Atlanta Hawks Roster 2019 Hawks Roster

The Atlanta Hawks are in the second year of a complete franchise reboot. Coach Mike Budenholzer did not want to stick around for the rebuilding, so he decamped and is now in Milwaukee. The Hawks have taken a chance on rookie head coach Lloyd Pierce. As a product of the Philadelphia 76ers, Pierce is familiar with long rebuilds. In that regard, he is the perfect coach for this Hawks team. Pierce is coaching in a situation where little to nothing is expected of him so there is not much pressure in his first season. That is a good thing because the Hawks dumped the last vestiges of their previous dominant era and brought in even more projects in the offseason. The young and inexperienced Hawks do not figure to contend for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The best case for the Hawks has them just outside of playoff contention, but this team is likely two years away.

Atlanta Hawks Roster Top 3 Questions

Atlanta is looking to rebuild, and it started in the draft adding Trae Young. This is in addition to John Collins, who they drafted last season. The Hawks have more role players than starting caliber players right now, and because they are not a popular free agent destination, they will have to develop their youth. Dennis Schroder is going to be an interesting name to see if they he gets moved. Young is going to be thrown into the fire, but the Hawks also do not have a lot of depth. Taurean Prince showed some promise, but it is hard to see if he is going to be a ceiling SF moving forward. Kent Bazemore and Dewayne Dedmon are more role players, but will continue to start on the Hawks. Atlanta will likely move some of their deadweight guards for front court talent, or at the last bulk up in free agency.

Will Trae Young's Game Translate to the NBA?

Young was a human highlight reel at Oklahoma. There is a sense that he is either going to be the next great Atlanta Hawk or a colossal bust. There were a number of groans when the Hawks traded Luka Doncic to get Young in the draft. Young has drawn Stephen Curry comparisons, although that may be a touch optimistic. He has looked comfortable in the preseason, although his shooting accuracy leaves something to be desired. If Young can improve his shot selection, he can be a multi-dimensional force in the league. It is important to remember that Young just turned 20 and will take his lumps in the league for some time.

When Will John Collins Become a Star?

Collins was one of those under-the-radar draft picks who everyone knew would amount to something. He did not disappoint in his rookie season. Collins averaged 10.5 points and seven rebounds per game. Collins is a proficient player with his back to the basket. He shot 57 percent from the floor as a rookie. Collins is a bit out of place in the league where four's are now stretch players. Collins started to develop an outside shot after the all-star break. In order to continue his progression as a player, he will need to continue to learn to play facing the basket and on the perimeter.

Who Will Man the Middle?

Dewayne Dedmon was a pleasant surprise last season. For the first time in his career, he showed some offensive prowess. However, with Dedmon, you know exactly what you are getting, and his upside is capped. In addition, he starts the season hurt, having picked up an ankle injury in the preseason. Alex Len ran out of chances in Phoenix and caught on with Atlanta in the offseason. Len has always been heralded for his upside. Atlanta would do well to give Len every opportunity to realize his potential. Len is still young, and with playing time, he could come close to averaging a double-double per game.