightly better this season.
The big question is whether they’ll be good enough to make any noise in the East. That’s where my concerns lie. Maybe a trade for Pascal Siakam can alter their ceiling? After missing out on Damian Lillard, do the Raptors consider it?